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The War We Won Apart: The Untold Story of Two Elite Agents Who Became One of the Most Decorated Couples of WWII
Love, betrayal, and a secret the untold story of two elite agents, one Canadian, one British, who became one of the most decorated couples of WWII.
On opposite sides of the pond, Sonia Butt, an adventurous young British woman, and Guy d’Artois, a French-Canadian soldier and thunderstorm of a man, are preparing for war.
From different worlds, their lives first intersect during clandestine training to become agents with Winston Churchill’s secret army, the Special Operations Executive. As the world’s deadliest conflict to date unfolds, Sonia and Guy learn how to parachute into enemy territory, how to kill, blow up rail lines, and eventually . . . how to love each other. But not long after their hasty marriage, their love is tested by separation, by a titanic invasion—and by indiscretion.
Writing in vivid, heart-stopping prose, Ayed follows Sonia as she plunges into Nazi-occupied France and slinks into black market restaurants to throw off occupying Nazi forces, while at the same time participating in sabotage operations against them; and as Guy, in another corner of France, trains hundreds into a resistance army.
Reconstructed from hours of unpublished interviews and hundreds of archival and personal documents, the story Ayed tells is about the ravaging costs of war paid for disproportionately by the young. But more than anything, The War We Won Apart is a story about two secret agents who were supposed to land in enemy territory together, but were fated to fight the war apart.
On opposite sides of the pond, Sonia Butt, an adventurous young British woman, and Guy d’Artois, a French-Canadian soldier and thunderstorm of a man, are preparing for war.
From different worlds, their lives first intersect during clandestine training to become agents with Winston Churchill’s secret army, the Special Operations Executive. As the world’s deadliest conflict to date unfolds, Sonia and Guy learn how to parachute into enemy territory, how to kill, blow up rail lines, and eventually . . . how to love each other. But not long after their hasty marriage, their love is tested by separation, by a titanic invasion—and by indiscretion.
Writing in vivid, heart-stopping prose, Ayed follows Sonia as she plunges into Nazi-occupied France and slinks into black market restaurants to throw off occupying Nazi forces, while at the same time participating in sabotage operations against them; and as Guy, in another corner of France, trains hundreds into a resistance army.
Reconstructed from hours of unpublished interviews and hundreds of archival and personal documents, the story Ayed tells is about the ravaging costs of war paid for disproportionately by the young. But more than anything, The War We Won Apart is a story about two secret agents who were supposed to land in enemy territory together, but were fated to fight the war apart.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 5, 2024
Relationships are complicated. They are even more complicated when both people are spies during World War II. This is the case for the couple in Nahlah Ayed's The War We Won Apart.
I am disappointed to say this book missed the mark for me. Ayed's prose is quite good but the story and the framing around it really lets the reader down. A technical but confusing aspect is the timeline of the book. The middle sections focus on when our main characters are dropped into occupied France. Ayed tells a lot of story (and side characters) in a relatively short amount of time. It throws off the timescale and we never really get time to sit with characters. The book is basically cut up into thirds which cover the early lives and military training of our protagonists, then World War II activities, and then their married lives after the war. This book is marketed as a World War II spy book and there is not enough of it.
The other negative aspect of the story may be just a "me" problem, but here goes. Without going into too many specifics, the love story between the two main characters suffers badly because of a love triangle. While you know that they couple stays together, the documented reason why they did is one of the most insulting I ever heard. After that, I had a hard time being invested in them as a couple and there was still half the book to go.
Ultimately, Ayed is a good writer, but this story needed to be told differently to minimize some rough edges. There is a lot of great World War II spy literature and, unfortunately, this one does not measure up.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)
I am disappointed to say this book missed the mark for me. Ayed's prose is quite good but the story and the framing around it really lets the reader down. A technical but confusing aspect is the timeline of the book. The middle sections focus on when our main characters are dropped into occupied France. Ayed tells a lot of story (and side characters) in a relatively short amount of time. It throws off the timescale and we never really get time to sit with characters. The book is basically cut up into thirds which cover the early lives and military training of our protagonists, then World War II activities, and then their married lives after the war. This book is marketed as a World War II spy book and there is not enough of it.
The other negative aspect of the story may be just a "me" problem, but here goes. Without going into too many specifics, the love story between the two main characters suffers badly because of a love triangle. While you know that they couple stays together, the documented reason why they did is one of the most insulting I ever heard. After that, I had a hard time being invested in them as a couple and there was still half the book to go.
