Read the USA Today bestseller from the author of Roses, a “sumptuous, full-bodied, and emotional” novel about five young spies embedded among the highest Nazi ranks in occupied Paris (Adriana Trigiani, NYT bestselling author of Tony’s Wife). At the height of World War II, a handful of idealistic young Americans receive a mysterious letter from the government, asking them if they are willing to … receive a mysterious letter from the government, asking them if they are willing to fight for their country. The men and women from very different backgrounds — a Texan athlete with German roots, an upper-crust son of a French mother and a wealthy businessman, a dirt-poor Midwestern fly fisherman, an orphaned fashion designer, and a ravishingly beautiful female fencer — all answer the call of duty, but each for a secret reason of her or his own. They bond immediately, in a group code-named Dragonfly.
I liked but kept getting confused over the code names of dragonfly participants….who each was
Loved the characters in this book. Got very invested in the outcome for all of them! Great background on OSS spy networks in WWII.
Enjoyed this book very much!
I have read all of this author’s book. All are good.
very interesting and learned a lot
Loved this Book based in Paris with 5 unlikely Americans thrown together to aid in the WWII effort against the Nazis. Great book!
DRAGONFLY by Leila Meacham is an exquisite work of historical fiction. The setting is Nazi occupied Paris. The story is touching and tender. An absolute must read.
I was absolutely stoked when I saw this book on Netgalley a few months ago. I don’t remember reading any books about a special operative team in Europe during WWII which adds to all the perspectives of this time period I’ve read!
By the end of this book, I could not put it down. I found tears spilling down my face, holding my breath to keep from ugly-crying. It’s incredibly emotional, especially after you’ve invested the time reading about the prep these individuals went through, the hardships and close calls they face, and finally, the conclusion you were hoping wouldn’t happen… or so you think.
My biggest hang-ups with the book were that there were so many people to keep track of (I was mixing them up until I was almost 60% of the way through the book) and it took me a long time to actually get into the book (I almost put it down several times, but ended up being completely immersed around 70%).
Overall, I’m giving this 3.5 out of 5 stars (rounded to four since halves aren’t an option!). It’s tough to get me emotional and the book achieved that, however, I almost DNF’ed a couple times. I’m glad I committed and stuck it out because the payoff was there.
One of my Top 5 books of 2019. Find the full review at maidamalby.com
“No one completes their missions with clean consciences.
Dirty dealing is part of the job.”
Dragonfly by Leila Meacham is a literary gem that must not be missed. The writing, the storytelling, the characters, and the plot are all deeply exquisite and will remain with you for a long time.
The five young Americans operating under the code name Dragonfly have willingly chosen to live and work in occupied Paris as spies to help thwart the dastardly efforts of Hitler and his evil regime. These five agents have been trained and given code names, and they know next to nothing about each other for safety reasons. Yet the bond they form during their training is unbreakable and timeless and absolutely beautiful. These characters often seem too good to be true, too perfect perhaps, yet that works well here because their wholesomeness and kindness are brilliantly juxtaposed with the horrors of war and the despicable actions of the Nazis and others claiming loyalty to Hitler. That contrast strengthens the idea that good really does eventually prevail and rise from the ashes of hate and misery.
The three men and two women that form Dragonfly are tasked with pulling off a feat that involves cunning, courage, subterfuge, an ingenious way to communicate with each other, and the willingness to choose death rather than betray their country, the members of Dragonfly, or the man who handpicked them for this mission, Alistair Renault. The reader knows from the beginning that one of the five is executed, but which one and why? What really happened that day when three of the other four witnessed the apparent fall of one of their own? There is more here than meets the eye, and the story that unfolds across the many chapters is a journey like no other. The characters are beguiling as the author brings them to life and makes you care about them and about several other characters orbiting around them. As the five become entrenched in their separate yet somewhat linked missions, the inevitable fate of their best laid plans starts to appear.
“Gradually, the cards begin to fall.”
And when that house of cards begins to crumble for Dragonfly, the danger and the action become almost too overwhelming, yet closing the book is not an option until that final chapter is devoured. Yes, Dragonfly is lengthy, but the story never feels too slow or even too long. The characterization drives this literary masterpiece, and the author weaves a tapestry of words that will pull you in, fully capture your heart and imagination, and then take your breath away.
Historical fiction bookshelves are filled with war stories about spies and espionage and daring escapades, and Dragonfly has all of that and more. But this story is a bit different in that while WWII is the main backdrop, the overall focus here is more on relationships, betrayal, unlikely allegiances, and hope. These young agents are engaged in a covert and treacherous battle for secrets and survival, and trust is a luxury that they can ill afford. But what if trust is the only thing that can save them?
You seriously do not want to miss this one!
Dragonfly introduces readers to five carefully selected Americans that are about to embark on an mission to fight for their country during WWII. Each of them come from different backgrounds, have different skills that will aid in the journey, but all have one common goal … to protect their country.
This sweeping historical tale comes with bits of everything to keep you engaged. There’s thrilling action to keep you on the edge of your seat, suspense and drama to keep you turning the pages, and bravery and perseverance to inspire. I loved delving into these characters lives and following them along on their courageous journey, it was downright absorbing! This beautifully penned tale is certain to be a favorite among historical fiction fans, it’s powerful words will grab you from the first paragraph and won’t let go. Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Great WWII resistance novel.
Dragonfly is a thrilling spy novel with a tender heart, a plot full of surprising twists, and a rich tapestry of historical detail. Caught up in the complexities of sympathetic characters whose divided loyalties force them to make dangerous choices, I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
Poignant, absorbing, and incredibly affecting!
Dragonfly is an immersive, suspenseful tale set in Nazi-Occupied Paris during WWII that follows five young American spies as they use their own unique skillsets to infiltrate, befriend, and acquire special intelligence from the enemy to aid Resistance and Allied Forces.
The prose is eloquent and polished. The characters are driven, courageous, and resilient. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel into a sweeping saga of life, loss, family, self-discovery, heartbreak, betrayal, determination, isolation, survival, tragedy, and friendship.
Overall, Dragonfly is an evocative, rich, beautifully written novel by Meacham that grabs you from the very first page, and is sure to be a big hit with book clubs and historical fiction fans everywhere. I absolutely devoured it, and it is hands down one of my favourite reads of the year!
Dragonfly by Leila Meacham World War II Historical Thriller Fiction. The stories of five government spies who were chosen for their special abilities. This book is hard to put down from the first few pages. I lost sleep because I could not stop reading. Wonderful realistic characters with lives that reflect the era. Everyone has secrets and there are few people worthy of trust. Suspicions are caused by the smallest details for example the nuances of behavior or language. The characters live on the edge because anyone may betray you. I loved this book for its authentic historical details, constant action, light romance and wonderful characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
This book is so good. Very moving account of 5 young Americans assigned to Nazi Paris as spies. I could not pust this book down and will be added to my favorite’s list of war historical fiction. I have loved this author’s previous books and this one did not disappoint.