The Last Assignment: A Novel of Dickey Chapelle
- Judith D Collins
- Aug 20
- 7 min read
By: Erika Robuck
Narrator: Kristin Price
Tantor Media
ISBN: 9781728299860
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date: 08/19/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
From bestselling author Erika Robuck comes the perilous and awe-inspiring true story of award-winning photojournalist Dickey Chapelle as she risks everything to show the American people the price of war through the lens of her camera.
Manhattan, 1956.
Since her arrest for disobeying orders and going ashore at Iwo Jima almost a decade earlier, combat correspondent Georgette "Dickey" Chapelle has been unmoored. Her military accreditation revoked, her marriage failing, and her savings dwindling, Dickey jumps at an opportunity to work with an international refugee association—one with intelligence ties. In the aftermath of a refugee rescue that goes wrong, a flame is lit deep inside Dickey— to survive in order to be the world's witness to war from the front lines.
Never content to report on battles unless her own boots are on the ground, Dickey and her camera journey with American and international soldiers from frozen wastelands, to raging seas, to luscious jungles, covering the plight of those suffering from humanity's endless cycle of violence. Told in an alternating prose and epistolary format, The Last Assignment takes readers along on Dickey's missions to the Hungarian Revolution, the Cuban Revolution, and the earliest days of the war in Vietnam, revealing one woman's extraordinary courage and tenacity in the face of discrimination and danger.
And it's along the way, in Dickey's desire to save the world, she realizes she might also be saving herself.
My Review
Erika Robuck masterfully brings to life a compelling reimagining of the extraordinary Dickey Chappelle, who defied conventions as America's first female professional war photographer and tragically became the first American woman war correspondent to lose her life in the heat of battle in this moving novel, THE LAST ASSIGNMENT.
Through meticulous research and a richly engaging narrative style, Robuck immerses readers in the vibrant yet tumultuous world of Dickey Chappelle, not only celebrating her indomitable spirit but also her unyielding resilience in the face of adversity. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of historical significance, capturing the essence of a remarkable woman who broke barriers in a male-dominated profession.
The story is further animated by a rich tapestry of fictionalized letters, poignant diary entries, urgent telegrams, and captivating transcripts from radio and television broadcasts. Each element is thoughtfully crafted from authentic documents, personal accounts, and historical recordings that resonate with the echo of her groundbreaking journey, transporting readers into the heart of a life dedicated to truth, courage, and the pursuit of justice in a chaotic world.
About...
The award-winning photojournalist Dickey Chapelle is a tenacious figure, willing to risk everything to unveil the stark and often harrowing realities of war through the unflinching eye of her camera.
Manhattan, 1954.
Almost a decade has passed since Georgette Dickey Chapelle was arrested for defying orders during a daring incursion at Iwo Jima. Yet, the spirit of this combat correspondent remains unbroken, ignited by an insatiable desire for truth and a relentless pursuit of her craft.
Life has thrown countless obstacles in her path—military accreditation stripped away, a marriage fracturing under strain, and financial resources evaporating. But these trials only stoke the internal fire that fuels her determination. With a fierce resolve to bear witness to the realities of war from the front lines, Dickey embraces the next opportunity with open arms.
Across the globe, she ventures into chaotic war zones—dense jungles, turbulent seas, and barren wastelands—her camera a constant companion as she captures the unwavering spirit of both American and international soldiers. With extraordinary courage and unyielding tenacity, she navigates a world fraught with discrimination and danger.
In this quest to document the costs of conflict, she may well find not just a purpose, but also a path to self-redemption, emerging as a pioneering force known far and wide for her groundbreaking work and indomitable spirit.
My thoughts…
Erika Robuck, a master of historical fiction, once again captivates readers with her latest work, delivering a powerful and inspiring account of a remarkable woman who stands as a beacon of courage throughout history.
The story unfolds through the extraordinary journey of a woman who defies the odds, from her impressive education at MIT to her career as a skilled pilot. Despite facing challenges such as poor vision, she perseveres, training with the US Marines. She makes history as the first American woman to parachute into combat, daringly confronting enemy fire, only to find herself imprisoned and subjected to the harrowing brutality of torture by Russian forces in Hungary.
Dickey emerges as a fiercely daring protagonist, a woman driven not only by her passion for photography but also by an unwavering commitment to bear witness to history during a time when female photographers were often marginalized. Time and again, she places herself in perilous situations to aid war victims and freedom fighters, showcasing a relentless spirit and compassion.
THE LAST ASSIGNMENT is an essential read for aficionados of historical narratives, offering a gripping exploration of the tumultuous events of the 1960s. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength and empowerment of women today. Through the vivid portrayal of Dickey, readers gain insight into the complexities of her character, her relentless determination to survive, and her profound willingness to uplift others amid chaos.
Rich in historical detail, the novel is suspenseful and intense, weaving a tapestry of love, peace, war, and the resilience of the human spirit. THE LAST ASSIGNMENT is the perfect choice for book clubs, inviting deep discussions and reflections. An extensive Author's Note and Suggestions for Further Reading enhance the experience, providing additional context and insight into the era.
