'A breathtaking story' Daily Mail 'Extraordinary' The Telegraph on the Cook sisters Desperate circumstances can cause ordinary women to achieve extraordinary things.
Ida Cook Books
Ida Cook, also writing as Mary Burchell, was an author who delved into the complexities of human relationships and character psychology. Her works are characterized by a profound insight into emotions and motivations. With a keen eye for detail and a narrative flair, Cook immersed her readers in worlds rich with love, loss, and personal growth. Her writing style is often noted for its sensitivity and perceptiveness, leaving a lasting impression on those who engage with her stories.
Focusing on the courage of two sisters, this memoir offers a poignant historical narrative set against the backdrop of World War II. It captures their resilience and determination as they navigate the challenges of a tumultuous time, providing a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history. The account not only highlights personal bravery but also sheds light on the broader human experience during one of the darkest periods.
Safe Passage
- 287 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Gala opera evenings, sudden wealth, and dangerous undercover missions into Nazi Germany define the extraordinary lives of Ida and Louise Cook—two ordinary Englishwomen from a quiet London suburb. Their journey began in 1923 when a chance hearing of an aria from Madame Butterfly ignited a passion that led to both personal joy and the rescue of numerous Jews facing persecution. This memoir, first published in 1950, recounts the sisters' inspiring adventures during World War II, showcasing their zest for life and genuine goodness that endeared them to leading opera singers of their time. Despite Ida's success as a romance novelist, the sisters remained committed to their values of thrift, hard work, self-sacrifice, and moral conviction. They made their own clothes, traveled third class, and bought the cheapest opera tickets, directing all their resources, courage, and ingenuity toward saving lives from Hitler's death camps. Uplifting and charming, this account serves as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through conscience and compassion in a collapsing world.
