Book Review
The Secret War of Julia Child by Diana R. Chambers
Historical Fiction | WWII
We all know Julia Child. But what about Julia McWilliams — the thirty-year-old who took a job working for America’s first espionage agency in WWII? The woman she was before she met her husband, Paul Child, and before she mastered the art of French cooking? In this new novel from Diana R. Chambers, The Secret War of Julia Child, we explore the story of an unlikely but ambitious woman who would do everything she could to help her country stop the war.
Right from the start, the description and cover of this novel called to me. (The secret war of Julia Child? Please, tell me more!) And there were a lot of really good things going for this story. The writing was luscious and detailed, with intricately researched settings and food descriptions that left me salivating. Julia was a woman full of zest and spunk, living life to its fullest — and this translated well onto the page.
However, there is a fine balance to historical fiction about real-world characters that we already know and love — especially in this case, where a lot of the reference materials are still classified. And that was my main struggle with this story. The author is very clear that this is a fictional recounting of what could have happened. While it was beautifully written, it was difficult to invest in a story about Julia Child, knowing that many of the key plot moments were entirely fictional.
On the other hand, the book had spectacular worldbuilding and it was clear that an extensive amount of research went into this novel. The writing is detailed and intricate, and I loved that the author emphasized food so much in the story, as that obviously plays into Julia’s later life. This was well done and I enjoyed immersing myself in the setting.
Julia is a fascinating character and the premise of the book was absolutely intriguing. While the slow pacing and uncertainty over the truth behind Julia’s true wartime work ultimately meant that I didn’t enjoy this one as thoroughly as I had hoped to, it was still a worthwhile read. I think fans of historical fiction who are open to a “it could have happened this way” take on Julia Child’s WWII experience, will appreciate this book more.
Recommended for:
Historical fiction fans who appreciate slower pacing and rich, detailed writing
This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Advance copy of the book provided courtesy of the publisher, Sourcebooks. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the book:
(From the publisher): Before she mastered the art of French cooking in midlife, Julia Child found herself working in the secrets trade in Asia during World War II, a journey that will delight both historical fiction fans and lovers of America’s most beloved chef, revealing how the war made her into the icon we know now.
Single, 6 foot 2, and thirty years old, Julia McWilliams took a job working for America’s first espionage agency, years before cooking or Paris entered the picture. The Secret War of Julia Child traces Julia’s transformation from ambitious Pasadena blue blood to Washington, DC file clerk, to head of General “Wild Bill” Donovan’s secret File Registry as part of the Office of Strategic Services.
The wartime journey takes her to the Far East, to Asia’s remote frontlines of then-Ceylon, India, and China, where she finds purpose, adventure, self-knowledge – and love with mapmaker Paul Child. The spotlight has rarely shone on this fascinating period of time in the life of (“I’m not a spy”) Julia Child, and this lyrical story allows us to explore the unlikely world of a woman in World War II spy station who has no idea of the impact she’ll eventually impart.