Operation Heartbreak by Duff Cooper

Operation Heartbreak by Duff Cooper

'Not a word is wasted in this gem of a 1950 novel, inspired by the secret wartime plan' The Times

A moving reimagining of the man at the heart of Operation Mincemeat

William Maryngton has just one dream: to fight for his country, as his late father did. Devoted and honourable, he knows no fear – yet somehow, he always misses the battle; too young for the First World War, too old for the Second. Operation Heartbreak follows Willie’s life, through youthful idealism, love affairs and disappointed hopes, until, finally, he gets the chance to make a difference. Duff Cooper’s bittersweet novel, inspired by the real events of Operation Mincemeat, is a poignant tale of dreams of glory, and what it means to be true.

‘Supremely moving ... Its ending is as unexpected as it is affecting’ Wall Street Journal

Alfred Duff Cooper was a statesman, diplomat and author. Born in 1890, he won the DSO as a second lieutenant in the First World War, and entered Parliament in 1923. His life was devoted to politics until 1938 when, as First Lord of the Admiralty, he resigned in protest at the Munich Agreement. Called back to office by Churchill in 1940, his wartime career culminated in his appointment as ambassador to France. Shortly before his death he was made 1st Viscount Norwich. Among his best-known books are Talleyrand, Operation Heartbreak and his autobiography, Old Men Forget. He died in 1954.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780241799918
ISBN 10	0241799910
Title	Operation Heartbreak
Author	Duff Cooper
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Penguin Classics
Year published	2026-02-05
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.