A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of Virginia Hall, WWII’s Most Dangerous Spy

Edwin—known to Virginia as Ned—was Virginia’s father. He died of a heart attack at the age of 59. He was devoted to Virginia and always indulged her adventurous streak. When he died, the family lost much of its fortune, and Virginia lost one of her greatest supporters. However, in the aftermath of Virginia’s hunting accident, Ned appeared to her in a dream and told her that she must survive. The vision would sustain her through some of her greatest challenges.

Barbara was Virginia’s mother. She was a status-conscious socialite who encouraged Virginia to marry into money and uphold the social conventions of the time. She did not understand Virginia’s defiance and need for adventure. When Virginia returned from the war, Barbara was cold to her romantic partner, Paul. Her judgmental nature prompted the otherwise independent Virginia to hide her relationship with Paul.

Bodington was a “senior officer in the independent French or F section of a new and controversial British Secret Service” (28). Bodington was frustrated by the agency’s inability to place a successful agent behind enemy lines. He recommended Virginia for a mission and was largely responsible for her initial opportunities.

Code name: Pépin

Rousset was a gynecologist whom Virginia recruited for her network. He was brave and clever, using his position treating prostitutes to infect Nazi soldiers with sexually transmitted diseases (he provided women infected with STDs cards claiming they were not). He was eventually caught and sent to a concentration camp, but he survived.

Barbie was one of the Nazis’ most brutal torturers, known as the “Butcher of Lyon” (178). Once he learned of Virginia’s existence and successes, he became obsessed with finding and stopping her. He did not succeed, and he was eventually sentenced to life imprisonment, dying in 1991.

Paul was an OSS agent who fell in love with Virginia. He was charming, funny, lighthearted, and showed her the respect due her rank and experience. They married in 1957.

Code name: Bishop

Alesch was a German agent who posed as a priest in Lyon, deceiving Virginia and many others. Purnell depicts him as a foil to Virginia’s efforts in the war; he was ruthless, cunning, and as adept at deception as she was. Alesch had more success undermining Virginia’s agents and work than anyone. He was eventually caught and executed by firing squad.