A Portrait of Courage Behind the Camera
The Last Assignment by Erika Robuck tells the extraordinary story of Georgette “Dickey” Chapelle, a trailblazing female photojournalist who refused to step back from danger if it meant capturing truth through her lens!
This historical novel is an awe-inspiring exploration of one woman’s relentless pursuit to show the world the real cost of war, even if it meant paying the price herself.
Summary (spoiler free)
The book opens in Manhattan in 1954. Dickey’s marriage is crumbling, her finances are strained, and her career is at a standstill after an earlier assignment derailed her reputation.
But instead of retreating, Dickey forces her way back into the fray. From conflict zones and uprisings to revolutions!
From Hungary to Cuba to Vietnam, Dickey embeds herself with soldiers, rebels, and refugees. She parachutes into hot zones, trains with Marines, and documents the kind of moments that history books often blur but human hearts never forget.
For Dickey, photographs are more than pictures they’re pleas for peace. As she says, “My goal is to make the picture to end all wars. And until my last assignment...I’ll work to achieve it.”
The novel unfolds through a mix of narratives, personal letters, cables, and radio interviews, immersing readers in both Dickey’s dangerous missions and her intimate reflections.
Robuck balances the factual backbone of Dickey’s career with a deeply emotional and human portrayal of a woman who lived fully, and often recklessly, in persuit of waht she saw as her calling.
My Review
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 stars
A powerful, inspiring read for anyone who loves historical fiction about women who made history by refusing to step aside.
What really stood out to me was Dickey’s determination to live the things she was reporting on in order to speak about them authentically and the hope that a single photograph might awaken the world to need for peace.
While the book doesn't shy away from the heavy topics around war, it also delves into Dickey as a person: flawed, determined, bold, and deeply human.
She was a woman ahead of her time, pushing against gender barriers in journalism and embedding herself in stories that most would never dare enter.
Read-Alike Recommendations
If you loved The Last Assignment, here are some other books you might enjoy:
- Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon - Based on the real-life story of spy Nancy Wake, this WWII novel follows a fearless woman navigating espionage and resistance with unflinching courage.
- A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell - A gripping biography of Virginia Hall, the “limping lady” who became one of the most dangerous spies of WWII.
- The Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar - A moving novel about female pilots in WWII and the bonds of friendship and bravery in the face of war.
- Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig - A tale inspired by the real Smith College Relief Unit, highlighting the women who volunteered to bring aid to the French countryside in WWI.
- The Women by Kristin Hannah - A deeply moving, eye-opening, and unforgettable story that focuses on a part of history we don’t hear about often. The experiences of women during the Vietnam War. Full review!
Book Club Questions for The Last Assignment
The Last Assignment would be an incredible bookclub read! Below is a list of questions perfect for getting the ball rolling.
- Dickey’s goal was to “make the picture to end all wars.” Do you think her desire was realistic, idealistic, or a necessary driving force for her work?
- Dickey broke barriers as a female war correspondent in a male-dominated field. How did her gender shape both her opportunities and challenges?
- Dickey risked her life repeatedly to capture the truth of war. Do you believe her sacrifices were worth it? How do you feel about journalists today who put themselves in danger to report from conflict zones?
- Her marriage suffered under the weight of her ambition and dangerous career. Do you think she could have had both a stable personal life and her chosen career, or were they incompatible?
- The novel weaves together chapters with Dickey’s letters, cables, and interviews. Did this style enhance your reading experience? Why or why not?
- Dickey often emphasized the human element in her reporting. Which moment or scene in the book best captured the humanity within the chaos of war for you?
- At times, Dickey seemed fearless to the point of recklessness. Do you think her willingness to put herself in harm’s way was courageous, irresponsible, or both?
- Throughout the book, Dickey reflects on her spiritual and philosophical beliefs. How did these shape her perspective on war, peace, and her role as a journalist?
- If Dickey were alive and working today, how do you think her career and recognition would differ compared to the 1950s-60s?
- After reading The Last Assignment, what do you think Dickey’s legacy is?
Final Thoughts
Dickey Chapelle’s story is one of both grit and grace. She wasn’t the first female war correspondent, but she may have been one of the most daring.
Erika Robuck’s The Last Assignment doesn’t just illuminate a hidden corner of history it celebrates the spirit of a woman who refused to let fear, gender, or even mortality stop her from bearing witness.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction that highlights extraordinary women, this is a book you won’t want to miss!
