Peter FitzSimons’s biography, Nancy Wake: A Biography of Our Greatest War Heroine, is an engaging account of an extraordinary Australian-born agent in the French Resistance during World War II, whose life story continues to inspire generations. Based mainly on FitzSimons’s extensive interviews with Wake, it depicts her as a brave and clever individual, whose quick thinking and resourcefulness allowed her to navigate perilous situations. The book highlights her remarkable courage, detailing her daring missions, and is well-regarded for making a historical topic into an entertaining narrative that has reached a wide audience, demonstrating not only her heroism but also the larger struggle of countless individuals during the war. FitzSimons expertly weaves personal anecdotes with historical context, allowing readers to feel a deep connection to Wake’s character while shedding light on the pivotal role played by female operatives in the resistance movement. This blend of storytelling and factual recounting makes the biography not just an informative read, but also a tribute to a woman whose legacy bravely challenges the norms of her time.

A major strength of the book is FitzSimons’s clear writing style. He uses a simple, journalistic approach that makes the complex history of the French Resistance easy for anyone to understand. The narrative features exciting stories of Wake’s actions, from her role as an intelligence agent and saboteur to her command of many Maquis fighters. FitzSimons effectively shows the significant risks of her work, especially her famous knack for escaping capture by the Gestapo, who called her “The White Mouse.” Readers often mention this engaging storytelling style as what drew them to her story.

However, the book is not without its criticisms. Some reviewers point to FitzSimons’s overly celebratory and at times uncritical tone. This I agree with. His profound admiration for Wake is clear throughout the text, leading some, me included, to feel that the biography lacks a balanced or analytical perspective. The informal, almost “larrikin” style of writing, which is a hallmark of FitzSimons’s work, can also be a point of contention for readers who prefer a more formal or scholarly historical account. I find this unfounded as it is a Biography and like most modern biographies is the authors personal account and not an historical treatise. The focuses more on the heroic legend of Nancy Wake rather than delving into the deeper complexities of her personality and the full context of her post-war life.

Despite these points, Nancy Wake, a number one bestseller, has cemented Nancy Wake’s place as a national hero in Australia and beyond. I liked it.