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Spy Princess

The Life of Noor Inayat Khan

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About this listen

This is the riveting story of Noor Inayat Khan, the descendant of an Indian Prince Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, who became a British secret agent for SOE during World War II. Born into an illustrious Indian family in 1914 and brought up in the non-violent Sufi religion, Noor seemed an unlikely secret agent. Yet she became the first female radio operator to be landed in enemy-occupied France, and refused to abandon her post in Paris in 1943, continuing her work under extremely dangerous circumstances.

Shrabani Basu tells the moving story of Noor's life from her birth in Moscow - where her father was a Sufi preacher - to her capture by the Germans. Noor was one of only three women SOE awarded the George Cross and, under torture, revealed nothing but her name - but not her real name, nor her code name, just the name she used to register at SOE: Nora Baker.

Kept in solitary confinement, chained between hand and feet, and unable to walk upright, Noor existed on bowls of soup made from potato peelings. Ten months after she was captured, she was taken to Dachau and, on September 13, 1944, she was shot. Her last word was "Liberte".

©2006, 2008 Shrabani Basu (P)2021 Tantor Freedom & Security Military Military & War Political Science Politics & Government Women World War II Espionage War British History
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Wonderfully read audiobook! Memorable and Inspirational. What an example of bravery set by this young woman.

A moving tale of Heroism and sacrifice!

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I have read several books about Noor and this one fills in some some important gaps. Long may what we owe to this heroine and the other girls of SOE be remembered.

A beautifully written account of a brave young woman

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This is a brilliant book about a sad yet important and poignant tale. A remarkable woman who we must remember.

A Moving and Inspiring Story

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A fantastic life story of a real heroine. Some or parts of which I have read/listened in other books pertaining to SOE. This book delves further into her life and uncovers more detail. Superbly narrated and researched.

A real heroine.

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Glued to the last words! Impressed with the story and style of the narrator. Few tears at the end as well.

Brilliant

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