Dragonfly
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4.6 • 280 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Read the USA Today bestseller from the author of Roses, a "sumptuous, full-bodied, and emotional" novel about five young spies embedded among the highest Nazi ranks in occupied Paris (Adriana Trigiani, NYT bestselling author of Tony's Wife).
At the height of World War II, a handful of idealistic young Americans receive a mysterious letter from the government, asking them if they are willing to fight for their country. The men and women from very different backgrounds -- a Texan athlete with German roots, an upper-crust son of a French mother and a wealthy businessman, a dirt-poor Midwestern fly fisherman, an orphaned fashion designer, and a ravishingly beautiful female fencer -- all answer the call of duty, but each for a secret reason of her or his own. They bond immediately, in a group code-named Dragonfly.
Thus begins a dramatic cat-and-mouse game, as the group seeks to stay under the radar until a fatal misstep leads to the capture and the firing-squad execution of one of their team. But is everything as it seems, or is this one more elaborate act of spycraft?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this fast-paced and enjoyable WWII espionage tale, Meacham (Roses) takes readers to 1942 Nazi-occupied Paris to follow five American spies as they attempt to gather information to assist Allied and French Resistance forces. Americans Brad, Bridgette, Bucky, Chris, and Victoria have been recruited as spies for the CIA's Office of Special Services. After undergoing rigorous training, the eclectic crew a professional fencer, a fashion designer, a fly fisherman, the son of a wealthy businessman, and a Texan with German roots meet for the first time in Paris. The spies, collectively called Dragonfly, find themselves in dangerous situations from the off; communicating in code, they must form their plans in secret as they attempt to blend in to a cold, starving, terrified Paris. Each takes up employment with potential collaborators, working as tutors, listening in at boarding houses, and chatting between casts of a fly-fishing reel for information to send back to the OSS. After Victoria is captured and the others fear their code may be broken, the Dragonfly mission comes apart and all members must fend for themselves. While the set up and ending are both thrilling, the five spies are separated throughout the middle. Their isolation, Meacham's close concentration on each character's particular struggles to survive in isolation, and the drawn-out foreshadowing that one of the spies will be shot slows the momentum leading to the gripping finale. Despite this, Meacham's nail-biting tale will please fans looking for an intricate story of spycraft and deception.
Customer Reviews
See AllDragonfly
I am an avid reader and is my favorite pastime. Dragonfly was one of the best books I have read in a long time. Full of suspense. The characters were very understandable and relatable. I was always worried for all of them thru the whole book. Showing the human side of the Germans and of those Germans who had a conscience and tried to help, was very insightful. I did shed a few tears and will have this story on my mind for a long time. Signed: A History buff from Wyoming.
Historical Thriller Fiction
Dragonfly by Leila Meacham World War II Historical Thriller Fiction. The stories of five government spies who were chosen for their special abilities. This book is hard to put down from the first few pages. I lost sleep because I could not stop reading. Wonderful realistic characters with lives that reflect the era. Everyone has secrets and there are few people worthy of trust. Suspicions are caused by the smallest details for example the nuances of behavior or language. The characters live on the edge because anyone may betray you. I loved this book for its authentic historical details, constant action, light romance and wonderful characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
Worth the read
While this book is definitely lengthy, it is well worth the time! The story is so elaborate, engaging and detailed. It’s one of the few books that really answers all questions the reader has. Great writing!