This book is so good, it's really intrigued me. My favorite book. Highly recommended for fan of historical fiction.

I was not a fan. There was very little in the way of a climax and the conclusion with the reunion was lackluster given the build up to it. Also, there was far too much downplaying of Nazi brutality. Overall, it felt Nazi apologetic.

What amazing storytelling! I've read a lot of WWII books, and this one was told so beautifully. It was a pretty unique plot, too!

I highly enjoyed this book!!!!!! I have always loved this authors style of writing and she did not disappoint with this book. The bravery of these characters in this book astounded and amazed me. Thank you to Netgalley for my honest review

I am a huge fan of books that take place during WWII and the Holocaust. Leila Meacham's story is one that will have you traveling to Paris during the Nazi invasion. The five main characters are so real that you feel as if you know them personally. The author's tale of courage, dedication, love, loss, fear, and selflessness will touch the reader deeply.

While the events occur during the time of atrocities committed by Hitler's regime, you are not inundated by the graphic details as in many WWII books. You get a taste of the horrors but you really have more of a sense of fear and trepidation that the five young people experienced during their time serving as spies while living and working side-by-side with the enemy.

There are no words that do justice in describing the bravery of these individuals, as well as countless others, who were willing to sacrifice themselves to stop the evil that was spreading throughout Europe. And I truly believe there were Nazi officers and staff members who did what they could internally, at great risk to themselves, to stop Hitler's reign. They may have initially been taken in by his mesmerizing speeches and his ability to promote achievements that he claimed as his own. But they eventually realized the charismatic leader was pure evil. Their willingness to thwart the Führer's efforts were self-sacrificing.

I appreciated the information the author provided at the beginning of the book (details about characters, etc.). And she provided a few details at the beginning of each chapter so that you knew which character was highlighted. With so many points of view, this was extremely helpful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I was drawn in the from the beginning and had trouble putting the book down. I didn't want to stop reading!

A well plotted, fun addition to world war 2 adventure fiction. The characters are great and enjoyed how the author inte=weaved actual history with fiction. Whenever people are looking for readalikes for more well known books in the ouvre I'm always giving them this book. I have made it an NYPL staff pick.

Audio Book Review: I’ll cut to the chase: Dragonfly is extraordinary. Robust characters with fascinating backstories are placed in richly detailed settings where quickly, the reader is transported, immersed, and living on the edge, right along with the characters. Leila Meacham has blown my mind with Dragonfly.

For those who read with their eyes, the book opens with a handy “Cast of Characters” section broken down into “The Americans,” “The Germans,” and “The French,” where characters’ nationalities (but not necessarily allegiances), various names, code names, and roles are listed. (Additionally, there is also an “Explanation of German Military Organizations” list that serves as a great historical refresher.) For those reading with their ears, Dragonfly is performed by full cast narration that is pretty spectacular – more on that later. Since the story has so many main characters, and each of them has three different names, listening to one actor perform each part helped keep them straight. Regardless of the reading method used, readers get plenty of help from the author. Meacham does an amazing job of first sketching, then filling-in the characters until each is fully fleshed-out, relatable, real.

“Secrecy would be their greatest protection against betrayal.”

The main characters’ stories unfold both separately and at times overlapping and weaving together. Each recruit is handpicked for his/her unique skills to serve the OSS, but also each has a personal reason to go to France. If one were to plot a chart, the visual would be a somewhat parallel series of lines that roll and spike up and down as our young spies navigate the dangerous world of Nazi-occupied Paris. The novel is long (eighteen hours on audio, just under 600 pages in print), but Meacham’s writing is brilliant, and she scatters scenes throughout that not only entertain but inform and summarize to help readers keep on track in a complex, multi-tiered plot.

“Sometimes the greater good requires casualties.”

The historical element of Dragonfly is outstanding. Meacham brings facts into the story, reminding (or informing) readers of the realities and complexities of war. In particular, the descriptions of Paris as it experienced Nazi occupation were poignant as Meacham contrasted the formerly vibrant, bright, flower-filled city with its dark, dreary, grim condition during the German occupation. It’s as if the life force of the city is slowly ebbing. Yet even here, where everyone is suspicious and suspect, there are flashes of hope, and splashes of the best in human nature in the midst of the worst.

ABOUT THE AUDIO: As mentioned, this full cast narration is excellent. Pacing was perfect – I never changed the speed of the audio, which is rare, and the volume was even, the sound crisp, and the production free of any technical glitches. The narrators handle not only the numerous American accents (A+ for Southern), but German and French, and French and Germans speaking English. My only complaint is that many of the French pronunciations were botched when the character speaking would have known better than to pronounce a word ending -s or -t, for example.

