VELVALEE DICKINSON: THE “DOLL WOMAN SPY”
On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning author Barbara Casey discusses her latest book, “Velvalee Dickinson: The “Doll Woman” Spy,” a carefully researched glimpse into the “Doll Woman’s” life as a collector of dolls, and as the highest paid American woman who spied for the Imperial Japanese Government during World War II.
Casey’s biography chronicles the fascinating story of Velvalee Dickinson, the American woman who spied for Japan during World War II. She became the first American woman to face the death penalty on charges of spying for a wartime enemy. Eventually the espionage charge was dropped, and Dickinson was sentenced to 10 years at Alderson Correctional Facility, a woman’s prison, and fined $10,000.
Eunice Kennedy, sister of the U.S. President John F. Kennedy, became involved in the women’s prison, researching ways to help the female inmates transition back into society once they were released. She took a special interest in Velvalee and helped her find employment once she left Alderson. Velvalee also attended Eunice and Sargent Shriver’s wedding and was in the reception line following the ceremony. Later, Velvalee would become Eunice’s private secretary. Dickinson is referred to as the “Doll Woman” spy because she was a noted collector of dolls. Velvalee Dickinson eventually disappeared from public view, having lived most of her life after prison in anonymity.
Barbara Casey is the author of several award-winning novels for both adults and young adults, as well as book-length works of nonfiction true crime, and numerous articles, poems, and short stories. Her nonfiction true crime book, Kathryn Kelly: The Moll behind Machine Gun Kelly, has been optioned for a major film and television series. Her nonfiction book, Assata Shakur: A 20th Century Escaped Slave, is under contract for a major film. More at www.BarbaraCaseyAgency.com
