Cover Image: Madame Fiocca

Madame Fiocca

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This historical fiction novel is based on the life of Nancy Wake who was a resistance fighter in Occupied France who turned out to be Gestapo’s most wanted. I liked the topic and It was interesting to learn about this daring and brave woman, but I didn’t especially care for the writing.

Was this review helpful?

I am not too overly fond of Memoirs, it is a handful few who i really like. But this was a bit interesting, though it had it`s bio-memoir kind of thing going on. Wich was a bit annoying, but all in all the book was enjoyable. But i did not love it.

Was this review helpful?

This is a new novel about Nancy Wake. The book is mostly about her relationship with Henri, an industrialist. I liked how it was told from a linear perspective, but I could not connect to the characters. I recommend this for anyone interested in Nancy Wake but I believe Code Name Helene is the more superior version.

Was this review helpful?

I was intrigued when I discovered that this was based on a true account. The book is well written and brings this little bit of history to life. I would like to see more by this author.

Was this review helpful?

I was not able to get interested in this book and I did not finish it. The characters and the plot were not able to catch or keep my attention.

Was this review helpful?

this was a really good historical novel, the characters were great and I really enjoyed getting to know Nancy Wake. I really didn't know too much about Nancy but I enjoyed getting to know her.

Was this review helpful?

A wonderful historical novel based on the true story of Nancy Wake, a journalist who fought against the injustices done by the Nazis in occupied France. I enjoyed this story about a fascinating and brave woman, who I had never heard of before.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

I couldn't resist this one. First the cover and then the story itself.



The story follows Nancy Wake who started out as a traveler and journalist. She catches the eye of the wealthy industrialist Henri Fiocca and they eventually marry. As the clouds of war start to swarm over Europe and Paris falls, Nancy finds herself being drawn into the heart of an escape network and plays the deadly game of espionage.



I had heard of Nancy Wake but I really didn't know much and any real details. I was excited to read this and then do some googling afterward ;)



Part 1 was okay (a little slow paced - if I am to be honest here), but part 2 was AMAZING. I was hooked and couldn't put this down.I had no idea how this was all going to end. I was so worried about all of Nancy's friends, hubbie, and her little dog. It took all my power not to look at google and find out the answers before finishing this. LOL.



This was well written and seemed well researched. Lots of details and lots of info. Sometimes it felt a little like a history book here and there. However, I did really like this and I was hooked. I do want to read more by this author!



I loved Nancy. She is a true hero! I really enjoyed her story and I want to read more/watch about her. Made me tear up a couple of times.



Can I just say how beautiful this cover is??? Lovely!



Overall, I really adored Nancy and her story. She is a real hero! This was well written and it seemed pretty well researched. Made me curious to learn more about Nancy! I'll stamp this with 3 stars.

Was this review helpful?

I really liked it! I love books in this time period. It kept my attention from beginning to end. The characters are interesting and keep developing through out the story! :)

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
I always like discovering historical figures of significance previously unknown to me, even better if it's a woman. Nancy Wake was one of the brave women doing her part for WWII victory. She was remarkable and inspiring. I recommend reading this book to learn more. It's informative, compelling and insightful with a heroine to remember. Great overall!

Was this review helpful?

Wow, this was a great read. I really enjoyed the story of Nancy Wake, an Allied spy in WWII. Great read!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is a great piece of historical fiction based on real events. Nancy Wake was an inspiration. Not only did she assist others in escaping the Nazis, but she was able to continue on after losing her husband to them. The independence and courage this hero displayed is admirable and the author did a brilliant job of showcasing it

Was this review helpful?

