This one is based on another biography from the times 100 women list in the past century. What drew me to the initial premise of her story was her role in WW2 and my curiosities to the history of this era. What kept me captivated by the book, “A woman of no importance” was how this story was one of perseverance and resilience despite Virginia’s experiences of rejection and discrimination. As might be the theme of many of the books that draw me in, they help me reflect on many of the privileges I have today because of the work of many women that came before me.
A major theme of the book was about how “adversity, rejection and suffering can sometimes turn, in the end, into resolve and ultimately triumph”, and “how the desperate urgencies of war can perversely open up opportunities that normal life tragically keeps closed”. Beautiful stories can sometimes emerge from conflict, but it makes me wonder if survival bias only highlights the stories where the hero or heroine prevails. For every story that completes the hero’s journey, how many of the would-be heroes/heroines have perished in defeat? I think history may have left out that context, if only that the tragedies would not provide the sort of escapism we seek from them.
authority, competence charisma… and selflessness
Regardless, it was admirable that Virginia herself didn’t succumb to fear and racism despite the obstacles she faced. Perhaps her disadvantages were turned into strengths creating the kinds of close-knit relationships she had along with other unassuming people. These relationships formed the “secret army” , a different strategy that conventional ones in those times, and it’s one that would not have been established by anyone with more assumed “importance”. These tactics later formed the methods of espionage in succeeding wars, arguably innovations in this field, and yet it took much longer for her to gain recognition for them. There is a lot of irony to these stories.
It’s worth calling out that among her descriptors of authority, competence and charisma, that what truly set her apart was her selflessness. The backdrop of WW2 was filled with people having the first 3, but it was Virginia that could empathize with soldiers, doctors, prisoners, sex workers and lay people alike.
Professional frustration and unfulfilled ambition
Virginia’s story was not without some tragedies. Despite her constant successes as a field agent and contributions to the field of espionage, many chapters in the book have honed in on her frustrations on gaining equivalent military rank - some statuses she needed for the jobs she had to do.
These episodes were contrasted by moments where her sponsors expressed confidence in her judgment, giving her the opportunities to succeed where it was necessary and crucial.
…and again later on after the war where she fell back to the bureaucracies of government agencies, unable to get titles, recognitions or assignments in places where she rightfully belonged. Despite her remarkable talents and accomplishments as a spy and resistance leader, Virginia experienced being limited by her circumstances and ones that no amount of grit can overcome. It has made me reflect on the tensions between the individuals and systems, and how systemic shortcomings may not always be overcome by individuals.
I am glad the book came out, if only for someone like me to appreciate the future that has been created by heroines like her. Later on, she was able to get the recognition she rightfully deserved, and I wonder if she thinks that would be enough.