In the tradition of Agent Zigzag comes this breathtaking biography, as fast-paced and emotionally intuitive as the very best spy thrillers, which illuminates an unsung hero of the French Resistance during World War IIRobert de La Rochefoucald, an aristocrat turned anti-Nazi saboteurand his daring exploits as a rsistant trained by Britains Special Operations Executive.
A scion of one of the most storied families in France, Robert de La Rochefoucald was raised in magnificent chateaux and educated in Europe’s finest schools. When the Nazis invaded and imprisoned his father, La Rochefoucald escaped to England and learned the dark arts of anarchy and combatcracking safes and planting bombs and killing with his bare handsfrom the officers of Special Operations Executive, the collection of British spies, beloved by Winston Churchill, who altered the war in Europe with tactics that earned it notoriety as the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. With his newfound skills, La Rochefoucauld returned to France and organized Resistance cells, blew up fortified compounds and munitions factories, interfered with Germans war-time missions, and executed Nazi officers. Caught by the Germans, La Rochefoucald withstood months of torture without cracking, and escaped his own death, not once but twice.
The Saboteur recounts La Rochefoucaulds enthralling adventures, from jumping from a moving truck on his way to his execution to stealing Nazi limos to dressing up in a nuns habitone of his many disguises and impersonations. Whatever the mission, whatever the dire circumstance, La Rochefoucauld acquitted himself nobly, with the straight-back aplomb of a man of aristocratic breeding: James Bond before Ian Fleming conjured him.
More than just a fast-paced, true thriller, The Saboteur is also a deep dive into an endlessly fascinating historical moment, telling the untold story of a network of commandos that battled evil, bravely worked to change the course of history, and inspired the creation of Americas own Central Intelligence Agency.
Uncover the gripping true story of Robert de La Rochefoucald, a French aristocrat who became an unlikely hero of the French Resistance in Paul Kix's thrilling biography, *The Saboteur*. This paperback edition plunges you into the heart of World War II, revealing the daring exploits of a man transformed from privileged nobleman to hardened anti-Nazi saboteur. Forget James Bond this is the real deal. La Rochefoucald's journey is one of unimaginable bravery and cunning. Raised in opulent chateaux and educated in Europe's finest schools, his life took a dramatic turn when the Nazis invaded France and imprisoned his father. Driven by a burning desire for revenge and liberation, he escaped to England and underwent rigorous training with the Special Operations Executive (SOE), the infamous "Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" championed by Winston Churchill. Here, he mastered the deadly arts of sabotage, learning how to crack safes, plant explosives, and even kill with his bare hands. *The Saboteur* paints a vivid picture of La Rochefoucald's transformation. Imagine him returning to occupied France, a shadow warrior orchestrating daring raids against the Nazi war machine. He organized Resistance cells, blew up strategic infrastructure, disrupted German missions, and eliminated key Nazi officers. The book details the relentless pressure he faced, including brutal torture at the hands of the Gestapo. But even in the face of unimaginable suffering, La Rochefoucald refused to break, escaping death not once, but twice, displaying an unwavering commitment to his cause. Beyond the thrilling action, Kix delves into the psychological complexities of La Rochefoucald. He was a man of immense privilege who willingly embraced danger and hardship for the sake of his country. The book explores the motivations that drove him, his inner conflicts, and the impact of his experiences on his life. It's a character study as much as it is a war story. Kixs meticulous research brings this untold story to life. He draws upon previously unreleased documents and firsthand accounts to provide an authentic and compelling narrative. Readers are transported to the dangerous world of occupied France, experiencing the constant fear and uncertainty faced by the Resistance fighters. You'll feel the adrenaline rush of each mission, the heartbreak of loss, and the unwavering determination of those who fought for freedom. Many have lauded Kix's meticulous research and compelling narrative style. This book has drawn comparisons to Ben Macintyre's *Agent Zigzag*, and is praised for its fast-paced narrative, and the insight it offers into the world of espionage and resistance. Some reviewers note that Kix successfully manages to create a page-turner that is also historically accurate. Readers describe the book as "unputdownable," "riveting," and "a must-read for history buffs and thriller fans alike." Its a story of courage, resilience, and the extraordinary acts of ordinary people in the face of evil. This edition from William Collins, published in 2019, contains 304 pages that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. *The Saboteur* is more than just a biography; it's a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail. Perfect for fans of World War II history, espionage thrillers, and stories of extraordinary courage. Add *The Saboteur* to your collection today and discover the untold story of a true hero.