As Dragonfly winds its way down to the conclusion, the reader has information that the characters do not, with the result being a satisfying, emotional ending. As I listened to the final scenes, I was driving into the Texas Hill Country sunset, grinning from ear to ear, with tears were streaming down my face. Perfection.


Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours, Grand Central Publishing, and most of all, Leila Meacham for sharing this spectacular story with me in audio and GORGEOUS print, with no strings attached. My review is my honest opinion – the only kind I give

Five men and women are contacted by the OSS during WWII to serve for their country. The five couldn’t be more different from each other. The book is long but worth the time.

After reading this suspense historical WWII storyline I fell in love with this author.
Splendid writing and plot. A lot of characters that will confuse you and delight you.
This book because of its content took longer to read but it was totally awesome experience!

I don't think it is possible that Leila Meacham will ever write a book that I don't completely love and want to have permanent residence on my shelf. DRAGONFLY is another eloquent tale with rich historical notes as well as a bit of espionage. I. Loved. It.

This book has so many characters that you get to hear the point of view of, that if you had listed them out for me prior to me reading this book, I would have said that is way too many. BUT the stories of each character are so artful woven together to tell the overarching plot of this book that to be missing a character’s perspective would be a crying shame.

The way each character is multifaceted is quite incredibly taking into account how many of them there are, but as their stories intersect and overlap you get to see not only how they perceive themselves, but how others perceive them as well.

I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys WWII historical fiction. The story was interesting and full of suspense; the characters were endearing (even those who you wouldn't imagine growing fond of). I can't wait to read more from Mrs. Meacham!

Thank you, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley!

So many historical fiction titles on WWII have been published. I think that this has to do with many important anniversaries and commemorations and perhaps also because it was a war in which the right thing seemed clear. As a result, it seems that some look back on the war almost nostalgically even while noting and recalling its enormous tragedies.

So, I wondered if I wanted/needed to read another title set in this time period. I will emphatically say yes (!) as I very much enjoyed Dragonfly. In my opinion, this is by far the author's bests book.

Dragonfly tells the story of five people who are recruited as spies in occupied France. The backstory of each character is fully explored and I cared about each of them. These characters are an athlete from Texas with German roots, a young man whose biological father turns out to be an important fighter in the French resistance, a fly fisherman, a fashion designer and a fencer. Three are men and two are women.

Each is embedded in Paris and interacts with the main German characters in the story, some of whom are described sympathetically. Code named Dragonfly, the team gets to work. There is much suspense as they do so and this aspect of the story is handled beautifully by the author as the plots and characters intersect. At times, I truly worried for these characters especially as the beginning of the book states that one of them may well have died while on their mission. The suspense is indeed suspenseful.

I highly recommend this title for those who would like to sink into a long (577 pages) and absorbing story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

A beautifully told historical novel that is fast-pace page turner. This book has it all. One of the best books of the year.

This was a fine addition to the WWII historical fiction genre, but I don't feel as though it had anything that really made it stand out as being an amazing title. I would've liked to see about 100pgs cut out, as there were times that felt like the plot threads could have come together a little quicker and a little cleaner. The characters themselves were interesting, as was the idea of creating a group of spies out of everyday American citizens. I think the book could have been stronger if their relationships were explored a little bit more, but I also see why the author chose to write the book the way she did.

Overall this is one that I would recommend, but maybe not to those that have reads tons of WWII Historical Fiction.

Dragonfly by Leila Meacham is yet another historical fiction masterpiece written by one of my very favorite historical fiction authors. This one is set in Paris during WWII and involves five US spies who are responsible for passing intel to America that could be critical for all involved in this war, soldiers and citizens alike. I fell in love with how well written Meacham's characters are and the setting was so well included in the story. Truly a book to read and enjoy!

DRAGONFLY by Leila Meacham is an exquisite work of historical fiction. The setting is Nazi occupied Paris. The story is touching and tender. An absolute must read.

