Kate VigursMission France: The True History of the Women of SOE

This book documents the life journeys of thirty-nine incredible women who all played key roles in SOE's F Section operations in France.The author narrates those journeys in three chronologically orderd parts entitled - Foundations, War and Death and Deliverance.Her style of writing exposes both the personalites of the female agents and the context in which they operated. It is a powerful story that benefits from her first hand interviews of some of the last surviving members of F Section and their descendants. It is thoroughly researched through access to the SOE files at the UK National Archives.There are very moving moments in the narratives that higlight both the common purpose shared by these women and the appalling circumstances in which some met their death.It is a fitting tribute to the women of SOE.

I rarely review anything but in this case I’m making an exception. Kate Vigurs has produced one of the finest accounts of the work of SOE I have read. She focuses on the female agents of F Section and throughout the entire book, her level of research and attention to detail shines through. The accounts of the agents lives and activities in occupied France, show the immense courage they displayed in circumstances that would have broken many of us. Some names are familiar, other not so much. Some survived the war, others died in cruel and terrible ways often after much suffering. This book is a fitting tribute to them all.

Mostly well known details, but heroic none-the-less. Worth reading if unaware of the details from other sources.

It takes you into the time itself This book is excellentSo harrowing and yet bonds are made with love Had me crying Sooo brave

History needs to be well researched and history books well presented. This one does both. Most significantly Mission France made me cry. The book is a fascinating testament to the bravery of these women.

I'm really enjoying this book - the subject is fascinating and the writing style is well paced and very readable. Logically presented and with just the right amount of detail to be engaging. A must for anyone interested in WW2, SOE, espionage or women's history in general.

A hitherto neglected but nevertheless important aspect of WWII. For this reader the narrative was spoiled by the irritating use of 'weak forms' of English and poor grammar, such as the erroneous use of prepositions and conjunctions, and Anglicised pseudo- French. In parts it reads as a 'galley-proof'. I wonder if proof-readers and publishers prefer such discourteousness to the language in order to attract a younger readership? I cannot believe either that the author would write a finished script as the book reads, or that the publishers would not subject the script to proof-reading.Despite this I enjoyed reading the book, and learned a considerable amount from it.

The book is a powerful testimony of the courage by the women who sacrificed their lives as members of the SOE operating in France during World War 2.. Barely recognised let alone fully honoured. They deserve better. Kate Vigurs leaves the reader feeling humbled and deeply moved. Very well researched.

Showed what women had to go through to become SOE agents. That’s after the screening process to be selected for the training.

I enjoyed this documentary style story regarding the various OSE individuals (who worked with the French Resistence) and what became of them during and after WWll.

In Mission France, Dr. Vigurs brings to life the escapades of 39 brave women who operated undercover in occupied France to clandestinely fight the Nazis.Dr. Vigurs explores the motivations of the women who served, including how they were recruited and trained for secret agent work. Dr Vigurs conducted meticulous research to tell the stories of what happened to the 39 women once they arrived in France.As the host of Spybrary, the spy book podcast, I read many books about real-life spies and secret agents, although this is a book covering 39 lives, this is written similar to the way Ben Macintyre pens his books. Sometimes I had to remind myself that these are true accounts rather than a spy novel.The chapters covering what happened to SOE agents who were captured, was harrowing, so no sugarcoating here and it can be tough reading. This book serves to remind me of the sacrifices made by that generation to allow us to enjoy freedom today. This is Spybrary approved and highly recommmended.

‘Mission France’ adds nothing new to the history of the SOE F Section. It is obvious Ms Vigurs' primary academic training was drama as the fruits of rigorous and disciplined historical research are often lacking in this book. The author’s attempt to chronologically interweave the stories of these brave agents renders the narrative somewhat clunky, convoluted and riddled with opinions (both the authors and third parties) inserted as facts. Ms Vigurs’ claim that she, for the first time, tells 'The True History of all 39 SOE F Section agents’ is also incorrect, this honour actually goes to Squadron Leader Beryl Escott’s ‘The Heroines of SOE: F Section, Britain’s Secret Women in France' published in 2011. Readers who are interested in this subject should search out other more accurate and truthful historical accounts.