Churchill's Secret Agent

May 2, 2011
Based on Max Ciampoli's own experiences, this novel tells the astounding story of a 17-year-old Frenchman taken in by Winston Churchill in the first days of WWII. His godfather sent him off to Churchill's country estate, where he is treated like a prince of the realm, and then shipped to a special forces training camp to learn the spy game. The fictionalized Ciampoli resembles a superspy, alternating between dashing off to war zones and lounging around Churchill's home. He knows virtually everyone in France and Italy and moves about with impunity, coming to the rescue of partisans and Jewish children, blowing things up, and generally saving the world. Perhaps appropriately, as the author is a chef, the most memorable details here refer to meals. This somewhat disjointed "novel based on a true story" is a handy diversion.