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knit_the_resistance's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
Absolutely riveting, extremely well written historical fiction about real-life characters and composites who broke code at Bletchley Park during WWII. I usually feel like a book needs editing and this definitely did not. It's a little more gruesome in small areas than I'm used to but hey, it's war, right? Smashing good characters, sparkly clothing, plot. A ripping good yarn. The climactic scene is a little ridiculous but you can forgive the author as it ties all the loose ends together. Proud of myself for figuring out who the villain was, early on in the book. Interesting depiction of the treatment of autistic characters in the 1940s.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, War, and Injury/Injury detail
nicolenoodles's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A beautiful story of female friendship, bravery, love and accomplishment which absolutely tore my heart out at times. I did a mix of the audiobook and paper back, and the narration was fantastic.
This was a very long book, and I think I would have found it too slow reading the whole thing in hard copy. The ending felt rushed given the set up was probably 7/8 of the book, but by that point I was glad the pace quickened.
This was a very long book, and I think I would have found it too slow reading the whole thing in hard copy. The ending felt rushed given the set up was probably 7/8 of the book, but by that point I was glad the pace quickened.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Violence, and Forced institutionalization
hunny_bee_a's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Infidelity, Misogyny, Forced institutionalization, Abandonment, and War
mylxa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Racial slurs, Sexism, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Alcohol
hollydyer328's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- 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? Yes
4.25
A solid, well-researched historical fiction novel set around England's Bletchley Park code-breakers during WWII, whose efforts were massively influential in the duration and outcome of the war. I wasn't blown away by the characters or the story, at least not as much as I thought I would be, and considering how long the book is, the length dilutes the impact. Saskia Maarleveld is truly a talented narrator and was what kept me listening.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Rape, and Forced institutionalization
asourceoffiction's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
The Rose Code doesn't feel nearly as long as its 600+ pages. The story fairly whizzes along, thanks to the three amazing central characters of Osla, Mab and Beth and their lives at war. I love a historical fiction where there's basis in reality, and the author's note clarifies all these connections brilliantly - even down to using real quotes from Prince Philip about his time at war.
The authenticity is what drew me in, and sparked my fascination with what went on at Bletchley Park. The work was incredible and the story that Quinn has forged from it is so compelling. It's also devastatingly sad, and so so unfair in the way the women are sometimes treated.
I love the presentation of Beth as neurodiverse, and how she is so black and white about her duty and the oaths she takes. But also how accepted and loved she is, and the way she finds her voice and power.
The end is quite dramatic but almost in a fun, adventurous way. It feels like we've paid our dues with the heartache earlier on, and the wonderful ending is our reward. Nowhere is war glamourised and we're certainly not spared its horrors, but it also finds pockets of joy and clings to them beautifully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Misogyny, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and War
alynnhays's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
⚠️ This rating does not reflect my personal views but rather my understanding that the book was technically good. Continue reading at your own risk! ⚠️
I'm saying it. I hate historical fiction. My memory is terrible and I can already see myself inaccurately recounting a book about code breaking and false imprisonment to a history buff. I'd likely get both the facts and the fiction completely wrong and make myself look like an asshole. I appreciate the context, but I'd rather have my history served up in an hour by a foul-mouthed podcaster.
The book was good. Like, on paper, it was well-written, had a compelling story, and described the plight of people during WWII (hence the 4 stars). Still, I was so happy to finish this book.
On a positive note, the character development deserves recognition. I was genuinely disappointed by the inevitable tragedies (because, of course, historical fiction loves to romanticize grief and misery). The fact that I cared at all means the author did something right. After SIXTEEN HOURS with these characters, I'd have to be a sociopath not to feel something. This book felt longer than a Taylor Swift song! At least the ending was decent—not just because it was over, but because it was actually pleasant.Spoiler alert: the dog lives!
I'm saying it. I hate historical fiction. My memory is terrible and I can already see myself inaccurately recounting a book about code breaking and false imprisonment to a history buff. I'd likely get both the facts and the fiction completely wrong and make myself look like an asshole. I appreciate the context, but I'd rather have my history served up in an hour by a foul-mouthed podcaster.
The book was good. Like, on paper, it was well-written, had a compelling story, and described the plight of people during WWII (hence the 4 stars). Still, I was so happy to finish this book.
