A Woman of No Importance

Synopsis

'A METICULOUS HISTORY THAT READS LIKE A THRILLER' BEN MACINTYRE, TEN BEST BOOKS TO READ ABOUT WORLD WAR II

An astounding story of heroism, spycraft, resistance and personal triumph over shocking adversity.

'A rousing tale of derring-do' THE TIMES * 'Riveting' MICK HERRON * 'Superb' IRISH TIMES

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In September 1941, a young American woman strides up the steps of a hotel in Lyon, Vichy France. Her papers say she is a journalist. Her wooden leg is disguised by a determined gait and a distracting beauty. She is there to spark the resistance.

By 1942 Virginia Hall was the Gestapo's most urgent target, having infiltrated Vichy command, trained civilians in guerrilla warfare and sprung soldiers from Nazi prison camps. The first woman to go undercover for British SOE, her intelligence changed the course of the war - but her fight was still not over.

This is a spy history like no other, telling the story of the hunting accident that disabled her, the discrimination she fought and the secret life that helped her triumph over shocking adversity.

'A cracking story about an extraordinarily brave woman' TELEGRAPH

'Gripping ... superb ... a rounded portrait of a complicated, resourceful, determined and above all brave woman' IRISH TIMES

WINNER of the PLUTARCH AWARD FOR BEST BIOGRAPHY

Summary

Chapter 1

Summary:
The story opens in the drawing room of Lord Illingworth's country estate. Lord Illingworth is a wealthy bachelor known for his wit and charm. He is visited by his friend Mrs. Arbuthnot, who is concerned about the welfare of Hester Worsley, a young woman who has recently become Lord Illingworth's ward. Hester is the daughter of a deceased friend of Lord Illingworth's, and Mrs. Arbuthnot fears that he is taking advantage of her vulnerability.

Example:
"I hear he has taken a young lady into his house as a ward. A daughter of some old friend of his, I believe. I don't like the sound of it at all. He should have left her with her mother." - Mrs. Arbuthnot

Chapter 2

Summary:
Lord Illingworth introduces Hester to Mrs. Arbuthnot and the other guests at his dinner party. Hester is a beautiful and intelligent young woman, but she is also naive and inexperienced. Lord Illingworth's charm and attention quickly win her over. Mrs. Arbuthnot warns Hester of Lord Illingworth's reputation, but Hester dismisses her concerns.

Example:
"My dear Hester, Lord Illingworth is a dangerous man. He has no heart." - Mrs. Arbuthnot
"Oh, I don't believe that. He's so charming and kind to me." - Hester Worsley

Chapter 3

Summary:
Lord Illingworth proposes to Hester, and she accepts. However, Hester's mother, Lady Caroline, disapproves of the match. She believes that Lord Illingworth is only interested in Hester's beauty and wealth. Hester defends Lord Illingworth, but Lady Caroline refuses to give her blessing.

Example:
"I will not consent to this marriage. I know that man. He is a fortune hunter." - Lady Caroline
"Mother, I love him. He makes me happy." - Hester Worsley

Chapter 4

Summary:
Despite Lady Caroline's objections, Hester and Lord Illingworth are married. However, their marriage is short-lived. Hester soon discovers that Lord Illingworth is not the man she thought he was. He is selfish, cruel, and unfaithful. Hester becomes disillusioned and leaves him.

Example:
"I never knew that men were such liars. I thought he loved me, but he only wanted my money." - Hester Worsley

Chapter 5

Summary:
Hester returns to her mother's house, heartbroken and alone. Lady Caroline welcomes her back, but she is unable to forgive herself for allowing Hester to marry Lord Illingworth. Hester eventually finds solace in her work as a nurse.

Example:
"I have made a terrible mistake. I should have listened to you, Mother." - Hester Worsley
"My dear, it's not your fault. You were young and innocent." - Lady Caroline