Mundy’s latest work is a tribute to the remarkable women whose stories should not be forgotten.
By Liza Mundy ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 17, 2023
Through meticulous research, an award-winning journalist has uncovered the essential roles women have played in the intelligence field. The Cold War and the war on terror were both fought in the shadows, but there was another battle taking place within the CIA: the fight of women to be heard and respected. Mundy’s 2017 book, Code Girls, explored similar themes, but this book covers a much wider scope, spanning seven decades from the founding of the CIA to the assassination of Osama bin Laden. Despite their qualifications, many women who made it through the selection process were relegated to typing and filing jobs. There was a culture of male dominance in the organization, and women were often treated as objects. However, some managed to break into field operations and proved to be highly skilled in the art of spying, yet their accomplishments were rarely acknowledged. Women also played a key role in intelligence analysis, and this group took on a new challenge when the threat of terrorism arose. They had to interpret small pieces of data, from financial transactions to the movements of extremists. Unfortunately, their reports on Islamic militants were largely ignored by those in the upper ranks of the CIA. After 9/11, there were attempts to sideline the women, but they persisted and eventually tracked down bin Laden. Mundy has skillfully woven together interviews and declassified documents to create a captivating and important book.
Pub Date: Oct. 17, 2023
ISBN: 9780593238172
Page Count: 480
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: June 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023