My Story: Noor-Un-Nissa Inayat Khan

This book tells the true story of Noor Inayat Khan, who was recruited as a secret agent by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War Two. With dual Indian and American heritage, Noor was educated in Paris before escaping to Britain with her family when France fell.x Keen to help with the fight to free France, she was pleased to be recruited to work in occupied France because of her fluent French and was trained as a wireless operator. Eventually betrayed, captured and executed, Noor has been remembered posthumously with awards including the George Cross and the Croix de Guerre.

Written as a first-person narrative, the book takes us through key events leading to Noor’s recruitment, training and operations including her eventual capture and experience as a prisoner. Detail conveys the excitement, danger and bravery of the enterprise including her training, the secrecy and making contact with fellow operatives. Her inner tensions are explored, whether or not to leave her mother (her Amma) who worries so much about her safety and how her beloved father’s admiration for Ghandi and belief in quiet resistance equates with the active combat she becomes involved in.

Extra features such as a list of the Morse Code alphabet invite young readers to have a go at tapping out their own messages and there is also a list of important dates at the back of the book. Her talents beyond her language skills and speedy wireless operation are indicated – she was a gifted writer for children before the war and may have returned to this if she had survived.

This book helps to highlight the role of women and individuals of BAME heritage in active service during the World Wars, bringing their often untold or uncelebrated stories to life.