Audiobook...
I had the privilege of not only reading the book but also immersing myself in the audiobook, masterfully narrated by the talented Kristin Price. Her compelling voice brilliantly brings to life the audacious adventures and perilous journeys of real-life combat correspondent Georgette "Dickey" Chapelle. With a remarkable blend of passion and fervor, Kristin’s narration transforms each scene into a vivid experience, allowing listeners to feel the adrenaline and intensity of Dickey's incredible stories firsthand.
In essence, Erika Robuck shines as a true artist in her storytelling, delving deep into the lives of remarkable women who have indelibly shaped the course of history. Her ability to weave their narratives with such depth and nuance is nothing short of extraordinary. Bravo!
Recs...
If you're an avid enthusiast of historical fiction, THE LAST ASSIGNMENT is a must-read. This gripping novel caters not only to devoted fans of the author but also to those captivated by the intricate tapestry of history.
I am a huge fan of the author's work, and exceptional historical fiction emerges from writers who possess the extraordinary ability to vividly resurrect the past, crafting narratives that are immersive and compelling. The most remarkable authors in this genre transport readers into bygone eras, weaving unforgettable stories that ensure the courage and resilience of remarkable women are celebrated and not forgotten.
For those who relish the works of esteemed authors like Charles Fraser, Paula McLain, Ron Rash, Kristin Hannah, Kate Quinn, Kelly Rimmer, Marie Benedict, Beatrice Williams, Dawn Tripp, Diane Chamberlain, Kristina McMorris, Kim Michelle Richardson, and Jennifer Robson, this novel promises an experience that aligns with the rich storytelling you adore.
Thank you...
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sourcebooks Landmark, NetGalley, and Tantor Audio for graciously providing this remarkable historical narrative in both e-book and audio formats. Their generosity has allowed me to immerse myself in an extraordinary account, and I am eager to share my honest reflections on this captivating work.
@JudithDColins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Aug 19, 2025
Praise
"In The Last Assignment, Erika Robuck brings to life Georgette 'Dickey' Chapelle, a fiercely daring photographer who dedicated her life to capturing history through her lens. In an era when female photographers were often overlooked, Dickey took extraordinary risks―crossing borders in Hungary, confronting communists in Cuba, parachuting into Laos―all in pursuit of one goal: to tell the truth to the American public. Vivid and compelling, rich with historical significance and sharp-edged like Dickey’s own haunting snapshots, The Last Assignment offers not only a gripping account of the tumultuous events of the 1960s, but also serves as an elegiac anthem for a woman who lived boldly on her own terms, and lives on as a legend."
― Weina Dai Randel, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Last Rose of Shanghai and The Master Jeweler
"Dickey Chapelle covered the Cold War like no other―risking her life and sacrificing her safety to tell the stories of those fighting for freedom on the front lines. Robuck's sweeping prose gives new depth to this larger-than-life figure, whose legacy deserves a place in the pantheon of American heroes. From start to finish, The Last Assignment pulls readers into Dickey's heart-pounding narrative of war and peace. "
― Lorissa Rinehart, Historian and critically acclaimed author of First to the Front: The Untold Story of Dickey Chapelle, Trailblazing Female War Correspondent
"The Last Assignment exquisitely captures the daring exploits and risks of real-life combat correspondent Georgette "Dickey" Chapelle in a way that is relatable, heartfelt, and impactful. Erika Robuck is a master of her craft in detailing the lives of real women who have left their mark on history and this book is no different. Brilliantly researched and written with incredible skill and heart, this story is a testament to the power of Dickey’s determination to share the suffering of those in need with the world." ― Madeline Martin, New York Times and International Bestselling Author of The Booklover's Library
"Compelling and exhilarating, Erika Robuck’s The Last Assignment brings to life the extraordinary story of one of war journalism’s most daring figures, Georgette “Dickey” Chapelle, a trailblazing photojournalist whose determination to bear witness to the brutal realities of war left us with a deeper understanding of the human cost of conflict. I loved learning about this incredible woman."
― Whitney Scharer, bestselling author of The Age of Light
"Full of passion, courage, and surprises, Dickey Chapelle is a firecracker of a main character! The Last Assignment takes us on a wild ride around the globe with one of the twentieth century's most fascinating photojournalists. I couldn't put this book down. "
― Elise Hooper, author of The Library of Lost Dollhouses
About the Author
Photo Credit: Nick Woodall
Erika Robuck is the national bestselling author of historical fiction including THE LAST TWELVE MILES, THE INVISIBLE WOMAN, and HEMINGWAY’S GIRL. Her articles have appeared in Writer Unboxed, Crime Reads, and Writer's Digest, and she has been named a Maryland Writer’s Association Notable Writer of 2024 and has won the Anne Arundel County Arts Council Literary Award for 2024.
A boating enthusiast, amateur historian, and teacher, she resides in Annapolis with her husband and three sons. WEBSITE
