Propaanda Girls by Lisa Rogak

 Propaganda Girls

Book Summary

The incredible untold story of four women who helped win WWII by generating a wave of black propaganda.

Betty MacDonald was a 28-year-old reporter from Hawaii. Zuzka Lauwers grew up in a tiny Czechoslovakian village and knew five languages by the time she was 21. Jane Smith-Hutton was the wife of a naval attaché living in Tokyo. Marlene Dietrich, the German-American actress and singer, was of course one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. These four women, each fascinating in her own right, together contributed to one of the most covert and successful military campaigns in WWII.

Marlene Dietrich helped off ship by soldiers

As members of the OSS, their task was to create a secret brand of propaganda produced with the sole aim to break the morale of Axis soldiers. Working in the European theater, across enemy lines in occupied China, and in Washington, D.C., Betty, Zuzka, Jane, and Marlene forged letters and “official” military orders, wrote and produced entire newspapers, scripted radio broadcasts and songs, and even developed rumors for undercover spies and double agents to spread to the enemy. And outside of a small group of spies, no one knew they existed. Until now.

In Propaganda Girls, bestselling author Lisa Rogak brings to vivid life the incredible true story of four unsung heroes, whose spellbinding achievements would change the course of history.

Hitler Toilet Paper (World War II)

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading Propaganda Girls by Lisa Rogak.  I found the story to be interesting and easy to read.  I could tell that the author did her research.  I was happy to discover that the book was not dry.  The book is told from four women’s point-of-view who served in the OSS during World War II.  The work that Betty MacDonald, Zuzka Lauwers, Jane Smith-Hutton, and Marlene Dietrich did to aid the war effort was fascinating. They worked to undermine the morale of Axis soldiers. It is shame that they did not receive the same pay, rank, or acknowledgement as men.  Jane, Betty, and Zuzka’s contributions were just as important as Marlene Dietrich’s. The women were clever, and they came up with unique ideas.  Those curious about inimitable jobs women did during World War II will enjoy Propaganda Girls.

Propaganda Girls is available from Amazon.  You can find Lisa Rogak's other books here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I have been doing work in my garden.  It is currently overflowing with California Poppy's (pretty orange blossoms).  I know they will die out when the heat appears (which will be soon), so I am spreading other seeds throughout my raised planters (cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, coleus, daisies--to name a few). I am also laying a soaking hose throughout the planters (plus cleaning out the dead plants and clipping off dead limbs).  I will just need to turn on the hose and my flowers will be watered without me standing out there holding the hose.  I hope next year to have other varieties of poppies.  I planted about seven different varieties, but they will not appear for another year. 

I will return tomorrow with A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham.  I am off to put together a welcome basket for my newest neighbor.  He moved in a few days ago, and I want to give him a warm welcome to the village (I do it anonymously by leaving a gift bag on his doorknob). I hope that you have a glorious day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.