About the Author

Giles Whittell is a leader- and feature-writer for ‘The Times’ and was previously the paper’s correspondent in Los Angeles and Moscow. His other books include ‘Lambada Country’ and ‘Extreme Continental’, describing his travels by bike and motorbike through Eastern Europe and Central Asia during the collapse of the Soviet Union. He lives in London with his wife and three sons.

Reviews

‘Thrilling…I love this kind of book.’ Times ‘Some of the Air Transport Auxiliary's female pilots may have objected to being called “tough” simply because they were women – but they were as tough as nails all the same, as this superb account makes clear. They flew unarmed, without instruments, in atrocious weather, and hardly paused to grieve when their comrades started crashing into hillsides. At long last these magnificent women have the tribute they deserve.' Sir Ranulph Fiennes ‘Impeccably researched and written…and absorbing.’ Times ‘Books of the Year’ ‘The strength of Whittell's book is as a collection of stories of unusual young women living colourful loves and doing skilled, resourceful, brave and risky work, which cost sixteen of them their lives.’ TLS ‘[a] most engaging book…[with] intensely human stories. Whittell tells the story with suspense, perfect context and technical detail. It is quite impossible to read Whittell's book without emotional engagement…one is all but overwhelmed by the sense of utter admiration. And of gratitude, indeed.’ Times ‘An eye–opening and at times very moving illustration of the courage and sacrifice of women who deserve to be remembered alongside their more celebrated male counterparts.’ Literary Review ‘The breadth of Whittell's research leaps of the page in telling encounters with the now–aged survivors’ The Scotsman 'Extraordinary stories of women who had little fear and minimal concern for the enormous step they were taking in banging “Good grief, it's a girl!” condescension on the head.' Good Housekeeping