Some may object to [Holt's] wholehearted approval of Donovan, creator of the CIA after his earlier unit, the OSS was disbanded by Truman as having too much unregulated power ... it would have helped Holt’s reliability to mention other views rather than presenting such single-minded hagiography ... This is an impressive book, covering a lot of ground, including incisive critiques of the missions and focus of the CIA, the change from spying to 'covert operations.' Holt juggles a lot of material and the reader goes back and forth between the different women, tracking their careers during and after WWII in a complicated zigzag. It’s a testament to Holt’s careful research that the narrative all holds together, made vivid by the many details she uncovered ... The Wise Gals who started at the CIA paved the way for the many women coming after them and still provide an inspiring model. And thanks to this book, they’re now a part of our history.
... intriguing ... Relying on copious research, the author builds five individual biographies, weaving them into a larger story of intelligent, capable women who were alternately admired and ignored by their superiors in the period from WWII through the early 1970s ... With so many interesting individuals to learn about, the many names and places Holt includes can feel overwhelming, but her dedication to making her five main characters stand out and come fully to life is to be lauded. With a rich, always relevant subject, Holt’s latest is a good choice for book groups.
Drawing on considerable archival material, cultural historian Holt creates a vivid group biography of five strong-willed women who held significant positions in the early years of the CIA ... She makes a strong case for recognizing their talents and sacrifices ... Well-researched profiles in courage.
... entertaining ... Holt highlights the sexism and misogyny these women endured (their efforts to organize for equal pay and recognition was derisively nicknamed the 'Petticoat Panel'), weaves in intriguing details about microdot cameras and other spy tools, and draws colorful sketches of people and events including 'Wild Bill' Donovan and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Though the story’s multiple threads get unwieldy at times, this is a revealing and vibrant look at the critical contributions women have made to the CIA.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay[/caption]
