Looking for Trouble

With a keen eye for detail and a talent for vivid storytelling, Cowles brings to life the fall of Paris to the Nazis. She captures the chaotic atmosphere of London on the first day of the Blitz and provides a gripping portrayal of Berlin when Germany invaded Poland. Her experiences in Madrid during the Spanish Civil War, the tension-filled days in Prague during the Munich crisis, and the harsh conditions in Lapland as Russian forces attacked, are relayed with clarity and emotional depth.

Cowles' journey does not end there; she was also in Moscow during the ultimate betrayal by the Germans, adding another layer of intrigue and intensity to her narrative. Throughout her travels, she offers an unparalleled eyewitness perspective, allowing readers to feel as if they are alongside her, experiencing these historical moments firsthand.

Cowles' approach to journalism was fearless and unconventional. From discarding her heels under shellfire to meeting Adolf Hitler, whom she describes as "an inconspicuous little man," and sharing light-hearted gossip with Winston Churchill by his goldfish pond, her accounts are as personal as they are historical. In one memorable scene, she dances in the bomb-blasted Ritz, illustrating her audacious spirit and unyielding dedication to reporting the truth.

Introduced by Christina Lamb, Cowles' incredible dispatches make you an eyewitness to the twentieth century as you have never experienced it before. Her insightful and engaging narratives are complemented by her candid reflections on the characters and events that shaped history.

New York Times Book Review describes Cowles as "an amazingly brilliant reporter" and hails Looking for Trouble as "one of the most engrossing [books] the war has produced."

This book is a testament to Virginia Cowles' remarkable career and enduring legacy as one of the most insightful and daring journalists of her time. Her work continues to be an invaluable resource for understanding the human dimension of historical events and the spirit of those who dare to look for trouble in pursuit of the truth.