As a reader who is interested in World War II historical fiction and non-fiction, I read a book recently that is based on a true story: The Undercover Secretary by Ellie Midwood. Midwood’s interest in World War II began when her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belarussian Front, told her about his experiences on the frontline. His stories inspired her to read and write about World War II.
The book begins with a prologue that takes place in Lyon, France in 1942, which has already been occupied by the Germans (1940). The story begins with Dora Davidsohn (David’s son) in the custody of a Frenchman who wants to know who she really is. She tells him she lived in Berlin during the winter of 1933 where she was a salesgirl. At that point, Hitler had been in power for almost a year. She tells him she decided to leave Germany due to the escalation of Jewish hatred and the loss of her job.
Once in Amsterdam, she begins to work with Heinrich Veidt, a member of the Communist Party. At a meeting, Dora meets future husband, Alfred Benjamin. They join up to aid fellow persecuted minorities.
She and Alfred leave Amsterdam to go to Paris. Through clever thinking and trickery, she becomes a lady’s maid in Paris where she changes her name to Gudrun and tells her employer that she comes from Alsace where both German and French are spoken. But she must keep her marriage a secret, so she and Alfred live separately. He finds work as a barman.
This book is a fascinating and interesting read. It was difficult for Dora to leave her family behind, but she had the courage and abilities that helped her survive. I don’t want to give away the ending, but she eventually worked for the Infamous Klaus Barbie, who became known as the “Butcher of Lyon.” If you are interested in World War II history, this book would make an informative read.