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The Last Secret Agent

The Extraordinary Story of a WW2 Spy in Her Own Words

Pippa Latour author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Octopus Publishing Group

Published:7th Nov '24

Should be back in stock very soon

The Last Secret Agent cover

This remarkable memoir recounts the life of Pippa Latour, the last surviving female SOE agent, who undertook covert missions in occupied France during World War II, sharing her extraordinary experiences for the first time.

The Last Secret Agent recounts the remarkable true story of Phyllis Pippa Latour, who served as an undercover agent in occupied France during World War II. Parachuting into France at the age of 23, Pippa became part of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a covert organization tasked with conducting sabotage and subversion behind enemy lines. Throughout her mission, she skillfully navigated the rural French landscape, using clever methods to conceal her secret messages and vital information, all while evading capture.

Pippa's experiences were fraught with danger, as she frequently found herself on the brink of discovery. Her courage and resourcefulness allowed her to send crucial intelligence back to Britain leading up to D-Day, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort. Despite the harrowing nature of her work, Pippa remained silent about her extraordinary achievements for decades, sharing her story with no one, not even her family.

Now, for the first time, readers can delve into Pippa's captivating memoir, which provides a unique perspective on the role of female agents during the war. The Last Secret Agent not only highlights her bravery and personal sacrifices but also serves as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of women in intelligence. This compelling narrative is perfect for those interested in history, espionage, and the untold stories of wartime heroes.

Vivid, honest, inspiring and sometimes shocking, Pippa Latour's memoir shows how right the SOE were to assess her as having 'tons of guts'. The Last Secret Agent provides an important and compelling contribution to the record of women's active service behind enemy lines in the Second World War. * Clare Mulley *
This memoir of the last SOE F section agent Pippa Latour is vivid and vibrant. Her own words echo with resonance across the pages, punctuated with historical context and fact. Pippa's story will remain in the hearts and minds of readers for a long time, keeping her memory very much alive. * Kate Vigurs, author of Mission France: The True History of the Women of SOE *
A rare glimpse into the life of the last surviving SOE agent to have seen action behind enemy lines in France. Pippa's story is one of immense courage and personal sacrifice... a truly gripping and remarkable wartime service. * Helen Fry, author of 'Women in Intelligence' *
Extraordinary... enthralling. We may think we have read all we need to about the Second World War's secret war, but despite an army of histories and fine biographies, Latour's account is the only first-person memoir we have by a female agent within it. It's also almost certainly the last, as she was the only surviving France Section SOE agent - sent to "set Europe ablaze" - until recently, dying a year ago after finishing her book, aged 102. A darkly moving, marvellously detailed book. * The Telegraph *
Compulsively readable... a brilliant book. * Mail On Sunday *

ISBN: 9781800962774

Dimensions: 238mm x 160mm x 32mm

Weight: 480g

288 pages