THE MYSTERIOUS VIRGINIA HALL

Traces the exciting life of a pioneering spy who became the CIA’s first tenured woman officer.

Virginia Hall, who was born into Baltimore high society in the early 20th century, was a white woman of many names and talents. After opening with a foreword by her great-nephew, this work written in spare verse traces Hall’s early life and illustrious career. She was a daredevil who enjoyed international travel from an early age and pursued graduate studies in French and economics. The first time she attempted to join the Foreign Service, she failed the exam. Following a hunting accident in Turkey which resulted in the loss of her left leg below the knee, she was rejected for being an amputee. In 1940, Hall became an ambulance driver on the front lines of World War II in France, opening the door for her to spy for Britain’s Special Operations Executive, becoming one of the most respected—and hunted—spies in France. After the war, she joined the Central Intelligence Group, later known as the CIA. Friddell relays Hall’s thrilling exploits, firmly grounding them within historical events. The short chapters, plentiful photos, and ample white space make this inviting to readers overwhelmed by dense text, although the choppy verse affects readability (Heather Demetrios’ conversationally written 2021 biography of Hall, Code Name Badass, would supplement this work well).

A satisfying introduction to a remarkable woman’s influential contributions to espionage.