Violette Szabó GC, a Special Operations Executive agent of World War II, of whom Odette Churchill said "she was the bravest of us all", is finally and uniquely to have her story told by her daughter, Tania.
The long awaited book Young Brave & Beautiful (Channel Island Publishing) by Tania Szabó will be launched on Thursday 15th November 2007 at Jersey War Tunnels in the presence of His Excellency, Lieutenant General Andrew Ridgway, CB, CBE, the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey.
The book, at all times stirring and, at times heart-rending, reconstructs the two missions of Tania's mother Violette in Nazi controlled France. With wonderful insight, it brings to life the trials of being an average Frenchman or woman living under the oppressive yoke of the German Gestapo and their willing acolytes, the French Milice.
Violette’s bravery brought her French and British military honours including the George Cross awarded to her posthumously and presented to Tania at Buckingham Palace, at the age of 4, by King George VI.
Being of such brave and captivating character, unsurprisingly accounts of Violette life have been included in many other interpretations in the past to include the Virginia McKenna motion picture ‘Carve Her Name With Pride’. However, her story has never been told in full and with as much accuracy and poignancy as her daughter delivers in Young Brave and Beautiful.
Jersey War Tunnels, Chief Executive, Paul Simmonds, commented:
“We are honoured to host this very special occasion, it is the first time that a such a comprehensive and accurate account of Violette Szabó’s life has been told and by the only person who could tell it, her daughter, Tania.”
The book has already sparked local and national interest and best-selling author, Jack Higgins, who is resident in Jersey, has offered his support by writing the Foreword.
Following the private launch, Tania will personally be signing copies of her book throughout the weekend of 17 & 18 November exclusively at Jersey War Tunnels where a permanent reminder of her mother’s heroic life is detailed within the ‘Captive Island’ exhibition.
First edition copies of the book are available via mail order from the Jersey War Tunnels. Call: 01534 860808 or visit their website: www.jerseywartunnels.com
To arrange interviews, reviews and picture opportunities please contact Natasha Egré, Image Public Relations, tel: 01534 734444
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