Aline
The Spy Wore Red: My Adventures as an Undercover Agent in World War II (1987)
Author: Aline, Countess of Romanones
Genre: Biography (Espionage)/Military History (Inside Encounter)
Book Summary:
Aline, working as a model in New York, is recruited to help in the War Efforts of World War II. She begins her training for the OSS at a place called "The Farm". Here, she learns everything it takes to be a spy and is soon deployed for Spain. There she is introduced into the social atmosphere and is a sensation. During this time her mission is to find the top agent working for the Reigme in Madrid. Her life is threatened on multiple occasions and she is thrown into precarious situations, inevitably learning that this is a mole in the american spy efforts in Madrid.
Geographical Setting: Madrid, Spain
Time Period: 1943
Appeal Characteristics:
This fast moving tale of Aline Griffith is a very easy read due to the simple nature of the writing. It is not very difficult to follow and is very linear. The spanish or spy terms are also well explained which makes the book easy for all audiences. Another feature that is important to note is the high level of suspense. Though the book is nonfiction and as the reader, you know that she will not die, the story is still able to retain the suspense level. With the subject matter being spy work, murders, and secrets it is amazing that it still keeps a light tone throughout the book. The murders for instance are not described in detail and the suspense is just enough to keep you attached to the book.
Read-alikes: The Spy Went Dancing is another book written by Aline, Countess of Romanones, in which she describes another mission she was asked to perform in 1966 to uncover a mole. This book is undoubtedly similar in writing style considering it was by the same author and has the same light tone as her first book. Another book that describes the same time period with women working undercover for the OSS is Sisterhood of Spies by Elizabeth Mcintosh. This story illustrates the life of Macintosh, a reporter in Hawaii that is recruited to work as an international spy. She tells about her life as an undercover agent. If you are interested in how women helped in World War II and you want a true story from an insiders view, you might be interested in Outwitting the Gestapo by Lucie Aubrac. This memoir is suspenceful and intense, sharing intimate moments of Aubrac's quick wit and enthusiasm during the French Resistance. Another read that has similar literature levels as The Spy Wore Red is The Wolves at the Door: The True Story of America's Greatest Femail Spy by Judith L. Pearson. This book follows the life of Virgina Hall and her work as an undercover agent in German occupied France. The suspense is intense and her life impressive. If you want another story of a person that played a large part in World War II, perhaps Between Silk and Cynanide by Leo marks would interest you. It is his story of how he became the top code maker in the Special Operations Executive. It has the same tone and setting as The spy wore red. I am sure any of these picks would add intrigue and understanding in your reading repertoire.
Red Flags: Violence
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