'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 MincemeatWilliam 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