Wolves at the Door: The True Story Of America's Greatest Female Spy, Judith L. Pearson

It has been some time since I have read an actual historical NON-fiction book, and there were times while reading The Wolves at the Door when I wished it was written as fiction. That said, when I leaned into the genre, I was glad I stayed the course.

The Wolves at the Door is a very well-researched story about Virginia Hall, an American who, in the 1930s, worked for the government with aspirations of becoming a foreign service officer. However, due to an unfortunate accident that left the 20-something Hall without a leg and the fact that she was a woman, her career dreams looked to be dashed (No disabled persons, and especially no disabled women, were allowed as foreign service officers for the United States). But, Virginia was undeterred, and at the start of WW2, Virginia joined the British Special Operations Executive organization. The SOE dealt with espionage and sabotage against the Nazis.

Throughout the next many years until the war ended, Virginia made her way through France, Spain, and England, assisting downed allied pilots to safety, coordinating the destruction of railways, setting up safe houses, and gathering intelligence. In short, the female, one-legged Virginia Hall, who became known as the "limping lady" to the Nazis and was one of their most sought-after combatants, was a badass.

It took quite some time for Virginia to receive the recognition she deserved for the lives she saved and the war-changing intelligence she snuck out of Nazi-controlled countries to help the Allies. But ultimately, both Brittan and the U.S., quietly and without ceremony (her choice so she could continue to be an agent in the field), recognized Virginia as a well-deserved hero.

The Wolves at the Door is a well-written book that deserves praise. Author Judith L. Pearson did a remarkable job researching Virginia Hall's story and the many other side and back stories that created the landscape within which Ms. Hall performed her duties.

This excellent historical book helps shine a positive light on the limitless potential of persons with disabilities as well as females. If you are into history, this is a must-read.