Four women, all intelligent, spoke multi languages, were driven to do something during war time and having that streak of bravado stepped into places that men were supposed to be. This is a different war story. Selected to be part of the OSS, Office of Strategic Services many women (and men) created "black propaganda" including pamphlets, mail, radio messages, even cartoons to influence the enemy into believing untruths about the war. Using newspaper, magazines, intelligence reports, diaries of fallen or captured soldiers to insert just enough truth and knowledge and breed discouragement and mistrust among the enemy and civilians.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the author and St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. This is my unsolicited opinion about the book.
I honestly don't do well reading nonfiction. I have good intentions when I pick up a book, but the words begin to drag, even though the history is important the read starts to feel like I will never get through it. It's an embarrassing truth for me. This book just drew me in, and I was caught up in the lives and service of these four women. They lived during a time, just 80 some years ago, that women were to be immersed in certain roles and that was that.
"Donavan's Dreamers" including, Zuzka, of Czechoslovakian birth, a writer and holder of a law degree; Betty, a young newspaper reporter; Jane, an embassy wife who had been held hostage for months with other allied citizens in Japan and Marlene Dietrich, German born actress and singer' all served the U.S. in the OSS. The book gives a brief history of each woman and information of how they served along with the general atmosphere toward women in service during the 1940's.
I've read a lot of World War II history and fiction based on the horrific reality that took place during my parent's childhood. This book, the stories of these women, taught me more history that needs to be shone in a better light. I did recognize the actress, Marlene Dietrich. I had no clue as to the fierce way she regarded the destruction and horror of her homeland. She entertained "her boys", visited the wounded and dedicated a portion of her life to serving the Allies against the Nazi Regime. It is interesting to me also as the author wrote of how each woman dealt with returning to civilian life when the war was over. These women had made sacrifices, lost time with husbands and children in some cases. More than one saw marriage come to an end for a variety of reasons.
To me, this is a book that teens, women and men should read. I give it a 5 star. It's not a perfect read but it is history that shows the strength of women and really, a turning point and acknowledgement of the accomplishments that females are capable of. (I think of the women who were hidden away at NASA, too.)

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This is the story of four women who joined the Morale Operations branch of the OSS during World War II to run a campaign of black propaganda. Basically, it is disinformation or misinformation generated to appear as though it is from the enemy’s own sources. These women had distinct skills fitting for this mission:

Betty MacDonald, the society and women’s editor at the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Betty was a passionate student of Asian culture, and she and her husband had previously lived with a Japanese family to immerse themselves in the language and customs.
Zuzka Lauwers, an attorney from a village in Czechoslovakia. Zuzka worked as a ghostwriter for the press attaché at the Czech embassy, and was fluent in five languages.
Jane Smith-Hutton, the wife of a naval attaché living in Tokyo. Jane loved Japanese art and culture, and was also fluent in its language.
Marlene Dietrich, the German-American actress and singer, who had a bounty on her head once she became a US citizen.

The author provides sections (before, during and after) with a chapter dedicated to each woman. The “before” section contained plenty of facts and information, but lacked that indefinable quality of providing a level of understanding of their motivations or deeper insight into their personalities. The “during” section was pretty dry, and I would have liked more examples of their “rumor mill” at work. I think we understand the gender inequality of the times, but the constant repetition of these women not being recognized for their achievements became tedious. I wasn’t sure if this was the position of the author or the women as Jane at one point complains about people whining about what they don’t have, saying “Our men, they are the ones who must get everything. We don’t count, we aren’t important any more.”

The author does note that three of these women looked at marriage as a means to an end, providing personal, social and professional opportunities. Unfortunately, their early marriages didn’t end well. On the other hand, Marlene Dietrich was married to her husband from 1923 to 1976, and he wasn’t mentioned until the day he died. I would have liked to have learned more of their story. Marlene was certainly feisty, insisting on bearing witness to the war by visiting soldiers in the hospital and at the front lines of the war zone.

While I never seemed to get a good grasp on what made these women tick, especially how they coped with their work that could result in deaths, the book was still enlightening.

https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/

February 11, 2025
thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: Mar. 4, 2025

An account of the MOSTLY unknown women who worked in the OSS in positions of great impact. Creativity and out of the box thinking made these women (and others I'm sure) an integral part of the male dominated M.O. This was a great read !

Lisa Rogak’s Propaganda Girls - The Secret War of the Women in the OSS offers a compelling deep-dive into the roles four women played in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and Morale Operations (MO) during World War II. While the book’s premise holds promise for history enthusiasts and feminist readers intrigued by untold wartime stories, its execution leaves several questions unanswered.
Exploring Women’s Contributions in a Male-Dominated World

One of the central themes of Propaganda Girls revolves around the struggles and achievements of women in a predominantly male-driven war effort. Rogak paints a clear picture of the systemic inequalities these women faced—lower wages, fewer promotions, and the constant challenge of proving their worth in the shadow of their male counterparts. The book underscores an important truth of wartime service rarely detailed in historical accounts: manipulation and deception were not only acceptable but essential tools when fighting the enemy.

