Did She or Didn't She
This book raises the question of Mata Hari's guilt as a spy or a victim of circumstance. Yannick Murphy captures the essence of this woman from her early life with an abusive cold husband to the loss of her children and writes in a poetic fashion that makes you want to believe what Mata Hari tells us. The book richly introduces characters who make an imprint on Mata Hari's life and lead her away from the life she loved and into a sad desperate struggle for survival.
Rated of 5
by Carole (Upper Marlboro MD)
Spy Stories
Murphy, in her lyrical language, short chapters, and changing points of view, spins multiple stories and introduces the reader to a fascinating array of characters -- foremost, the complex and complicated Mata Hari. I enjoyed the book and loved the mythical stories Mata Hari told and wrote to her children.
Rated of 5
by Patricia (Lawrence KS)
Signed Mata Hari
I thouroughly enjoyed this book. The 'short' James Patterson type chapters made for easy reading. Getting a glimpse into the life of Mata Hari makes one realize she is so much more than just a spy! The descriptions of Java, and the countries she traveled, gave me a clear visual of the colors, sounds, and feels of those lands.
Rated of 5
by Pamela (Grants Pass OR)
Signed, Mata Hari
I am very impressed with the author. From the beginning, I loved the lyrical language and the character that she was able to flesh out. I knew nothing about Mata Hari, which drew me to the book. With the short chapters, it made it easier for me to pick up and put down at this busy time of year. But I found myself not wanting to put it down at all. As she tells her stories, you become totally hypnotized by this woman. If you want to learn a little, be entertained and find out what lyrical really means, pick up this book!
Rated of 5
by Rosemary (San Antonio TX)
Signed, Mata Hari
At first I found the novel confusing until I started sorting out the characters. The author is very effective in switching from the past to the present and her writing style is delightful. By the end of the book you feel as if you have an insight into Mata Hari and wonder if different circumstances would have changed the fate of her life. The author also did an excellent job of tying in the beginning of the book with the ending (edited to remove plot spoiler).
Rated of 5
by Nancy (Englewood CO)
Mata Hari
This book was a lovely surprise. I knew nothing of Mata Hari and while this is a fictionalized account of the infamous spy, I learned much about the depth of her character. The alternating chapters reveal accounts of her past and her imprisonment in France. She didn't just decide to become a spy. The evolution from Margarethe with a troubled childhood and marriage to the bold Mata Hari evokes the complexities of how individuals become who they are. While I may have thought of Mata Hari with disdain before reading this book, I now see her with great empathy and even feel a connection with her. This is a great read and I think women especially will enjoy it.
Rated of 5
by Ashley (EASTON PA)
Signed, Mata Hari: A Novel
With short chapters and a flowing writing style, Murphy's newest novel is an easy read. I found myself instantly engaged with the life of Mata Hari, the German spy during World War II. It was interesting to read about Mata Hari's life before she became a spy. However, the novel becomes confusing because during the switch of chapters, the author changes the point of view from Mata Hari's first person, to third person and finally to "You," putting the reader into the story. I found this hard to follow at times during the beginning of the novel. Although, the end was a wonderful wrap-up to the story, showing stories from Anna Lintjens, Mata Hari's maid, her daughter, and one of the guards at the prison. Over all, it was definitely worth the read and I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in a fictional biography.
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by Shirley (Franksville WI)
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by Ashley (EASTON PA)