On a positive note, the character development deserves recognition. I was genuinely disappointed by the inevitable tragedies (because, of course, historical fiction loves to romanticize grief and misery). The fact that I cared at all means the author did something right. After SIXTEEN HOURS with these characters, I'd have to be a sociopath not to feel something. This book felt longer than a Taylor Swift song! At least the ending was decent—not just because it was over, but because it was actually pleasant.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Medical trauma
leahegood's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Summary
Osla, Mab, and Beth ... three girls with wildly different backgrounds and socioeconomic standing, all pulled together by WWII and thrust into the secretive, chaotic, exhilarating work of code breaking.
Told in dual timeline between war time and post-war, this book shows the three protagonists learning to break codes, learning who they are as people, learning their way into friendship, finding love, and losing themselves down the rabbit hole of bombings and the high-stakes wonderland of Bletchly Park.
My Thoughts
This was the most unique WWII novel I've come across in a while. Unsurprising since it's a more niche war time experience (code breaking) and based largely on real-life people. I'm definitely curious to read some of the autobiographies and non-fiction books mentioned in the authors note!
While I give the book all the points for interest and readability, it did toe the line of spice level I'm willing to read. Though not explicit, the narrative nudged a bit past fade-to-black in the bedroom and also blurred ethical lines regarding extra marital (both pre-marriage and within-marriage) sex. The one element that makes me excuse this, ever so slightly, is that some of this content followed the real life narrative of the characters involved in the story.
Content
Sexuality: As mentioned above, the narrative is not explicit but does nudge past the fade-to-black point. This includes making out and intercourse in contexts of marriage, pre-marriage, consensual outside-of-marriage, and sexual assault. Contraceptives are discussed. Homosexuality is mentioned in passing.
Violence: Infrequent. Two instances of bombing aftermaths include stark, but not gratuitous, imagery of destroyed bodies. Nightmares regarding bombing violence and sexual assault are experienced.
Language: Characters swear throughout the book.
Religion: An abusive parent uses Bible passages to enforce her control. Characters mention attending (and enjoying) chapel, but do not live according to Biblical standards
Osla, Mab, and Beth ... three girls with wildly different backgrounds and socioeconomic standing, all pulled together by WWII and thrust into the secretive, chaotic, exhilarating work of code breaking.
Told in dual timeline between war time and post-war, this book shows the three protagonists learning to break codes, learning who they are as people, learning their way into friendship, finding love, and losing themselves down the rabbit hole of bombings and the high-stakes wonderland of Bletchly Park.
My Thoughts
This was the most unique WWII novel I've come across in a while. Unsurprising since it's a more niche war time experience (code breaking) and based largely on real-life people. I'm definitely curious to read some of the autobiographies and non-fiction books mentioned in the authors note!
While I give the book all the points for interest and readability, it did toe the line of spice level I'm willing to read. Though not explicit, the narrative nudged a bit past fade-to-black in the bedroom and also blurred ethical lines regarding extra marital (both pre-marriage and within-marriage) sex. The one element that makes me excuse this, ever so slightly, is that some of this content followed the real life narrative of the characters involved in the story.
Content
Sexuality: As mentioned above, the narrative is not explicit but does nudge past the fade-to-black point. This includes making out and intercourse in contexts of marriage, pre-marriage, consensual outside-of-marriage, and sexual assault. Contraceptives are discussed. Homosexuality is mentioned in passing.
Violence: Infrequent. Two instances of bombing aftermaths include stark, but not gratuitous, imagery of destroyed bodies. Nightmares regarding bombing violence and sexual assault are experienced.
Language: Characters swear throughout the book.
Religion: An abusive parent uses Bible passages to enforce her control. Characters mention attending (and enjoying) chapel, but do not live according to Biblical standards
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Ableism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Violence, Islamophobia, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Animal cruelty, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
le3713's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
A compelling look into the life of three women during World War II -- and I usually steer away from anything with that setting. Their role in breaking German codes was fascinating, and made me want to learn more. I was also invested in the relationships between the women, and the dual timeline (something I really enjoy in historical fiction) kept me turning the pages to see what happened.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Forced institutionalization
kzarate's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and War