Josephine Baker's Secret War

Hanna Diamond's biography of Josephine Baker illuminates a remarkable chapter in World War II history that has remained surprisingly obscure despite its dramatic nature. The book examines Baker's transformation from celebrated entertainer to committed member of the French Resistance, revealing a woman whose courage matched her considerable talents on stage. Diamond, a historian specializing in wartime France, brings scholarly rigor to a story that could easily slip into hagiography, presenting a nuanced portrait of Baker's wartime activities and the context in which they unfolded.

The narrative begins with Baker's rise to fame in 1920s Paris, where she became one of the most celebrated performers in Europe. Her exotic dancing and charismatic stage presence made her a sensation at the Folies Bergère and other prestigious venues. However, Diamond does not dwell extensively on Baker's entertainment career, instead using it as necessary background to explain the unique position she occupied when war arrived. As an African American expatriate who had found acceptance and success in France that would have been impossible in the segregated United States, Baker felt profound gratitude toward her adopted country and was determined to defend it.

When Germany invaded France in 1940, Baker made a conscious decision to join the Resistance. Diamond documents how Baker worked with Jacques Abtey, a French military intelligence officer, gathering information at social gatherings attended by German and Italian officials. Her celebrity status provided natural cover for these activities, as her presence at diplomatic receptions and parties seemed entirely unremarkable. Diamond explains how Baker used her position to collect intelligence, sometimes writing notes in invisible ink on her sheet music or pinning them inside her underwear when crossing borders.

The book details Baker's travels during the war years, including extended stays in North Africa where she continued both her intelligence work and her efforts to entertain Allied troops. Diamond draws on archival materials and wartime records to reconstruct Baker's movements and activities, demonstrating the genuine risks she faced. The author also examines Baker's work with the Red Cross and her efforts to support refugees, showing that her wartime contributions extended beyond espionage.

Diamond addresses the challenges of documenting clandestine activities, acknowledging when sources are incomplete or when Baker's own later accounts may have embellished certain details. This scholarly honesty strengthens rather than undermines the narrative, as it allows readers to understand what can be verified versus what remains uncertain. The author makes clear that while some aspects of Baker's intelligence work remain difficult to confirm precisely, the overall pattern of her resistance activities is well-established through multiple sources.

The biography also explores the racial dynamics that shaped Baker's experience. Diamond discusses how Baker's identity as a Black woman influenced both her motivations and her reception. The book examines the contrast between the relative freedom Baker found in France and the discrimination she had experienced in America, helping readers understand why she was willing to risk her life for her adopted homeland. Diamond also addresses how French officials sometimes struggled with their own prejudices even as they relied on Baker's assistance.

After the war, Baker received significant recognition from the French government for her resistance work, including the Croix de Guerre and the Légion d'Honneur. Diamond documents this recognition while also exploring Baker's postwar activism, particularly her continued fight against racial discrimination. The book shows how Baker's wartime experiences reinforced her commitment to civil rights causes, which she pursued alongside her resumed entertainment career.

Diamond's writing maintains a steady, measured pace that suits the material. The prose is accessible without being simplified, making the book suitable for general readers while retaining the detail and documentation that scholars would expect. The author situates Baker's story within the broader context of the French Resistance and World War II intelligence operations, helping readers understand how her activities fit into larger strategic efforts.

One of the book's strengths is its refusal to present Baker as either a flawless heroine or to diminish her genuine accomplishments. Diamond portrays a complex individual whose bravery and commitment coexisted with vanity and personal ambition. This balanced approach makes Baker's story more compelling and credible than a simple tale of heroism would be.

The biography serves as both an engaging historical narrative and a valuable contribution to scholarship on World War II resistance movements. It recovers a significant story that deserves wider recognition while maintaining high standards of historical evidence and analysis. Readers interested in World War II history, the French Resistance, or African American history will find substantial value in Diamond's thorough research and clear presentation of this extraordinary life during a pivotal period.