---
product_id: 502010651
title: "The Lipstick Bureau: A Novel Inspired by a Real-Life Female Spy"
brand: "michelle gable"
price: "13956CFA"
currency: XOF
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 6
url: https://www.desertcart.sn/products/502010651-the-lipstick-bureau-a-novel-inspired-by-a-real-life
store_origin: SN
region: Senegal
---

# The Lipstick Bureau: A Novel Inspired by a Real-Life Female Spy

**Brand:** michelle gable
**Price:** 13956CFA
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Lipstick Bureau: A Novel Inspired by a Real-Life Female Spy by michelle gable
- **How much does it cost?** 13956CFA with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sn](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/502010651-the-lipstick-bureau-a-novel-inspired-by-a-real-life)

## Best For

- michelle gable enthusiasts

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- Trusted michelle gable brand quality
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## Description

Full description not available

## Images

![The Lipstick Bureau: A Novel Inspired by a Real-Life Female Spy - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41puH1vaa-L.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐ 







  
  
    "The war drags on" & so does this wretched woman's story
  

*by A***R on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 21, 2023*

Inspired by the life of Czech native Barbara Lauwers who worked for the OSS (precursor to the CIA) in Rome during the last year of the war, there might have been potential for an interesting, compelling read. A lot has been written about England, France, & Germany and I chose this to get a sense of what happened in Italy. Big mistake.Whether because the OSS sets up shop too late (liberated Italy 1944), the mission is vague, resources are non-existent or because the story is badly told, this is probably the worst of the many "based on real women" WW2 fiction I've read. The MC is so obnoxious that it's hard to imagine she was actually allowed to stay. A mere private, she wrests command from the weak higher ranking male officers to pursue her personal goal of discovering what happened to her parents & brother who remained in Czechoslovakia when she married a US citizen & got out. She creates her own rules, including skirting the Geneva Convention  re treatment of POWs.  It's hard to imagine her being a love interest for anyone (this is where the novel diverges from Barbara Lauwers' life according to the Afterward.) The action takes place over a year and I felt like I lived every boring moment of being a US citizen in Rome w/no real duties. There are repeated second-hand descriptions of the devastation for Italians living in Rome under Mussolini, as an Open City, and eventually, the Allies. The MC's sister-in-law - an unsuccessful debutante who becomes a secretary in the Army for a short while - appears for no reason except to give the MC even more to complain about. There's also a dual timeline. Part of the story is told - presumably in interview clips after the occupation - by an Italian housewife-turned-prostitute who participated in some of the propaganda missions & semi-befriends the MC.For anyone who might be offended by prostitution, cursing in 7 languages, adultery, and a gay husband, this book isn't for you.Out of curiosity, I read Barbara Lauwer's obituary which was a far more compelling read - both before and after the war.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Intriguing Story of World War II and One Woman's Role in the Fight
  

*by R***N on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 13, 2023*

I really enjoyed the story of a woman who worked in morale operations during WWII. I loved learning about this character (who is based on a real person) who worked in Morale Operations during WWII. I didn't know much about the black propaganda efforts, so it was interesting to me to learn about this element of warcraft. I also liked the dual timelines: the book switches between 1944-1945 and 1989. It was interesting to see the main character -- a true heroine -- and her life during both timeframes.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Stunned!
  

*by T***A on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 9, 2023*

Historical fiction has always been a love of mine and this book was no different. I enjoy learning about WWII most and this helped to show me a different side of the war.

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*Product available on Desertcart Senegal*
*Store origin: SN*
*Last updated: 2026-02-22*