Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS by Lisa RogakMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book tells the tale of four restless women who wanted to help the war effort in World War II. Each brought unique gifts to the table: a Hollywood star and singer, intimate knowledge of Japanese culture and language, a gift for putting German soldiers at ease during questioning, etc.
The basic point is that they engaged in “black propaganda.” Leaflets, radio spots, etc, designed to demoralize the enemy. They would rewrite popular songs with lyrics that hinted that the war wasn’t worth it. Write short blurbs that drove a wedge between Japanese officers and soldiers. Announce to the Germans that Hitler was overthrown and they might as well surrender. Suggest that soldiers’ wives/girls were lonely back home and finding someone else to love them.
These tactics moved thousands of the enemy to surrender, waving the propaganda that these women wrote as they approached Allied forces in surrender. These women worked for the OSS, the precursor to the CIA.
The book has a lot of feminist insertions, constantly reminding the reader that the women worked way harder than the men, and got paid a fraction of what the men did. They were seldom promoted, being expected to go back home when the war was over. I’m sure there is some truth to the injustice of this, but it’s harped on repeatedly.
The immorality of the women and the Allies in general is only hinted at. But when you read between the lines it is quite atrocious. Most of them were divorced multiple times, one was a cabaret singer – the first to kiss another woman on the silver screen. This is all spun as “war is hard on marriage and love,” but they made poor choices along the way.
Still, a worth-while historical read. 3 stars.
View all my reviews
