The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Reviewed by: Becky Houghton, Reference Assistant
Genre: Historical fiction
Suggested Age: Teens, Adults
What this book is about: Cryptanalysts during World War II in Great Britain decrypted all the messages from the Axis powers that were able to be intercepted and changed the outcome of the war for an Allied victory over Hitler. These analysts were often young women who had never held jobs before this time and men who were unable to serve in the active military. The Rose Code is their story. It is the story of Osla, a beautiful debutante, Mab from London’s impoverished East End and Beth, a spinster daughter abused by her demanding mother. These three and many others come together at a secret decoding facility known as Bletchley Park and help to win the war while discovering their true potentials.
My Review: I enjoyed this book. Quinn told the story of behind-the-scenes heroines and heroes, the codebreakers of World War II using characters with whom the reader can connect. Osla, Mab and Beth unite in a powerful friendship that fortunately continues after the war is concluded. Quinn has used both the war and the Royal Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip as the background for sharing truths about changes in society, the role of women, and political intrigue generated by World War II. The story is told in multiple settings, the war years and 1947, at the time of the wedding. This technique creates a dramatic tension for the reader as the two stories come together into one exciting conclusion.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Intriguing, Informational, Absorbing
Give This a Try If You Like: The Alice Network and The Huntress by Kate Quinn
Rating: 5/5
