Julia Child most everyone knows from cooking and it is interesting to learn she was never a good cook in her early years but still she learned. Little known maybe Julia Child as a spy, giving back to her country and risking life and limb in her pursuit to assist the cause. This novel takes the reader on a world tour following Julia and her travels to assist in World War II. This book is a deep dive into the Forgotten War in Southeast Asia that was brutal and lasted far longer than the war in Europe. The story is action-packed as Julia sails to India with some OSS compatriots for her first overseas posting. The descriptions of the sights and smells that caused Julia's senses to explode are beautifully detailed. She continues to Ceylon where intrigue and treason are brewing in the intelligence community. From there she goes to Burma and finally over the Himalayas into China where the politics of Chiang Kai Shek, Chairman Mao, and the warlords complicate the allies' war plans. The writing is exquisite, with detailed observations of each country's beautiful landscapes, biodiversity, incredible culinary dishes, and the local people. Julia loved it and thrived, never settling for anything less than a life well-lived. As spectacular as the settings are, this story is character-driven with the unique men and women who served in the OSS in far-flung places during World War II. The author's detailed, diligent research and superb writing skills made reading this book a privilege. The book is a very interesting and well-researched window into the Allied war years in India, Ceylon, and China. I did feel the story lagged a little bit at times and I found myself loosing interest and had to push myself back into the book. My thanks to NetGalley, the author and Sourcebooks Landmark.

For as much action is described in this book and as many spy adventures as Julia Child has, this book comes off as dull. There are so many people and places to keep track of that it is a big jumble and my mind wandered frequently, making it more difficult to follow. This had a great premise but it didn’t quite deliver for me.

Another one that was really good, and somewhat eye opening! =0

So, when I think of Julia Child, I think of the chef. I had never even heard a mention of this part of her life...so, to say the least it was interesting! I have also read other books about women in war, and find that I do really like them...as we never really heard of women being in ANY wars in years past...

This was fresh and fun in many ways, yet sad and disheartening in so many others. It was nice to read of the camaraderie of the women and men in the darkest depths and throws of war. It was also hard to read about the ravages the war left behind...including deaths of some that they knew and loved.

I was surprised to read about men cheating on their wives while away, although I guess that it was probably more commonplace than I ever thought. And it was sweet to read about this budding romance between Julia and Paul, even though it didn't really follow the path, as I assumed it would. Still, sweet and steady in the long run.

Also, interesting to see how the author pieced together bits of reality with thoughts of her own to 'fill in' the spaces that were there. She plainly tells us in the author's note that this was a work of fiction, but with loose ties to reality (of things that she researched and found...along the way.)

All in all, I did really enjoy this one!
4 solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#TheSecretWarOfJuliaChild by #DianaChambers and narrated nicely by #CandaceJoice.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #TantorAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released TOMORROW, 10/22/24.

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The Secret War of Julia Child
By: Diana R. Chambers
Pub date: October 22, 2024
Publisher: Tandor Audio
Narrator: Candace Joice
This audiobook is an absolute delight with an authentic and wonderful narrator. She nailed Julia’s style and voice. I knew Julia Child was a cookbook author of French cooking, but knew nothing of her work in World War II.
This historical fiction novel came to life as we explored her relationship of her soon-to-be husband, her work in secrets trade in Asia and how she transformed throughout her lifetime.
A joy! Thank you Tantor Audio for this gifted audiobook.

Before Julia Child was the famous chef, she was Julia McWilliams, a 30 year old spy in the OSS during WWII. Her role took her to Ceylon and China as she met interesting characters (some who would haunt her and her husband later in life) as well as her husband Paul. The novel takes us through a fictional account of her WWII adventures.

✨My Review✨
I wanted to love this as much as I love Julia but it just did not work for me. The pacing was too slow and I kept trying to get into the story but reading it wasn’t working for me so I was thrilled when I received the audio ARC. It definitely moved faster once I could listen to it (and I switched back and forth between reading and listening) but it still never fully grabbed my attention. I loved learning about Julia’s OSS life and it’s a part of her story that I’ve always wanted to know more about so for that I am happy that I read this one. I also really enjoyed the scenes where she fell in love with Paul. But for an adventurery novel I would expected to have it more faster and be a little more fun. The narrator was wonderful for the audio was wonderful.

3.5 stars

Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the ARC

Julia McWilliams took a job working for America's first espionage agency, before the world got to know her. She was too tall and too memorable to be a spy, so she worked in operations (with Wild Bill!) where she meets mapmaker Paul Child.

Candace Joice does a wonderful job, especially with Julia’s parts. We all know what she sounds like!

This was a great audiobook where the main character is a person we all know from later in her life. And bonus points for a World War II story that takes place in Asia.

Thank you Tantor Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy. #TheSecretWarofJuliaChild #NetGalley

I know that the narrator is using an imitation of Julia’s voice, but there’s no way I’m going to be able to finish this audio version.