⭐️⭐️⭐️
Julia Child had a larger-than-life story even before she held a whisk, so a WWII spy novel based on her early years sounds like a five-course feast. Sadly, this one tastes more like reheated leftovers. The Secret War of Julia Child follows a fictionalized version of Julia on a covert mission in the Asian theater, but the story strays so far from history it stops feeling like her life and starts feeling like an ordinary action caper wearing her name tag.
If you know a bit about Julia—and I’ve cooked, read, and studied her world for years—you’ll likely raise an eyebrow at the liberties taken. This Julia frets endlessly about her height, swoons over potential romances, and rarely hints at the curious, bold, hilarious woman she became. The invented spy antics overshadow the real-life grit that made Julia unforgettable.
Readers looking for pure escapism might enjoy the adventure for what it is. But those hoping for a grounded peek into Julia’s pre-chef life may leave hungry. The premise is rich, but the author doesn’t quite pull off the recipe.
** Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Sourcebooks Landmark for a complimentary review copy. Opinions are my own.