However, the individual women themselves—Betty, Zuzka, Jane, and Marlene—don’t quite shine as unique personalities. Instead, they come across as a homogeneous group of discontented women, portrayed largely as “bored” individuals who longed for greater autonomy and resented being under male control. While their frustrations in a patriarchal environment are understandable, Rogak’s depiction lacks nuance, making the characters feel one-dimensional.

The book focuses on Betty, Zuzka, Jane, and Marlene, four women recruited to work for the OSS and MO, using psychological tactics to influence Nazi morale. The work these women contributed—from disinformation campaigns to propaganda production—played a part, albeit a subtle one, in the Allied victory. However, the portrayal of their roles often feels repetitive, with little to distinguish one woman’s contributions or personality from another’s.

Rogak highlights their determination and skill, but the narrative seems to lose sight of some critical human elements. Questions surrounding their personal sacrifices, such as the care of their children while they were stationed overseas, are left unresolved, leaving readers with an incomplete picture of what their contributions truly entailed—both professionally and personally.

A Feminist Lens, Yet Room for Balance

For feminist readers, Propaganda Girls attempts to provide insight into the frustrations of women forced to work against societal norms of the time. Yet, at times, the tone crosses into questionable territory, such as when the book subtly implies that the women could have single-handedly “won the war” had it not been for the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. While meant to amplify their importance, this stretch veers into hyperbole, undermining what should instead be a strong and authentic narrative of their labor, skill, and grit in an unjust system.
Disappointment in Genre and Execution

Perhaps the greatest point of contention for me was that Propaganda Girls fell flat in terms of genre expectations. I had anticipated a richly woven narrative akin to historical fiction, only to find it rooted firmly in nonfiction. While that isn’t inherently a flaw, the lack of depth in character exploration and storytelling made the book feel monotonous. The four protagonists, who should have stood proudly as individual figures with unique stories, were simply too similar—leaving the reader wanting more variety in their personalities and experiences.

Final Thoughts

Propaganda Girls is an informative read that scratches the surface of untold wartime narratives, especially for readers interested in the intersection of women’s contributions and psychological warfare during World War II. While Lisa Rogak delivers on historical details and feminist commentary, the book misses opportunities to humanize and differentiate its subjects, leaving a somewhat mechanical recount of events.

Ultimately, the book may appeal to readers keen on the factual intricacies of women’s involvement in wartime propaganda efforts. However, those hoping for dynamic storytelling with vibrant characters may find themselves underwhelmed.

If I were St. Martins Press, I might want to wait at least another year before releasing it because of all of the negative press around the USAID (modern day OSS) controversy. The book may not be well received at this time in history.

Recommended for history buffs and feminist readers curious about a less-explored aspect of World War II.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are own.

Story of four women - Marlene Dietrich, Betty MacDonald, Zuzla Lawrence and Jane Smith-Hutton who helped
produce the propaganda during WWII that helped the Allies win the war. The detail that went into planning and
producing the propaganda materials make for a fascinating read.
Marlene's contribution was her vocal opposition with Hitler and being declared an enemy of Germany. Singing
songs with lyrics changed to support the Allies and the willingness to do whatever she could to entertain and
support the Allied troops.
#PropagandaGirls #StMartinsPress #NetGalley

I love finding new WWII book with a unique subject line. This one followed some women that worked for the OSS. THE OSS was the Office of Strategic Services, I had to look up exactly what it was….an intelligence agency set up during WWII and later became the CIA. Now that we know that let’s talk about what this group of women did. We have Betty, Marlene, Zuzka and Jane, each with a different story as to not only why they joined the OSS, but also their adventures. I think Betty’s story was my favorite and I would love to hear which one of the four you liked best.

Well researched and well written. I was engaged the whole time, very interesting and informative. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Propaganda Girls is an informative and inspiring look at the women who played a role in shaping and spreading messages during pivotal moments in history. The book effectively highlights the sexism and other challenges these women faced, yet it also showcases their resilience, loyalty, and determination. Their stories are compelling, but I found myself wanting more—more depth, more personal details, and more time spent on their individual experiences rather than quickly moving from one figure to the next. While the book provides a strong introduction to these remarkable women, it sometimes feels a little thin, leaving the reader wishing for a deeper exploration of their lives beyond their public roles. Still, it’s a worthwhile read for anyone interested in history, media, and the power of women’s voices in shaping narratives.

