The Tiger Claw by Shauna Singh Baldwin is based on the true story of Noor Inayat Khan, a Indo-American woman who was sent to Nazi occupied France during World War II. We know from the beginning of the book that she is captured, and the bulk of the book is spent in switching between the story of how she was taken and her reflections on her life, her fiancé and her family. This is a slow moving book that nevertheless packs a powerful punch when it comes to describing Noor’s treatment and eventual execution at Dachau.

I thought that I would love this story but it’s multi plot lines, it’s extremely slow pace and the sheer length of the book found me making excuses to not pick it up. As a character Noor seemed a little distant and entirely too reflective, although this may well have been the author’s hesitation to add character traits to a real person but the result ended in a rather flat main character.

There is no denying the bravery and determination of Noor and people like her who put their lives in such extreme jeopardy for an Allied victory. One part of the book that I did find really interesting was the internal conflict that Noor felt about working for the British while her homeland was struggling to overthrow the yoke of British colonialism. Overall The tiger Claw was a worthwhile read of historical and political value, but the actual story could have used more heart. ( )

Outstanding book. so much more a biography. great insight into the life of a resistance fighter in war torn France. Noor khan was a real person and this book kept her real. it is a doomed love story too.The title comes from a necklace that she had that sympolized love that she was able to have given to Armand, the jewish man she loved, when he ws in Dancy concentration camp. ( )