Janet Wallach on ‘Flirting With Danger’

In her latest book, “Flirting With Danger,” Janet Wallach tells the true story of Marguerite Harrison, a glamorous socialite who became a daring spy.

On Sunday, August 6, at 2 p.m. Wallach, the author of 10 books who has written extensively about influential women, will be at The Church in Sag Harbor to talk about her book.

Marguerite Harrison was the only female agent sent overseas by U.S. military intelligence in the tumultuous era at the end of World War I. She was the first American woman to enter Germany, where she dined with the kaiser’s generals and befriended Bolshevik agents, stealing secrets from both sides. She then sneaked into Russia, interviewed Trotsky, saw Lenin deliver a mesmerizing speech, and was kept for almost a year in the infamous Lubyanka prison.

Harrison won praise from intelligence officials for her reports, yet returned home an unsung heroine. Warning of a coming second war with the Germans and a cold war with the Soviets, her prescience was ignored. Nonetheless, she went on to work in the Far East and made a landmark documentary film in Iran. Intelligent and daring, she spoke seven languages fluently and loved adventure.

Dini von Mueffling, founder and CEO of Dini von Mueffling Communications, and current board member of The Church, will lead the discussion with Janet Wallach about “Flirting with Danger” and the writing experience.

Wallach was a founding director and, later, president of Seeds of Peace, which brings together outstanding young people from regions of conflict and provides them with the leadership tools necessary for creating positive change. She lives in New York City and Amagansett.

Tickets for the book talk are $20 ($10 members) at thechurchsagharbor.org. The Church is at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor.