Virginia Hall was an American debutante and a most unlikely candidate to be a spy during WWII in occupied France. Reading her story was both totally engrossing and difficult to read, as we learn of her underground network and her work with the marquis, the French Resistance fighters. She worked for the British SOE as a wireless operator during the second half of the war. She was told by her “handler” to expect only to survive six weeks in the field, and the fact that she lasted to the end of the war is truly remarkable. You won’t be sorry to pick this one up.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for a review.
When you think there are no more stories to tell on the subject of WWII, a novel such as this explodes forth. Erika Robuck introduces us to Virginia Hall, an American debutante turned spy for the Allies. The book exposes her methods, her networks, and her struggles in brilliant succession, so the reader can immerse themselves in the challenges and fears of war torn France.
If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a fine example of how it should be written. Characters and situations are combined, as the author admits in her notes, but the book is clearly well researched with thoughtful consideration to flow and execution of characters and place.
5*

American Virginia Hall was an Allied spy during WWII. This book fictionalized her second mission to France where she was only expected to survive six weeks. Her strengths and weaknesses are on display fairly equally, however, there is no doubt that this woman was a true hero. This mighty woman is and was an inspiration. Erika Robuch did her research thoroughly which is evident in her details. In the back matter she explains the changes she made for storytelling purposes. And this is an excellent story! Readers should be prepared to stay up late and experience for heart pounding suspense as well as heart rending emotion. This will be a hit with fans of WWII historical fiction with a true heroine at its heart.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to share this title!

Prior to D-Day, Virginia Hall is dropped into occupied France with these admonitions: "Don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. Change safe houses frequently. Don't get attached."

Virginia easily adapts to the many situations that confront her. How would you dress if you wanted to be invisible? Who notices a dowdy, hunched, plump, shuffling old woman? How about a slinky bright red form fitting dress? If someone asked you about this woman, you probably couldn't say anything about her face? Her hair? Her height? Only the dress.

Based on the true story of Virginia Hall, who, in addition to being a top-notch Allied spy, has a prosthesis replacing the bottom half of her leg. Working undercover in France, she refuses to let this hamper her. She works through the pain, the hunger, the sleeplessness, considers all options, and her choices work beautifully.

You'll love watching her weave herself in and out of situations in the most intriguing way, always staying one step -- or two -- ahead of the Nazis.

I read this EARC courtesy of Berkley Publications and Net Galley. Pub date 02/09/21

Erika Robuck's The Invisible Woman is extraordinary. The book focuses on real-life SOE spy Virginia Hall, an American who was stationed in France during the darkest days of World War II. Robuck's talent for research is clear--every scenario feels authentic, every location is effortlessly described, and every character (and there are many) is depicted carefully in great detail. While Robuck is clear that her book is not a biography, it is a moving and effective tribute to one of the few women operatives who survived the war. I think that even the notoriously hard-edged Hall would be pleased with how she is depicted. This book will be tremendously popular--and rightly so.