Operation Heartbreak

Rupert Hart-Davis, 1950. Reprint. Third impression. Hardcover. Fair in fair dust jacket. DH has some wear, soiling, edge tears and small chips. Some endpaper discoloration and ink notation. DJ and cover have some damp staining also.. 166 p. OPERATION HEARTBREAK created a sensation on its first appearance. At the instance of "high authority" an attempt was made to have the book withdrawn before publication. But it was not untill 1953 that the reason for the excitement became clear: the facts about one of the most astounding secrets of the War were at last revealed, and gave support to the impression that this novel had been based on knowledge of the episode. But Operation Heartbreak must be judged on its own merits. Its reception by the critics and the public left no doubt about its distinction (the opinions of Sir Compton Mackenzie and leading reviewers are quoted on page 1 of this book). ----It is the story of William Maryngton, an Army Officer who has always missed real success in life. The 1914-18 war ended before he could serve overseas. He is only a Captain when the Second World War starts in 1939, and his efforts to get posted to a fighting unit are in vain. His love affairs have not led to marriage. He considers himself a failure, and when pneumonia strikes him down he has no will to live on. But then--then, with ironic suddenness, glory comes to him! Using him, British Intelligence is enabled to deceive the German High Command about the Allied landings in Europe and so to ensure a great victory. "