Story Café Special: Sonia Purnell

Prepare to be dazzled by the epic, untold story of Virginia Hall, a fearless American woman who infiltrated wartime France to become the Gestapo’s most wanted Allied Spy.   Her name remains virtually unknown today, but acclaimed author, journalist and broadcaster Sonia Purnell finally brings this extraordinary figure out from the shadows, with her new book, A woman of no importance.

Story Café Special: Sonia Purnell, Thursday 2nd May, 12.30pm to 2.30pm, £2/Free

Through sheer courage and ingenuity, Virginia Hall became one of the Second World War’s greatest secret agents. Pursued by the Gestapo, the Abwehr and a priest who betrayed her, she escaped over the Pyrenees in winter only to return to the field in disguise to lead a guerrilla campaign against the Nazis around D-Day. Secretly decorated by a British King and an American President, she never talked of her exploits right up to her death in 1982.

This is an astounding account of courageous resistance, ingenious spycraft and triumph over prejudice.

Story Cafe is great if you’re new to reading, are struggling to find the time to read, or just want to sit back, relax and enjoy listening to stories and poems being read aloud. It is the perfect way to try new types of writing, and it’s also a brilliant way to meet new people! We love to see new faces around the table, so top up your cuppa and become part of the story. Packed lunches welcome!

Booking

This workshop is for women only* and costs £2 full price. We offer free subsidised places for students, people on a low income, unemployed or those in receipt of benefit and Friends of GWL. Please book below or you can call us on 0141 550 2267. If you have booked a place and are no longer able to attend please let us know so that we can make your place available to someone else.

*All women-only events are inclusive of Trans and Intersex women, as well as non-binary and gender fluid people.

Accessibility

Glasgow Women’s Library is wheelchair accessible, with lifts to the first floor and the Mezzanine Floor. We have accessible toilets and all the bathrooms are individual closed stalls and are gender neutral. Our larger Events Space is fitted with an induction loop. A portable induction loop is also available. For paid events free companion tickets are available.

Find more information on Accessibility at GWL or contact us and we will be very happy to offer assistance.