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By: AUCK 189
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2025-05-15 09:54:15 |
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Not as well-written as others of this genre but an interesting story nonetheless. |
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By: MARLB 002
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2024-07-15 11:41:24 |
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Our group felt that although there was no doubt of Odette's bravery, strength and determination, a few of us didn't like the writing style. While it was factual and the author had definitely done his research it was a bit complex at times ( perhaps too many names with insufficient characterisation) which led it to bordering on being boring and made it hard to follow, leaving us feeling confused. The second half of the book, we agreed, became more interesting. We marvelled at this amazing, courageous woman, and thought, were we in her place, we probably could not have done the same. |
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By: PALMN 006
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2024-04-15 13:30:25 |
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A very interesting, but complex, read. Hard to comprehend that it all really happened. Well researched but at times hard to follow, mainly because of so many names. We are all full of admiration for Odette. |
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By: OMAR 001
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2024-01-15 11:20:00 |
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Very gritty - not the most enjoyable read but an amazing history of an amazing woman. |
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By: DUNED 012
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2024-01-08 11:32:23 |
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We really enjoyed this book although found it a little harrowing. Very thoroughly researched. |
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By: NEWP 016
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2023-10-12 20:43:02 |
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The content of the book was really interesting but at times people's identities were hard to keep track of. A fascinating read though of the courage and bravery shown during the war and horror of the Nazis. |
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By: NELS 020
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2023-08-03 11:30:25 |
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Inspirational story of outstanding bravery. Some of us found the writing style came across as wooden and unemotional. |
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By: CHCH 240
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2023-05-26 12:07:08 |
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We enjoyed this book but for different reasons. A brave and courageous woman, but perhaps selfish too - how could she leave her children? A different perspective on the horrors of the Nazi regime, softened by a love story. |
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By: CHCH 282
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2023-05-17 14:31:34 |
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All of our group enjoyed this book and found it very interesting, fascinating, absorbing, insightful, and riveting. Lots of discussion about her grit, and how difficult it must have been to start living in an ordinary world... |
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By: RAUM 003
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2023-04-26 14:16:55 |
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The book certainly created a lot of discussion - there were varied opinions on the author, Odette and her bravery. It left a few unanswered questions but on the whole it was well worth the read. |
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By: PIOPIO 001
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2023-02-27 10:21:06 |
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Our group enjoyed the book although many felt it wasn't a true novel and didn't like the writing style. Very informative and graphic and the questions generated very good discussion. An extraordinary story and barely believable at times. |
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By: CHCH 033
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2022-11-23 14:39:04 |
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Well-written and made us feel so appreciative of our own circumstances. We admired their bravery and Lise's continual 'hope' and positive attitude in the face of adversity. |
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By: TAIH 004
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2022-11-23 13:25:52 |
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A harrowing tale! You get to meet people that you probably would never meet in everyday life; people you wouldn't actually want to meet. An exposure of how humans behave in stressful circumstances, and how harrowing circumstances can bring out extraordinary traits - both positive and negative. I think Odette might have been a difficult and demanding person to live with - especially in "normal, everyday life". |
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By: CHCH 320
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2022-08-16 14:28:08 |
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Aspects of this book generated conjecture, conflicting views, and perhaps generated some of the best discussion we have had. 'Code Name:Lise' is a sad story rather than an inspiring story. We felt it was light and glossed over her accomplishments in France, and the plot only "cranked up" once she was captured. It didn't engage one as much as the Peter Fitzsimons book 'Nancy Wake'. Praise was given to the depth of research expended by the author but... and it was a big BUT, some of our group disliked his use of novelistic embellishments and "overkill" of language... |
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By: GREYT 001
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2022-08-01 10:21:10 |
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For once we were all in agreement. Odette's bravery was of course unquestioned, but the writing was heavy and in fact boring. We decided we were probably influenced by our recent reading of Ben McIntyre's books which we all raved about. Similar themes - spies and their activities, but oh - the difference! |
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By: DUNED 080
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2022-06-29 10:16:19 |
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We all found this book fascinating. Amazing what ordinary people ended up doing during the war. |
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By: TIMAR 013
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2022-04-29 11:55:17 |
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This was a rip roaring read! We all found the story gripping. Discussion was lively. |
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By: WAIUK 005
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2021-08-23 12:25:17 |
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We were disappointed with this book. We struggled to engage with the storyline and with the characters involved. Perhaps our score is a sign of the recent unsettled times, as well as the fact that we have read a few other war books. The author had certainly researched his topic but the story seemed to leave us emotionally bereft and with many unanswered questions... |
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By: AUCK 234
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2021-08-06 14:09:17 |
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Was an interesting and enthralling read given that it was a true story. |
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By: AUCK 280
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2021-06-14 13:40:36 |
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Our group was evenly divided between liking the book and disliking it. She certainly portrayed great courage, but the writing left much to be desired. Didn't like the ploy of leaving each chapter on a question - then carrying on with a completely different aspect. Many questions left unanswered and not explained. |
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By: WHITIAN 003
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2021-03-15 13:15:12 |
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Most members agreed that this was a very gripping story of life during the turbulent times of the Second World War - only 80 or so years ago!! A few members found it a bit boring - too many dates and times - more of an historical document. However, overall it was good read. |
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By: NGON 001
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2021-03-08 14:10:17 |
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One of our group really enjoyed this book but the others felt it was too clinical and rather colourless. No-one felt for any of the characters as the book came over as academic rather than a story. It was well researched and very accurate, and an excellent study for posterity. I think also we all knew her story, and perhaps are tiring of Gestapo atrocities. |
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