Ultimately, Ayed is a good writer, but this story needed to be told differently to minimize some rough edges. There is a lot of great World War II spy literature and, unfortunately, this one does not measure up.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)
August 25, 2024
I was disappointed in the book. I did not expect the journalistic style of writing.
July 15, 2024
3.5 stars
Well-researched and readable, but I kept asking myself why did Ayed choose to write about these two people.
Some of the book is interesting to read in our polarized context:
“Did we really need to kill each other? Did we change anything at all?…We fought in pursuit of an ideal…[and] you have to wonder whether the fight, and the loss of life, were worth it when we seem to be in an even greater state of decline today.
“We’ve never achieved a just society, so we’ve justified the use of force instead” (291).
Also, Ayed captures what it’s like after the war is over:
“[You’re] only really welcome there until the war ends, and then you’re likely to become a footnote to history” (210-211).
“And for many who survived it had been forty years of recovery, of tears, of ailments, of occasional triumph, and of the many disappointments of an ordinary life. They would never wish for war to return, but they could never really get beyond it.”
Well-researched and readable, but I kept asking myself why did Ayed choose to write about these two people.
Some of the book is interesting to read in our polarized context:
“Did we really need to kill each other? Did we change anything at all?…We fought in pursuit of an ideal…[and] you have to wonder whether the fight, and the loss of life, were worth it when we seem to be in an even greater state of decline today.
“We’ve never achieved a just society, so we’ve justified the use of force instead” (291).
Also, Ayed captures what it’s like after the war is over:
“[You’re] only really welcome there until the war ends, and then you’re likely to become a footnote to history” (210-211).
“And for many who survived it had been forty years of recovery, of tears, of ailments, of occasional triumph, and of the many disappointments of an ordinary life. They would never wish for war to return, but they could never really get beyond it.”
June 14, 2024
Loved her first book. Love her on my radio. Loved this book also.
Firstly, this is a story in all sense of the word. It flows and captivates like fiction - but it’s real. This is a real spy thriller!
Secondly, while the e-book clocks in at 406 pages, the ‘story’ actually ends on page 324. That last (almost) 100 pages are her notes and sources and bibliography… fascinating in and of themself.
Thirdly, this speaks to the importance of international coalitions. No more need be said about that!
Fourthly this celebrates the gumption and success of everyday people. Guy, and Sonia, and all of the others involved here were anything but privileged and their successes were a result of collective community action.
Fifthly, this is a deeply personal story. Guy and Sonia - and everyone else - are ‘real’ people - characters who come to life on the page and whom you feel you know, like neighbours. Everyone - anyone - could be - is/was! - the person you live next door to… or indeed, yourself.
Sixthly, this is an important piece of setting the record straight as it relates to the historical involvement of women in war.
Lastly, though there are likely additional reasons I could think of if I had time to think longer about this, is that the ‘work’ that is explored here was all building up to D-Day. Without the efforts of people like Guy and Sonia - and everyone else!! - D-Day would not - could not - have succeeded. Given that we just ‘celebrated’ the 80th anniversary of D-Day last week - this feels entirely fitting.
Think back to all of the media around D-Day recently. How much did you hear/see about the resistance fighters? Or any of the ‘behind the scenes’ efforts - the planning, preparation and infiltration - that laid the ground work for the actual ‘attack’ to be able to be successful? Exactly - nothing!
Highly recommended.
Firstly, this is a story in all sense of the word. It flows and captivates like fiction - but it’s real. This is a real spy thriller!
Secondly, while the e-book clocks in at 406 pages, the ‘story’ actually ends on page 324. That last (almost) 100 pages are her notes and sources and bibliography… fascinating in and of themself.
Thirdly, this speaks to the importance of international coalitions. No more need be said about that!
Fourthly this celebrates the gumption and success of everyday people. Guy, and Sonia, and all of the others involved here were anything but privileged and their successes were a result of collective community action.
Fifthly, this is a deeply personal story. Guy and Sonia - and everyone else - are ‘real’ people - characters who come to life on the page and whom you feel you know, like neighbours. Everyone - anyone - could be - is/was! - the person you live next door to… or indeed, yourself.
Sixthly, this is an important piece of setting the record straight as it relates to the historical involvement of women in war.