Simply, superb. Enjoyed every minute of this well-written, fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed the World War II facts. This book was obviously well-researched.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and Books Go Social for this advanced reader's copy. This book was an account of the life of Nancy Wake, someone I hadn't heard of before but definitely am keen to know more. It took me a little while to get into the book but I'm glad that I stuck with it. A very enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

Nancy Wake wants more from life than to stay in her homeland of Australia.  After receiving some money from her Aunt, Nancy travels the world and lands in Paris.  Nancy finds work as a journalist in the 1930's as Hitler's rise to power overtakes Europe.  During this time Nancy meets Henri Fiocca, a wealthy French industrialist and known playboy.  Nancy and Henry eventually fall for each other's charms and settle in Marseilles.  As Hitler's influence encroaches on France, Nancy knows she can not sit back and do nothing.  Together, Nancy and Henri join the Resistance to help people escape and then, after eluding capture Nancy joins the Special Operations Executive and is training in everything from parachuting to weapons and hand to hand combat becomming one of the most valuable members of her team as well as one of the most hunted by the Gestapo.

I love when books introduce me to real women whom I had never heard of before.  Nancy Wake was truly an extraordinary woman who made brave choices in order to help the Allies win World War II.  From the beginning, I knew that Nancy was going to be an amazing character.  She clearly knew what she wanted in life, had strong opinions, was able to teach herself many things and was not afraid to add her voice.  Nancy also had the opportunity to witness first hand the terrors that Hitler's rule forced upon other people.  I think this was a large influence upon her actions.  I was constantly amazed at Nancy's ability to keep going and do whatever it took to help with efforts during the War.  I do wish that the writing gave a little more insight into Nancy's inner thoughts and feelings to really give it a personal feeling.  
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book is based on the amazing life of Nancy Wake. It would've been a 5 star read for me if the beginning hadn't taken so long to get into, but the rest keeps you very interested!

Was this review helpful?

My thanks to the Publishers via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. I gave this a 4 stars or 8/10.

This is a story woven around the true story of Nancy Wake, one of the Gestapo's most wanted during the second World War. Suzy Henderson has woven a narrative that has been researched by her well. It's quite clear that she has done the research as she includes some Author's notes and references factual books on the true story of Nancy Wake.

I enjoyed reading about Nancy aka known as Madame Fiocca among other names, she was a woman that had a mission to do her best to help others during the war, she worked as a spy and aided the escape of service men. It's made me want to read more about her life. At times you could almost imagine that you were there with them in occupied France. We can only imagine what it must have been like to be frightened for your life and the chances of being caught by the Germans who had no problem at all carrying out extreme measures on the people that they caught and imprisoned.hanks to the Pub

Was this review helpful?

I truly enjoyed this book. I had heard very little about Nancy Wake and this story made me want to read more about her. As a new citizen of Paris, Nancy has a successful career in journalism and ends up meeting the love of her life, Henri. When Nancy begins to understand the atrocities that are being committed by the Germans, she vows to do everything she can to defeat them. At the outset, she is a courier for the Resistance but is then forced to leave France due to the Nazi's looking for her. Her time away just reaffirms her devotion to ridding the world of Nazis and becomes more embedded in the workings of the Resistance.

This was my first book by this author and felt that she did a wonderful job. I can't wat to see what she comes up with next.

Was this review helpful?

What an incredible story that becomes almost more unbelievable when you realize that this is based on the true account of Nancy Wake, a reporter for the Hearst Newspaper. The author has done a fabulous amount of research to bring this history alive. Certainly the actions of those in the various Resistance groups are not unknown to us, but this is the first time I have read such an in-depth account of one who helped fight the Nazis in the only way she could. The White Mouse, the name the Gestapo gave her, was on their most wanted list. Somehow she continues her dangerous work right under their noses. Her courage and fortitude certainly are worth remembering.

Reading this book is time well-spent! I learned so many more details about the horror of WW2 and how we must all pray and be vigilant that this atrocity should never be repeated.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avis Press I had the opportunity to read this memorable book. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited.

Was this review helpful?

Great story. I really enjoyed the story. The author does a wonderful job of describing the era and capturing the essence of the characters. I'd read non fiction accounts of Nancy Wake, but to read about her in fiction was another way to enjoy her amazing life. She was such a hero of her time.

Was this review helpful?