What an interesting glimpse into how dynamic women helped to win the fight in World War II. Well done, easy read and a good book to add to your reading stack!

I'm studying this novel like a 2025 textbook and fetching my 2001 glitter pens, because how else will the intellectuals survive.

Lovingly,

A child who was formerly American propaganda with the DoD

Propaganda Girls tells the true story of four energetic, highly intelligent and brave women who helped the Allies win WWII with their contributions to the OSS (precursor to the CIA). With varied backgrounds and fluency in numerous languages these women pushed traditional gender roles and dedicated themselves to contributing as much as possible to the victory. The book follows these women in Europe, Asia and Washington DC and provides insight into some of the psychological impacts of war and how the Allies attempted to disrupt and demoralize the opposition. I greatly enjoyed each of their stories during the war, and also the overview of their lives after the war. Transitioning from meaningful, respected work and returning to daily life in a society who understandably wanted to get back to normal. A normal which didn’t always value women’s work outside the home. Women’s contributions which are often overlooked in history and Propaganda Girls provides a record of four brave women (as well as their female colleagues).
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The utterly fascinating true life story’s of four women who fought the Nazis and the Japanese with rumor and disinformation.

Wow! I have always loved reading stories about WW2 and this is no different. I loved learning about Betty, Zuzka, Jane and Marlene and their lives before Pearl Harbor, during the war and after. I learned so much from this book. I had no idea about the OSS and women involvement in the war to the extent of spreading propaganda throughout enemy areas and more. If you're studying WW2 in school or just looking to learn more about different aspects of WW2 this book is for you!

An informative, comprehensive account of four women who initiated propaganda during the second world war to lower the morale of Axis soldiers. This is a wonderful, historical nonfiction read. Thorough, concise and quite interesting. Each woman’s path to involvement in the OSS, duties during their time in the OSS, and their lives after the military are meticulously documented. Each chapter focuses on a different woman. This is one of the best nonfiction novels I have read. Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC.

Propaganda Girls is the incredible true story of four unsung heroes whose spellbinding achievements would change the course of history. I had no idea anything like fake propaganda had taken place during WWII! The four amazing women discussed in this book made significant contributions towards the end of World War II.

This book also tells about the lives these four women led before OSS, during the war, and post-war. It was frustrating to read how these unsung and heroic women worked circles around the OSS men yet weren't paid anywhere near what the men were being paid!

The roles women played in history are very often overlooked, and I'm grateful to Ms. Rogak for shining the spotlight on these four.

Thank you, #StMartinsPress, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. It has an expected publication date of March 4, 2025.

#LisaRogak #WW2 #UnsungWomen

I had just finished the non fiction "Agents of Change" when I started this book eager to read more about inspiring women. I was definitely not disappointed. Propaganda Girls tells the story of four women who used rumors, newspaper stories, radio and more to break the mentality of Axis soldiers. What I found most interesting was how different the women were and how their paths to get to where they ended up differed. A true non-fiction written in such an exciting way you would think that you are reading a novel!

Four woman, worlds apart in up-bringing and background find themselves working at the Office of Strategic Services (OSS); Morale Operations (MO) branch which during WWII, produced and disseminated 'black' propaganda to destabilize the enemy and encourage resistance movements. Most of us has heard of the beautiful Marlene Dietrich, the German ex-pat labeled a traitor by Hitler. The other three woman featured in this book were Elizabeth 'Betty' MacDonald, who found WWII coming to her in Hawaii, an native of Czech, Bozena Lauwers who first name was changed to Zuzka when she was naturalized, and Jane Smith-Hutten whom husband was a Naval attache at the Embassy in Japan.

The book is about how these woman played vital roles in the OSS, Their assignments, their triumph and their life post-WWII. The book was hard to put down, subject matter being what it was. I think anyone interested in WWII will find it fascinating.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this book!

This was a very interesting and informative book about how a group of women supported the war effort during WWII in some unusual ways. For me, this was a quick read as I was very interested in each of their stories, and how what they did impacted the war. They all had such different backgrounds and talents, and they all helped in such different and creative ways!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in WWII history!

I wanted to like this book but could not get into it. The writing was slow and it felt like a chore to pick up every day.

An interesting, informative read about four remarkable women and their contributions behind the scenes during WWII and after. It was amazing how their unique backgrounds and talents added so much to the war effort, in creative and inventive ways. They were all unsung heroes, undervalued during their time of service, yet contributing so much to winning the war without firing a single shot. Learning about the OSS was intriguing.

The writing seemed to be well researched with a lot of personal information. They all worked so hard and sacrificed so much. I would have liked more stories from their field experiences.

Recommend to readers of who like history, especially during WWII.
4.5 stars