Lastly, though there are likely additional reasons I could think of if I had time to think longer about this, is that the ‘work’ that is explored here was all building up to D-Day. Without the efforts of people like Guy and Sonia - and everyone else!! - D-Day would not - could not - have succeeded. Given that we just ‘celebrated’ the 80th anniversary of D-Day last week - this feels entirely fitting.
Think back to all of the media around D-Day recently. How much did you hear/see about the resistance fighters? Or any of the ‘behind the scenes’ efforts - the planning, preparation and infiltration - that laid the ground work for the actual ‘attack’ to be able to be successful? Exactly - nothing!
Highly recommended.
August 20, 2024
Fascinating story. Perhaps a tiny bit more editing.
July 13, 2024
I’m incredibly mixed on this one. The story itself was interesting, but the writing was pretty subpar. It seemed conflicted what style of narration it wanted to use. When I read the blurb, I immediately preordered a digital copy, and basically went into this blind on author details. I really expected to get to the end and realize the writer was a family relation to Sonia or Guy d’Atois, which would have explained the overly emotional passages.
It takes a lot to build a biography, especially one two individuals who were both historically present and private. Their joint work was largely censored even after the war which limited sources, but bogging down the plain facts with an excess of names swinging in and out just slowed the pace down. After a point it felt less of a historical write up and more of something that was intended to be a very dry, flat story. Ayed dropped plenty of names with limited purpose.
There’s also a very strange way she talks around the subject of an affair. War and love aren’t easy subjects to navigate, and things happen. But: ‘she upheld a marriage some said would unravel in months’ was slapped in at the very end of this book, which is a really strange rewrite of the infidelity that Ayed brought up numerous times.
The history itself was interesting, Sonia’s life needed a spotlight. But maybe a more experienced writer could have done more for this one.
It takes a lot to build a biography, especially one two individuals who were both historically present and private. Their joint work was largely censored even after the war which limited sources, but bogging down the plain facts with an excess of names swinging in and out just slowed the pace down. After a point it felt less of a historical write up and more of something that was intended to be a very dry, flat story. Ayed dropped plenty of names with limited purpose.
There’s also a very strange way she talks around the subject of an affair. War and love aren’t easy subjects to navigate, and things happen. But: ‘she upheld a marriage some said would unravel in months’ was slapped in at the very end of this book, which is a really strange rewrite of the infidelity that Ayed brought up numerous times.
The history itself was interesting, Sonia’s life needed a spotlight. But maybe a more experienced writer could have done more for this one.
June 29, 2024
I was surprised to find myself in the middle of this book with World War II over and one the two elite agents out of the business of spying. The remainder of the book, and the most powerful social commentary in the book, is the exploration of the lives of a military family headed by Major Guy d'Artois and society's blindness to the contributions made by Sonia d'Artois, a woman who showed tremendous strength, courage and resourcefulness in an unconventional and, therefore, largely unrecognized role during the war and in the more traditional role in which she struggled after the war. The narrative in the book sometimes seems a bit jumpy, probably because of the limitations of available sources, but this is more than offset by the wealth of information about the operations of the resistance in France around the time of D-Day and by the story of a couple who, directly and indirectly, made tremendous sacrifices in the service of the country in which the husband was born and that was adopted by his war-bride wife.
July 21, 2024
The more I read about WWII, the more I realize that HP (particularly book 7) is just magical WWII. Like yes we all know that Voldemort is Hitler, but also the BBC radio show ‘ici londres’ is paralleled. And Harry camping in the woods is giving SOE, and then everyone rolls up to Paris to- I mean, Hogwarts to fight the Death Eaters.
Anyway, about the actual book: Pacing was a bit odd, but perhaps that can’t be helped with non fiction. I would’ve enjoyed more details and anecdotes from Sonia’s circuit. All in all, imminently readable and very interesting. Well written.
Anyway, about the actual book: Pacing was a bit odd, but perhaps that can’t be helped with non fiction. I would’ve enjoyed more details and anecdotes from Sonia’s circuit. All in all, imminently readable and very interesting. Well written.
August 6, 2024
Sonia, a British citizen raised in France, and Guy, a French speaking Canadian, connect in WWII as they learn spy craft and marry. Shortly afterwards they are sent behind German lines in France to help the resistance. Neither has any knowledge of how the other is doing, or even if they are alive until they connect after France is liberated. Both have near death and near enemy capture experiences.
Kudos to the author who meticulously researched both of the stories!
Kudos to the author who meticulously researched both of the stories!
