Spy Princess

‘The inspiring Noor Inayat Khan – posthumous holder of the George Cross and the Croix de Guerre, a Muslim princess and Indian nationalist who gave everything for our freedom – ought to be as popular a heroine in British schools as Florence Nightingale once was. Basu's moving and scrupulous biography might help that to happen.’

-- Boyd Tonkin, Independent

‘The true life story of Noor Inayat Khan is the stuff legends are made of: it is indeed stranger than fiction ... It has been meticulously researched ... It makes compelling reading.’

-- Khushwant Singh, The Tribune (India)

‘One of the most inspirational stories of World War II ... Reading this book is like watching a butterfly trapped in a net.’

-- Christopher Hudson, Daily Mail

‘An outstanding story. The book is the first authoritative biography of Noor Inayat Khan, very well researched and recreated. It’s crying to be made into a film.’

-- Shyam Benegal

‘This is a story not to be missed.’

-- Professor M.R.D. Foot

‘Shrabani Basu has pieced together Noor’s story more fully and reliably than ever before … Thanks to her book, a new generation can grasp what Noor did, and how she did it, with much greater clarity.’

* The Independent *

‘The true life story of Noor Inayat Khan is the stuff legends are made of. It makes compelling reading.’

-- Khuswant Singh, eminent historian and columnist

‘Sixty years after her death at the hands of the Nazis … the book reveals the life of the war hero that Britain forgot.’

* Eastern Eye *

‘A disturbing book. Shrabani Basu approaches her well-researched book with a cool-head and perceptive eye.’

-- Phillip Knightley, author

‘Her thrilling but sad story is told in this book.’

* Daily Express *

‘This is a story that deserves retelling almost sixty years after the award of a posthumous George Cross … a welcome addition to a field of study that will doubtless continue.’

* Times Literary Supplement *

‘This moving book tells a powerful, sad story about a girl who found it impossible to remain just a girl.’

* Hindustan Times *

‘This is an absorbing true story … the story of a gentle Indian girl in brutal captivity has never been researched so completely.’

* Outlook magazine *

‘Shrabani Basu pieces together Noor’s life and brings to India a forgotten daughter.’

* The Hindu *

‘The book makes for compelling reading. Its sensitive narrative makes it a gripping account.’

* The Asian Age *

‘Shrabani Basu’s story of Noor Inayat Khan’s life and heroic sacrifice has been painstakingly researched and told with great compassion and deep respect. It is a story of supreme courage worth reading again and again and repeating.’

-- Chris Coleman, Worker’s Publication Ce