DIANA R. CHAMBERS at Books Inc. in the Marina

Join Californian author Diana R. Chambers at Books Inc. in the Marina for a reading and discussion of her historical novel The Secret War of Julia Child!

Everything you thought you knew about Julia Child was wrong...

Before she was Julia Child, the enigmatic chef that stole hearts, she was Julia McWilliams. Thirty years old and directionless, Julia took a job working for America’s first espionage agency, years before cooking or Paris entered the picture. The Secret War of Julia Child traces Julia’s transformation from ambitious Pasadena blue blood to Washington, DC file clerk, to head of General “Wild Bill” Donovan’s secret File Registry as part of the Office of Strategic Services.

The wartime journey takes her to the Far East, to Asia’s remote frontlines of then-Ceylon, India, and China, where she finds purpose, adventure, self-knowledge – and love with mapmaker Paul Child. Not only do we see Julia’s origin story, but we see the "Forgotten War" of WWII in Asia, where themes of empire and colonialism enrich the story, and deepen Julia’s perceptions of international culture.

The spotlight has rarely shone on this fascinating period of time in the life of ("I'm not a spy") Julia Child, and this lyrical story allows us to explore the unlikely world of a woman in World War II spy station who has no idea of the impact she'll eventually impart.

"The celebrated chef’s zest, humor and generous spirit come through brilliantly in this captivating fictional take on her WWII work in Asia for U.S. spy agency." — People magazine

"A compelling story with an unexpected (and thoroughly delightful) heroine—Julia Child, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS, the precursor to the CIA) during World War II. Chambers paints a vivid portrait of the tall, awkward Julia, who volunteers for a post in India, becomes involved in secret intelligence cases across Southeast Asia and China, and meets her future husband Paul Child. With riveting twists and turns, the novel’s not only a vivid exploration of a lesser-known chapter in the life of one of America’s most beloved personalities, it’s also an impeccably researched roller-coaster ride, with spies, danger, deception, heroics, and romance." — Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author

"An exciting, little-known reveal of the story behind Julia Child's WWII service, showing her resilience and bravery. A must-read." — Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author

"In these pages I was thrilled to discover a Julia who claimed her own strength and conviction before the world defined who she was. Chambers’ Julia is deliciously nuanced, and the Asian setting is as enticing as the foods Julia will become known for. Set in the smoldering days of WWII, this novel has everything I love—romance, intrigue, mouthwatering food, and a woman who makes no apologies for her voracious appetite for life!" — Kim Fay, nationally bestselling author of Love & Saffron

"Before there was a Julia Child, there was a Miss McWilliams...Julia McWilliams called herself a simple file clerk, but in truth, she lived and worked in situations steamy not just with heat, but with deceit, teeming with international spies and lies, wartime intrigue in which many lives were at stake...Chambers’ impressive research informs this engaging novel—and yes, the food is spectacular!" — Laura Kalpakian, author of American Cookery

"At turns charming, funny, and inspiring, The Secret War of Julia Child is a vividly written and deeply imaginative new take on World War II. By letting us see this historic moment through the eyes of a beloved American icon, Chambers beautifully captures the spirit of the women of the greatest generation." — Dr. Lena Andrews, nationally bestselling author of Valiant Women, The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II

"…Chambers’s gripping novel unveils another dimension to Julia. In this fictionalized account of Child’s real-life work with OSS during World War II, Chambers humanizes Julia and manages to make her even more remarkable. You’ll fall in love with Julia all over again, and with this tantalizing novel.?" — Nina Schuyler, award-winning author of Afterword

"Full of intrigue and romance, The Secret War of Julia Child is a fascinating glimpse into the early life of one of America's most beloved celebrities. Perfect for fans of this complex, compelling woman. " — Julia Bryan Thomas, author of For Those Who Are Lost

"In this gripping novel, a young and intrepid Julia Child tumbles headlong into espionage and romance in World War II Asia. Author Diana R. Chambers merges little-known details from Child’s personal history with true wartime events to build a dynamic tale. More, please!" — Sujata Massey, award-winning author of The Mistress of Bhatia House

After studying Asian Art History at university, Diana R. Chambers worked at a Paris translation agency and later began an importing business in South Asia. She is an experienced scriptwriter, and her research has taken her all over the world. Diana lives with her fellow-traveler husband in northern California and Aix-en-Provence, France. DianaRChambers.com

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Books Inc., 2251 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, United States