"The spy" by Paulo Coelho, translated from Portuguese to English by Zoë Perry. This edition of the book is published by Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd in 2016 and has 208 pages. Author claims that the book is based on true events.
This book is the story of Mata Hari. Mata Hari (born Margaretha Zelle) was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I and was executed by firing squad in France. First two sections are narrated by Mata Hari and third by her lawyer.
Book starts with the execution of Mata Hari and a letter she wrote before her execution. It is through the letter that the events unfold.
In this candid account of her life she tells us that she was raped by her school principal at 16. That is when she determined that sex has nothing to do with love. Her marriage was a disaster. Abusive husband, boredom, birth of daughter, birth of son who died because of poisoning left her in limbo. Her only solace was her dance.
She escaped to France and became an exotic dancer who was so immersed in her art that she did not mind stripping as part of dance act. She was one of the earliest exotic strip dancers. She was also mistress of many high and mighty people in position of power. She enjoyed her Femme fatale status.
Mata Hari had expensive tastes. She candidly agrees that she was a Prostitute (because she exchanged affection for jwellery) and a compulsive liar. But she vehemently denies being a spy and says that the only thing she traded was high society gossip. She considers herself a soldier who fights her own battles without bitterness. She thinks that she paid a price for being an independent woman in the world of men and for challenging certain customs.
Germans recruited her as an agent. She immediately contacted French counter espionage making her alligence clear by working as double agent. Despite that the French authorities apprehended, prosecuted and killed her.
Author accuses that the head of French counter terrorism deliberately betrayed her for his personal gains. French government wanted to divert public attention from large number of dead and dying soldiers to something sensational. Mata Hari presented a very juicy target.
The book is written in matter-of-fact style. It puts forth the views of accused and then convicted Mata Hari. It tells the other side of the story. The language used is simple. More importantly, it's a piece of history that is fading from public memory.
There are differing opinions, even today, about whether Mata Hari was guilty or innocent. Wikipedia says: Mata Hari's sealed trial documents are scheduled to be declassified by French army in 2017, 100 years after her execution. Will it reveal something new?
Why did I read this book? Mata Hari.
What I didn't like? Not much about trial.
What did I like? Candid revelations. Sincerity.
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