The Childs were members of the OSS, or Office of Strategic Services, where they served with bravery and honor. Conant widens her focus, however, to relay the intriguing stories of a whole group of men and women recruited into the citizen-spy service, in particular one Jane Foster, a colorful colleague of the Childs. During the McCarthy era, Jane was accused of being a Communist spy, a treasonous charge that could have culminated in execution. A Covert Affair follows the evidence to determine whether Foster was a double agent, a Soviet spy, or a falsely accused American caught up in the hysteria of McCarthyism.
The book provides some new details about Julia Child but not in her usual guise as chef. The larger story here, however, is one of fear, paranoia, and persecution during the Communist-witch-hunt years in America.
Reviewers have said:
“It is a wallop of a story, people engaging in the sorts of international dangers that are the stuff of the movies… all jungles and cities and intrigue and risk, with an exquisite attention to detail that illuminates the OSS and its players.” —Portland Oregonian
Conant doesn't disappoint in her picture of the whirlwind life of the OSS. . . . Her glimpses of how [its founder] overcame bureaucratic rivalries and turf wars are as exciting as her picture of life in the field, complete with dengue fever, cobras and scorpions.” —Los Angeles Times
On the third Tuesday of each month, the Intergenerational Book Club, a group of men and women of all ages, comes together to share their opinions and ideas about the book selection. Extra copies of the books are purchased by the Friends of the Thomaston Public Library from the Annual Appeal funds. We thank you for your donations. All are welcome at the Thomaston Library on March 19 at 2:30 p.m.
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