Dragonfly by Leila Meacham is my first reading of this author's work. I am a huge historical fiction reader and this novel is probably one of the most intricately plotted stories I have read in a long time. The intrigue, the danger, the interwoven storylines, the depth of each character, the settings all of this make this one of the best books I have read all year. There are 101 Chapters totaling 559 pages but don’t let that scare you away! This actually was an easy read due to the clever writing of the author. The pages just flew by. I found the story very well crafted. The author was very adept at her craft to be able to intersect the missions of the various characters. Pure genius. Dragonfly focuses less on the harsh state of occupied France and more on the inner workings of organizations, including good masked as evil, doing what they can to dismantle Hitler and his followers. The writing, the storytelling, the characters, and the plot are all deeply exquisite and will remain with you for a long time, it has me. I will certainly be looking forward to reading more by this author. Well done.
I would like to thank the publisher, author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to Grand Central Publishing, LSBBT, and the author for providing me with a final copy in exchange for an honest review.

From the moment I saw that stunning cover art, I knew I was a goner. I felt the lure of the Parisian setting, the ominous skyline, and that woman I somehow knew had an enthralling yet clandestine story to share. And before I was even aware, I fell directly into DRAGONFLY‘s trap; unable to escape its grasp until I turned the final page.

“THEY’RE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SNARE AND HAVE NO BLIND SPOTS…NATURAL ESCAPE ARTISTS.”

Opening in 1962, DRAGONFLY quickly introduces readers to “the man in brown,” a retired military officer who’s recently finished reading an anthology devoted to the greatest ruses of WWII that concluded with a rather familiar mission. But the mention of this covert affair is not watch captures the Major’s attention, but rather its reveal that the executed agent was actually (and secretly) alive and well. Doubting the validity of this statement, but unable to completely douse the hope it ignites, the officer begins to ferret out information and starts the story from the beginning.

Told in multiple — and alternating — POVs, this historical fiction novel adopts a formulaic, yet engaging, method of delivery for its important information. From introductions to our cast of Americans (five, 22-year-old individuals who for differing reasons all find themselves in need of employment) to their personal motives for deployment to occupied Paris, Meacham weaves their varied plots into one cohesive story. This quintet-style of layering continues throughout the novel allowing for readers to experience the emotional journey fivefold.

“THE FLESH WOULD FILL OUT, THE SCARS FADE, THE HEART BE RESTORED, BUT THE MIND WOULD REMEMBER…ALWAYS.”

What captured my interest and left me reeling was Meacham’s ability to trigger countless emotions through her lyrical descriptions1 of an occupied society at war. Her vivid descriptions transported me to the tense-filled streets of Paris and made me feel every ounce of the paranoia and self-preservation citizens possessed during such a turbulent time in our world history. She made me feel shame for the prejudice German characters faced Stateside, fear for the person that might be turned over to the Gestapo by a starved neighbor hoping to trade secrets for scraps of food, and absolute terror at the atrocities conducted against Jews and any individual that dared to disagree with the Third Reich.

“TO GO FORWARD…SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO GO BACK.”

I think this fictitious tale of espionage was particularly powerful because of its parallels to our current social and political climate. It was jarring to read about events that took place more than 75 years ago that still felt relevant in today’s modern times. And while that could feel bleak, I personally found it to be eye-opening and capable of sparking necessary discourse and understanding.

While speaking with a trusted mentor about this very subject, I realized it wasn’t the relatable issues that got under my skin as much as Meacham’s ability to display the humanity in the inhumane. It takes an incredible skill to make you feel for “evil” characters, and this book does that better than most. Meacham eloquently crafts characters that were real, raw, and flawed and it’s why they’ll live on in my memory long after this novel has been placed back on the shelves. It’s hard to describe, and something I think needs to be experienced personally, so I hope you consider giving DRAGONFLY a chance.

Obviously this novel is steeped in dark and hard-hitting issues, but please don’t interpret that to mean this wasn’t an inspiring and touching story. I was smiling (albeit with some tears) by the end, and I’m thankful I was able to experience such a memorable journey with this heroic squad.

I was absolutely stoked when I saw this book on Netgalley a few months ago. I don’t remember reading any books about a special operative team in Europe during WWII which adds to all the perspectives of this time period I’ve read!

By the end of this book, I could not put it down. I found tears spilling down my face, holding my breath to keep from ugly-crying. It’s incredibly emotional, especially after you’ve invested the time reading about the prep these individuals went through, the hardships and close calls they face, and finally, the conclusion you were hoping wouldn’t happen… or so you think.

My biggest hang-ups with the book were that there were so many people to keep track of (I was mixing them up until I was almost 60% of the way through the book) and it took me a long time to actually get into the book (I almost put it down several times, but ended up being completely immersed around 70%).

Overall, I’m giving this 3.5 out of 5 stars (rounded to four since halves aren't an option!). It’s tough to get me emotional and the book achieved that, however, I almost DNF’ed a couple times. I’m glad I committed and stuck it out because the payoff was there.