Behind Enemy Lines: The True Story of a French Jewish Spy in Nazi Germany

I saw Marthe Cohn on Book TV and was inspired to buy the book. She appears to be a very tiny white haired woman, no wonder her family and friends were shocked to find out that she had been a spy for the free French and a genuine hero. She is blessed with a very sharp mind and a remarkable memory. Her story is so well written that it had me on the edge of my seat, in spite of knowing that she did indeed survive. The most telling part of the book is where she describes the paralyzing fear she felt as she was about to cross into Nazi Germany. She somehow found the courage and made the crossing many times. Petite, blond and speaking impeccable German, she was easily accepted as "Aryan", even by one Nazi officer who was sure he could "smell a Jew". She was thus able to get much vital information and saved many lives. This is a great book for anyone who likes adventure stories. The fact that it is true makes it all the more appealing. I couldn't wait to share this book.

Behind Enemy Lines is the story of the book's author Marthe Cohn. Written in novel-like fashion the story grips the reader from the first page and does not let get until the last. That Ms. Cohn, and the majority of her immediate family were able to survive the German occupation of France is miracle enough for any book. What she did after the liberation, joining the French Army, crossing the border by herself into Nazi Germany, spying on the Germans is truly a remarkable tale. Her life would make a great movie. We are very fortunate that Ms. Cohn took the time to write this book because this is the type of story that needs to be read and remembered by all. The only problem was one glaring historical typo that has Paris being liberated by the forces of Colonel Leclerc and his Second Armored Division. Leclerc was a general. I very highly recommend the book.

This enthralling book captivated my attention for hours on end. It gave an interesting insight, both witty and serious, into the world during Hitler. Not only did it focus on the Jews, but also on the Germans who were not Nazis. The depth of the story was incredible. I've had to reread it several times because of the effect it had on me. And my first word when I finished this book was "Wow". If I can, I'm going to encourage my city school system to add this book to the required reading for high school students.

Marte Cohen, all 4 foot, 11 inches of her, a modest unassuming lady, is a member of my Temple, so I had heard snippets of her story before, which few people (even her children) may have known about. However, I had no idea of the incredible drama involved until my wife purchased a copy of Marte's recently published book. Since I do a lot of my leisure reading upon retiring, I never realized what sleepless nights I would have, inasmuch as I could not put the book down except when I might finally fall asleep from fatigue in the wee hours of the morning. Not only is it a wonderful story of the bravery of a self-described "average" (hardly), young, French woman who voluntarily experienced life-threatening situations during a period of incredible evil, it provides great insight into what everyday life must have been like in pre- and post-war France. This book was especially uplifting, even for an old cynic like me.

If you like adventure, heartache, love affairs (not what you may think)and luck, you must read this book. This lady was in her late teens and early twenties during WW II. As her family is Jewish, they lived through all kinds of hell, however, the resourcefulness of the author along with many regular citizens of her area, this immediate family was able to live through the ordeal (excepting two people) and Ms. Cohn has written a fine book of the times and what she accomplished. What a fine human being Marthe Cohn is.