beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The novel follows three women who worked there - socialite Osla Kendall, working-class Mabel "Mab" Churt, and shy but brilliant local girl, Bethan "Beth" Finch who today would probably be diagnosed as autistic.
Kate Quinn excels in creating a vivid atmosphere, rich in historical detail with characters who feel three-dimensional. These characters are either composites of real people, fictionalised versions of real people, or actual historical figures - such as the late Prince Philip
Spoiler
(who the fictionalised Osla is in a relationship with, as was the real Osla before he married the now-late Queen)But even though it's clear that Quinn did her homework on history, I found that upon reading the extensive author's note, I disliked the way she adapted characters and historical events to suit the plot. I know most authors of historical fiction do this, and normally I don't have a problem with it, but somehow it kind of rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it's because the backdrop of the novel is set in (relatively) recent times. I don't know - maybe it's just me.
Anyway, The Rose Code is still a beautifully written and excellently-paced novel - but if you're a historical purist, it might not be your cup of tea.
Graphic: Child death, Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, Medical trauma, Medical content, Mental illness, Violence, War, Grief, Infidelity, Injury/injury detail, and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual violence, Xenophobia, Bullying, Racism, Gaslighting, Religious bigotry, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Racial slurs, Ableism, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Minor: Antisemitism and Genocide
Spoiler
A past gang rape attempt is described. The survivor, Mab, manages to fend off her attackers, and as a result of this, she has a fear of sexual intimacy. Another main character, Beth, is probably autistic - although this is never stated explicitly. She is bullied by her mother. Once employed at Bletchley Park, Beth experiences breakdowns and burnout, and works for hours at a time. She is later sent by one of the other employees at Bletchley Park to a sanatorium in order to ensure her silence about an act of treason. Once there, she is coerced, abused and gaslighted by the staff and on one occasion exchanges sexual favours for information. She also later is threatened with undergoing a lobotomy, and the procedure is described in detail. It does occur to another minor character, but Beth is rescued before the procedure is carried out.bcope84's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Classism, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Antisemitism, Bullying, Child death, Death, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Rape, Sexual assault, and War
kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Antisemitism, Blood, Cancer, Child death, Chronic illness, Cultural appropriation, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Grief, War, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Self harm, Religious bigotry, Rape, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Medical trauma, Hate crime, Forced institutionalization, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Cursing, and Child abuse
kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Antisemitism, Blood, Cancer, Child death, Death, Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Grief, Medical trauma, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Violence, and Vomit
fortwords's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Rose Code • Kate Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
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👍🏼 Thumbs Up:
I loved this book! It’s a fascinating look at the women code breakers during WWII. There is a fascinating mystery component and a lot of character development!
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👎🏻 Thumbs Down:
It was a little slow on the uptake for me. Once I got into it, though, I couldn’t put it down!
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🤓 For Readers WHO:
Are fans of historical fiction, and even if you’re tired of WWII I would recommend this one and say it’s well worth your time! This book is The Imitation Game meets The Crown!
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👉🏼 This is what’s WHAT:
Three women find themselves working at Bletchley Park assisting with code breaking. Their time together results in great personal upheaval that must be righted years later when a dangerous truth is discovered about their time at BP.
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⏳WHEN I read this book:
I couldn’t put it down! I listened to it constantly. This is high praise from someone who is very critical of WWII HF.
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🚨WHERE you should watch out:
Death, violence, adultery, treason, death of a child, forced institutionalization
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📍WHY you should read this book:
It’s a great look at a lesser known part of WWII history
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📚 HOW I read this book:
Advanced audio copy provided by @netgalley and @harperaudio
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Antisemitism