Tag Archives: Espionage

1st Line/1st Paragraphs, Tuesday Intros: Code Name Helene

April 7, 2020

1st Line/1st Paragraphs, Tuesday Intros

I’m linking up this week with Socrates’ Book Reviews who hosts a meme every Tuesday to share the First Chapter/First Paragraph (Tuesday Intros) of the book you are currently reading.

First Chapter, First Paagraph, Tuesday Intros (image: stack of books)

I’m pleased to share the first paragraph of Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon.

Is this on your TBR or have you read it?

Amazon Summary:
“Based on the thrilling real-life story of socialite spy Nancy Wake, comes the newest feat of historical fiction from the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia, featuring the astonishing woman who killed a Nazi with her bare hands and went on to become one of the most decorated women in WWII.

Told in interweaving timelines organized around the four code names Nancy used during the war, Code Name Hélène is a spellbinding and moving story of enduring love, remarkable sacrifice and unfaltering resolve that chronicles the true exploits of a woman who deserves to be a household name.”

Code Name Hélène

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links

Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon (cover)

Genre/Categories: Historical Fiction, World War 11, Espionage

1st Line/1st Paragraphs From Chapter One:

February 29, 1944
“I have gone by many names.
Some of them are real–I was given four at birth alone–but most are carefully constructed personas to get me through checkpoints and across borders. They are lies scribbled on forged travel documents. Typed neatly in government files. Splashed across wanted posters. My identity is an ever-shifting thing that adapts to the need at hand.
Tonight, I am Helene and I am going home.
It’s February 29, Leap Day. The irony to this is not lost on me because I am about to jump out of an aerophane for the first time. I’ve only just been lifted into the belly of the Liberator bomber like a clumsily wrapped package. Me in slacks, blouse, and silk stockings beneath my coveralls, tin hat, and British army boots. The camel-haired coat and parachute pack don’t do much to help the ensemble. But this isn’t a fashion show and I’m not here to make friends, so I don’t care that every man on this plane is looking at me as though I don’t belong. Besides, I’m hungover. And I think I might throw up. “

I’ve read several highly favorable reviews of Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon and I’m eager to dive in! Have you read it?

QOTD:

Is Code Name Hélène on your TBR?

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