Code Name Pauline: Memoirs of a World War II Special Agent (Women of Action)

Pearl was a member of the Special Operations Executive during WWII. Their secret mission was to send civilians behind enemy lines where they would do what they could to "annoy" the Germans. I use the term annoy loosely. They did amazing things like sabotage factories, railways, and report troop and supply locations to the Allies. Pearl was more on the organization side of things, so she doesn't have amazing stories of adventure and danger in here, but this book was written with a purpose in mind. She wanted to inspire young people.I like the way this was written. The editor starts the chapter with a bit of background, and then gets out of the way. At that point, Pearl takes over and tells her part of the story with only occasional interjections for clarification. Additional notes can be found at the end. One thing I'd like to recommend is that you make sure to read past the conclusion. The interview with both Pearl and Henri is hidden in the back of the book, and it was just as enjoyable to read as the rest of the book. Not sure why it was hidden away in the back.Overall, this is a good book. It's short, so it doesn't outstay its welcome. Pearl was a character to be sure, and she was definitely an asset to the Allies.

It's too.bad that so much ofp the history of the.Second World War is being lost as its participants die off. Iy is indeed good that Pearl's remarkable experiences have been re orded and published for future reference. she was indeed a courageous and intelligent woman who sacrificed her own safety in order to help people caught up in and damaged by the war. The writing style is spare and simple, easy to read, without losing the sense of understanding much more about parts of the war effort that can easily be overlooked.....as Pearl herself discovered when it was finally over and she frequently felt quite dismissed by civikians who had stayed home, or military people who had fought under more organized conditions. I would recommend this book to younger readers who need the opportunity to get more knowledge and understanding of what people have gone through to overcome a conquering dictator, especiallywhen they have little help or chance of personal glory. It was recommended to me by a friend of my own age....we were children while this was going on and remember little of the news of that day. I had heard of the French Resistance but actum"ally knew. urtually nothing about their effort. I also understand little about the politics of the time, and now will do some studying to fill I. some of those gaps. I hope teen-agers and young adults will be inspired by books like this to take a greater interest in history and thus have more understanding of what we must watch out for today.

While the war in Europe ended 74-years ago, there continues to be new published work telling of certain battles and true heroism in conflict. As it should be. One such book is “Code Name Pauline”, the memoirs of a World War II special agent, published in 2013, written by Pearl Witherington Cornioley and edited by American author Kathryn J. Atwood.Pearl Witherington was British, but grew up in Paris with her parents and many siblings. She talks about what it was like to grow up in Paris being poor and with an often-absent father. When the war came, Pearl’s mother knew they had to leave before the Germans arrived, so the mother and her children left, which proved to be a long journey before arriving in England.Pearl soon joined the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and trained in combat arms, parachuting and other tasks needed for her to go back to France as a special agent to lead, supply and manage elements of the French resistance. Her fourth parachute jump was under the cover of darkness into France at the age of 29.This reader especially likes reading about British SOE operatives that served in France with the resistance. Pearl, code named Paulette, was one of 400 British operatives that served, with 39 of them women. Towards the end of the war, Pearl commanded a team of 3,500 French resistance fighters. In 2004, Queen Elizabeth awarded Pearl the CBE, Commander of the British Empire, an honor that she certainly deserved.

I purchased this book after reading another story about women with the French Resistance, during WWII. Pauline was mentioned in that book, and I wanted to learn more about her. What an amazing woman with such an amazing life story and such wonderful words of wisdom. Any young person can benefit by reading Pearl's and her husband Henri's story.

Not as fancy a life as in the movies! Also a lot more believable. Great for students because you have the direct memoirs AND the historical comments in a separate section. Contained a significant event I had never heard of before - the bombing of French ships in the Mediterranean by the British for fear the ships would be captured by the Germans. The British did first ask the French to surrender comand to the British captain. Of course the French captain refused! This harmed the already strained relations between the British and French during the war.

Whew...not the same person, but I think my Mom could have been very helpful in the war effort, if she had been in a different place. However, what she did was helpful to the guys she taught in teaching them to read and write better. So hats off to all the Pauline's and their accomplishments around the world!

Interesting memoir, bought for my daughter but did not hold her attention. As a student of history I read it myself and it was good, but not particularly action-packed, just the story of a life in wartime.

A WW II true story of a woman who was determined to participate in the war efforts taking many risks. Not the best writing style since it is told by a woman nearing 100 years of age to the author...and she insisted her story be told in her words. Nevertheless, reading this short biography will inform and capture the imagination.

A revealing account of the activities and dangers faced by this unassuming SOE operative in wartime France who says "I don't consider I did anything extraordinary" ! Having posted her image on multiple posters offering a one million franc reward I would suggest that the Germans begged to differ with that!

hadn't realised it was meant for US teens so very simplistic - ok though

What an inspiring story. Pearl is a person I greatly admire. What spirit. Certainly a brilliant role model for all women. Would that I had her courage. Well told with detailed references.

The book arrived promptly before Christmas. It was a present for a friend who lived through WWII and likes reading about who also has a wife called Pauline. I cannot comment on the book itself at is wasn't for me but otherwise fine.

A very well written account in her own words of what Pearl did during the war helping to run one of the larger Maquis units in France