June 14, 2024
It is one of the best documentary books I ever read. The main character's life were amazing and the author described them very well in exciting manner. Hope a documentary mini series come out by Netflix of Prime Video in near future.
June 26, 2024
I recommend this book. If you want the details as to why - read the five star reviews (I thing they say it all). My only disappointment, and I expected it going into the book, was I wanted more about Sonia's time in France. I imagine much of the lack of this information was Sonia's desire to stay out of the limelight afterward and the culture of the time to no have her potentially outshine her husband.
June 29, 2024
An excellent and well written account of two Resistance fighters sent from Britain behind enemy lines towards the end of WWII. What makes this story compelling is that it is about real people who risked their lives to help end the war. And it's a love story, which is very touching.
July 26, 2024
This was a well written book. The story is very interesting and makes you appreciate the dedication, effort, and courage that was in the forefront of World War 2. I didn't find Guy a very compelling person, but we sure needed his tenacity.
August 4, 2024
Hard to critique a true story. An interesting read but I did find myself wishing the story was more about Sonia than Guy. She seemed the more interesting of the two and if I’m honest he didn’t come across as very likeable.
June 28, 2024
Loved the storytelling. Easy to follow even if the scenes span across years and countries. The absurdity of Guy’s and Sonya’s lives makes you feel like you’re reading a fiction novel.
July 5, 2024
Particularly enjoyed this book as this is a true story with one of the two main characters being Canadian.
July 13, 2024
Fascinating and true account of two wartime SOE agents, who married, served the resistance without seeing each other again until the war ended, and their subsequent life together in Canada.
July 15, 2024
Great story and storytelling.
July 22, 2024
This amazing story is one that all Canadians should know about. It should be studied in history classes and the bravery and service of Guy and Sonia remembered for generations to come.
August 4, 2024
Excellent history of two WWII heroes who fought for the resistance.the author did an incredible job researching their history. Well written and unbelievable research done. Thank you Nahlah!
August 8, 2024
A very interesting true story about two young people who fall in love while acting as undercover agents near the end of WWll.
August 20, 2024
Extremely interesting as it is 100% true. I just wish the style had been less journalistic.
August 23, 2024
Intriguing story of a Canadian and Brit working for the French resistance in preparation for D Day and their life back in Canada. Carefully researched by Nahlah Ayed.
August 31, 2024
Reads more like a novel...quick paced and entertaining. Only wish there were more photos.
June 3, 2024
This is the story of Sonia Butt and Guy Artois, two SOE operatives in WW2 who fell in love and married during training only to be sent separately to Franch to work with the resistance behind German lines. Sonia was British and Guy was French Canadian. Their stories of their work in France during the war is truly astonishing and that they were both able to survive the war is truly remarkable. What I found interesting was that the Canadian and British governments wanted to sanitize their story after the war. They didn't want to admit to sending women into combat situations and they didn't want to acknowledge the barberry of the war conducted by the resistance and the Nazis. Interesting read and more so by the fact that they both settled in Canada after the war.
May 27, 2024
The War We Won Apart by Nahlah Ayed is the superbly fascinating true story of the requirements to become part of the Special Operations Executive in World War II. Two people in particular are the focus, British Sonia and Canadian Guy, who both went through rigorous mental and physical training including sabotage, parachuting and reconnaissance to determine whether they had the mettle to cope in all sorts of potential scenarios. Not only did they "pass" but they married soon after and weeks later were separated by war.
What riveted me most was the bravery and fearlessness of people who were eager to do their part in the war and the lengths they had to go through to become part of the SOE. Details such as surprise night visits to gauge reactions of the operatives and disassembling and reassembling various firearms in the dark had me utterly enthralled. Talk about adventurous and courageous! I like that the author includes quotes from instructors and others involved. The writing is very readable and gripping and enabled me to visualize what was going on, both in personal lives as well as the war.
If you are keen to learn about a completely different WWII perspective, don't miss this thoroughly-researched book.
My sincere thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing book.
What riveted me most was the bravery and fearlessness of people who were eager to do their part in the war and the lengths they had to go through to become part of the SOE. Details such as surprise night visits to gauge reactions of the operatives and disassembling and reassembling various firearms in the dark had me utterly enthralled. Talk about adventurous and courageous! I like that the author includes quotes from instructors and others involved. The writing is very readable and gripping and enabled me to visualize what was going on, both in personal lives as well as the war.
If you are keen to learn about a completely different WWII perspective, don't miss this thoroughly-researched book.
My sincere thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews