Play Book Tag discussion

This is a well researched story involving the women who worked at Bletchley Park in England during World War II. They helped break codes that were used by Germany and Italy when sending orders to ships, troops, etc, such as The Enigma Code. They were able to warn military officers of pending attacks, saving many lives. They may have shortened the war by two years. The characters are all interesting, multifaceted, and well developed. They played different roles in the code breaking process. Beth had the most complex job, and was the most unusual of the girls. She worked in the unit led by the eccentric Dilly Knox, who hired only women. He said they were less ego driven. He encouraged lateral thinking which enabled them to see the problems from different angles.

The Author Notes at the end of the book were also very interesting to read. She explained which characters were based on real people, which were based on composites, and so much more. I read a nonfiction book about Bletchley Park a few years ago, so I was familiar with some of the processes they used. This book still taught me a lot, and the story was very exciting.

I loved the dialogue and interactions between the characters. Osla was especially delightful. She was based on a real life socialite with the same first name, who also dated Prince Philip before he married the future Queen Elizabeth. My favorite couple was Mab and a former war Poet who often visited BP on business. He wasn’t much of a conversationalist, but he could say a lot with just a few words. (He reminded me of my dad.) The communications between the two of them touched me deeply.

The book also included a variation of the Coventry story, in which Churchill decided Not to try to intercept an attack, because it might alert the enemy that they were able to break their codes. I recall something similar in World War I.

I loved the Rose Code!

I also gave it five stars. I thought you wrote a really perfect review!

Amy wrote: "I also gave it five stars. I thought you wrote a really perfect review!"

I know you did. I see a lot of 5 star reviews from PBTers. I avoided long books for a long time because it was difficult to focus. I needn’t have avoided this one. I read it almost straight through. It was that good.

Great review, Nancy!

I haven't read this one but I've just finished The Huntress and absolutely loved it. I was a bit scared by the length of it too. It was long but not dragging out. I was fully immersed in the events happening.

I also have The Rose Code on my TBR. Hope I'll enjoy it as much!

I may have said this a few times already, but Kate Quinn is my author of the year. I’ve already read all of her major works and audios. Right now I’m starting in on her earlier trilogy collections. Luckily enough Hannah‘s going to join me for the daughter of Rome series. Which I have packed in my suitcase.

I loved this book! It made my top 10 the year I read it. I keep meaning to go to Bletchley Park one day (my parents live about 12 miles away) but I've never actually managed to go.