 |
Code Name Helene |
by Ariel Lawhon |
 |
Discussion Questions |
1. Nancy's argument with her Hearst editor takes place in 1936, but is probably not all that different from challenges that face women in the workforce today. We later learn that Nancy agreed was told that her work for Hearst would be published without not carry a byline...unless she took a male pen name, which she refused to do. What would you have done? 2. "Men don't know what to do with a woman who can clip her own cigar." What are the implications of Stephanie's statement? And does it still hold true today? 3. Nancy is accused of using "profanity as a weapon" to gain her male colleagues' respect. Do you think this is true? 4. What are your thoughts regarding the shift of perspective from first person to third person? Did it result in a more multi-dimensional portrait of Nancy? 5. Discuss the shift back and forth in time between Nancy's life before and during the war. Did it give you a different view at the ways in which war alters lives, both great and small? 6. "The thing about lipstick, the reason it's so powerful, is that it is distracting." Nancy's beloved red lipstick also gives her confidence. Is there a product or accessory that does something similar for you? 7. Had you heard of Nancy Wake prior to reading Code Name Helene? Did the novel inspire you to learn more about her? 8. Did the dynamic of Nancy and Henri's relationship surprise you? In what ways does it differ from other stories of love in wartime that you have read before? 9. The consequences of Marceline's betrayal are staggering. Do you think her obsession with Henri is the only reason for her choices? Or is her decision deeper and more complex? 10. Nancy's trek across the Pyrenees and her 72-hour bike ride are harrowing. Her grit and stamina are awe-inspiring. Do you think you could endure the physical and mental stress of such a journey? 11 12. If Code Name Helene were made into a movie, who would you like to see cast in the roles of Nancy and Henri? 13. Did you read the Author's Note before or after finishing the novel? How did it change your feelings about the novel? Discussion questions by the publisher
Book Club Talking Points:
This is the story of an incredible woman and her brave contribution to fighting the war against Nazis. Nancy literally fights for what she believes in - she becomes a resistance fighter. She smuggles documents and people across borders. She loves deeply and makes a lot of sacrifices, vowing to do something about the atrocities of war she witnesses. |
|
 |
Explore 4+ years of curated picks that actually spark a conversation.
|
More Must-Read Books |
 Daughters of the Sun and Moon By Lisa See
Beloved New York Times bestselling author Lisa See draws on the vibrancy and turmoil of post-Civil War Los Angeles to tell the story of three Chinese women who managed to survive and, eventually, thrive, despite all odds. ...More
|
 The Book Witch By Meg Shaffer She can hop into any novel, she just can't stay there. Come along with the book witch in this magical and inspiring love letter to reading from the USA Today bestselling author of The Wishing Game ... More
|
 Keeper of Lost Children By Sadeqa Johnson
In this new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve, one American woman's vision in post WWII Germany will tie together three people in an unexpected way....More
|
 My Husband's Wife By Alice Feeney The New York Times bestselling Queen of Twists is back with a psychological masterpiece that will leave you questioning everything you know about love, identity, and revenge. By the author of His & Hers, now a #1 Netflix show!... More
|
You May Also Like: |
|
Visit Our Blog |
 |
Most Antipipated Books of 2026 ..... Our Favorites.
|
|
|
