Reviews with content warning for Death - The Rose Code

Reviews tagging 'Death'

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

99 reviews

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.

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abi_sarah's review against another edition

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emotional 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? No

5.0

I love a good war story - and ‘The Rose Code’ did not disappoint!

We follow Mab, Osla, Beth and their friends who work at Bletchley Park through their work in their respective huts of the organisation. Quinn gives a fascinating insight into how codes were broken using Enigma machines and bombes. We learn that the teams at Bletchley Park each had very specific roles, meaning that no one person ever “broke a code” alone.

This causes some challenges for the friends when they are required to break a code which will help them catch the traitor at Bletchley Park. Osla and Mab must call upon many friends and acquaintances to help out, as well as find a way to free Beth from the asylum she has been locked up in.

A tale of friendship, genius and finding family in the most unexpected places.

‘The Rose Code’ is a must read for anyone who enjoys WW2 based stories, or tales of pure grit and determination from some truly inspiring female protagonists.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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katiebannasch's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

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alynnhays's review against another edition

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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!

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leahegood's review against another edition

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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

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le3713's review against another edition

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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.

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