Gladys Arnold

I am glad I read this book. It tells the story of a Canadian hero, Gladys Arnold, who worked with the Free French during the Second World War. I am sad that, as an avid Canadian reader, I had not yet heard of Ms. Arnold.

That being said, I had mixed feelings about the book itself. I don't think it's particularly well-written. It lacks an overall frame making it little more than a collection of anecdotes with a lot of name-dropping. Including referring to women as "Mrs. John Doe" rather than as "Mary Doe" when (I guess) the husband was the important figure.

I recognize that this book was a memoir from a pre-feminist era, but given the important and courageous roles played by women, I was surprised to see stories about women noting the poor match of colours in French clothing and the statement that having her head shaved in the worst thing that can happen to a woman. Really? Worse than rape? Torture? Murder?

But on a more positive note, I can see how Ms. Arnold must have been a good journalist. She is able to capture very poignant moments, such as the story of the French resister who worried that he was teaching his children to lie and steal. She also has good insight into the challenges of really communicating with someone who hasn't endured the hardships many displaced persons suffered -- that sympathy and empathy can only take you so far when some of the horrors of war are being remembered by victims.

All in all, worth a read.… (mehr)