What will you learn from this book
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Background and Early Life: The biography delves into Noor Inayat Khan's background and upbringing, detailing her multicultural heritage as the daughter of an Indian Sufi mystic and an American mother.
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Education and Training: Noor's education and training in music, literature, and philosophy are explored, highlighting her intellectual pursuits and artistic talents before the outbreak of World War II.
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Involvement in the War Effort: The book discusses Noor's decision to join the war effort against Nazi Germany, motivated by a sense of duty and a desire to combat oppression and injustice.
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Special Operations Executive (SOE): Noor's recruitment and training as a wireless operator for the SOE, a secret British intelligence organization, are detailed, showcasing her courage and determination to serve her adopted country.
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Espionage and Resistance Work: Noor's espionage and resistance work in Nazi-occupied France, where she operated under the code name "Madeleine," are chronicled, highlighting her bravery and resourcefulness in the face of grave danger.
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Betrayal and Capture: The biography recounts Noor's betrayal and eventual capture by the Gestapo, leading to her imprisonment and interrogation, as well as her refusal to divulge sensitive information despite torture and threats.
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Courage and Sacrifice: Noor's unwavering courage, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of adversity are celebrated, as she remained steadfast in her commitment to the Allied cause and her principles until the very end.
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Final Days and Legacy: The book explores Noor's final days in captivity, including her eventual execution at the Dachau concentration camp, and reflects on her enduring legacy as a symbol of courage, heroism, and resistance against tyranny.
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Recognition and Honors: Noor's posthumous recognition and honors, including the award of the George Cross by the British government and the establishment of memorials in her honor, are discussed, highlighting her lasting impact on history.
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Inspiration and Remembrance: Finally, "Spy Princess" serves as a tribute to Noor Inayat Khan's remarkable life and legacy, inspiring readers to remember her contributions to the Allied victory in World War II and to uphold her values of courage, integrity, and selflessness.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10 | 8174364420 |
| ISBN-13 | 9788174364425 |
| No of pages | 234 |
| Font Size | Medium |
| Book Publisher | Roli Books |
| Published Date | 01 May 2006 |
About Author
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On 13 September 1944, Noor Inayat Khan, the first female wireless operator to be flown into occupied France, was shot at Dachau. The descendant of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, Noor was born in Moscow and raised in the Sufi style of Islam. From this unlikely background she became the only Asian secret agent in Europe in World War II, was one of three women in the SOE to be awarded the George Cross and was awarded the Croix de Guerre. Shrabani Basu's new book tells the full story of this extraordinarily heroic woman.
Noor was brought up in France and Britain and joined the Red Cross when World War II broke out. But, though Sufi tradition preached non-violence, she felt that she had to do more to oppose the horrors of fascism. In Britain, Noor trained as a wireless operator before being recruited by the SOE. Such was the urgent demand for radio operators that she was sent to France before her training was completed. Working under the code name of Madeleine, she joined a group that sabotaged communication lines. But disaster struck quickly and within days her circuit collapsed and her colleagues were arrested. Though instructed by her controller, the famous Maurice Buckmaster, to return home, she refused to abandon her post as she was the last radio operator left in Paris.
For a time she successfully dodged the Gestapo, but by late 1943 her luck had run out. She was betrayed, arrested and imprisoned at Avenue Foch. Undaunted, she made two dramatic escape attempts, but was recaptured and sent to Germany. Here, she was interrogated and tortured and finally sent to Dachau, where she was shot. The Germans had learned nothing from her - not even her real name.