Code Name Pauline

“Just as Ginger Rogers had to do what Fred Astaire did ‘but backwards and in high heels’ so Pearl Witherington, Code Name Pauline, had to fight the secret war in a very male world, and she did it with remarkable courage. This honest and gripping memoir of the secret side of WWII behind enemy lines, elegantly edited by Kathryn Atwood, is a must-read for anyone fascinated not just by the underground war in France, but by anyone who admires bravery and ingenuity in the face of evil.” —Brendan Foley, co-author Under the Wire

“A foreigner; and a woman, who had fallen from the sky—all this surpasses the imagination.” And yet, ironically and amazingly, it is the truth. This astonishing autobiographical account tells, in Pearl Witherington’s straightforward, stalwart and modest voice, of the incredible acts of bravery and defiance accomplished by the dedicated men and women of the Special Operations Executive and the Resistance movement in German-occupied France during World War II. Pearl’s appealingly personal account is moving, thrilling and humbling all at once. “Never lose hope, never give in,” is her fierce message to young readers. Code Name Pauline is both a shining tribute to the real and ordinary people whose relentless determination brought about an end to Nazi oppression in Europe, and an inspiration for future generations.” —Elizabeth Wein, author of the award-winning Code Name Verity

“Young adults and adults will be fascinated to read this memoir detailing a piece of neglected World War II history: Feisty, fearless, and resourceful, 29-year-old Pearl Witherington, a British Special Operations agent, worked with and commanded French resistance fighters in the Maquis. The editor's introductory remarks at the beginning of each chapter provide important historical material for understanding each stage in Pearl's work.” —Doreen Rappaport, author of the award-winning Beyond Courage: The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust.