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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
hematthews's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and War
Moderate: Sexual assault, Blood, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal cruelty and Drug use
coffeekitaab's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
A striking novel standing at 656 pages in length and I devoured every single word. My first read by Kate Quinn, and certainly not my last.
We follow the story of Osla, Mab and Beth - three women from very different walks of life, who attend the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break military codes on the brink of the Second World War.
Vivacious debutante Osla comes from a family of wealth and connections, dating the dashing Prince Philip of Greece who share a deeper connection over their desire to contribute towards the British war effort and she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, putting her fluent German to use as a translator of decoded enemy secrets.
Imperious self-made Mab is a product of East-End London poverty, her love for literature gives fire to her determination to find a husband who will help give her status and help her rise through the social hierarchy. Mab arrives at Bletchley Park and becomes adept at working the machines used by codebreakers.
Both Osla and Mab are quick to see the potential in timid Beth, a woman living with her parents, bullied by her mother after constantly being told she has no value and is not allowed to finish school; Beth's diminished confidence conceals a brilliant facility with puzzles and maths, and soon Beth spreads her wings as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts.
But war, loss, and the impossible pressure of secrecy will tear the three apart.
A dual timeline takes place over 1940 - 1947 (events taking place before and after WW2) and yet there is a beautiful depth to the story, dealing not only with the work of those who are sworn to secrecy under the Official Secrets Act 1939 and how ultimately their work is monumental in impacting key events that take place in the war itself, but also about the friendship, love and humour that resounded within the walls of Bletchley Park; a camaraderie amongst those who were isolated from the world due to the nature of the work they were doing and had only each other to lean on. Sunbathing, laughing and dining together as a way to relieve the tension of long days filled with long hours of codebreaking.
This is one of the best works of Historical Fiction I have ever read and one which will no doubt stay with me. A gift that just kept on giving. After finishing the book, I wanted to dish out a review where I spilled everything; every twist that took me by surprise, every comment that made me laugh, those parts that threatened a tear and moments that touched my heart....but I really can't because I want every reader who reads this to experience the euphoria I am now...this book just has it all! The Rose Code is one of those books which makes the reader feel like they've achieved a great feat when they get to the end of it- but no. Kate Quinn is a mastermind, worthy of all accolades and deserves a huge congratulations for being such an incredible author and for writing this formidable masterpiece; the pure intelligence, emotion and daring in the plot needs it's own separate review before we even get on to the strength of the writing itself. I cannot recommend The Rose Code enough!
We follow the story of Osla, Mab and Beth - three women from very different walks of life, who attend the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break military codes on the brink of the Second World War.
Vivacious debutante Osla comes from a family of wealth and connections, dating the dashing Prince Philip of Greece who share a deeper connection over their desire to contribute towards the British war effort and she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, putting her fluent German to use as a translator of decoded enemy secrets.
Imperious self-made Mab is a product of East-End London poverty, her love for literature gives fire to her determination to find a husband who will help give her status and help her rise through the social hierarchy. Mab arrives at Bletchley Park and becomes adept at working the machines used by codebreakers.
Both Osla and Mab are quick to see the potential in timid Beth, a woman living with her parents, bullied by her mother after constantly being told she has no value and is not allowed to finish school; Beth's diminished confidence conceals a brilliant facility with puzzles and maths, and soon Beth spreads her wings as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts.
But war, loss, and the impossible pressure of secrecy will tear the three apart.
A dual timeline takes place over 1940 - 1947 (events taking place before and after WW2) and yet there is a beautiful depth to the story, dealing not only with the work of those who are sworn to secrecy under the Official Secrets Act 1939 and how ultimately their work is monumental in impacting key events that take place in the war itself, but also about the friendship, love and humour that resounded within the walls of Bletchley Park; a camaraderie amongst those who were isolated from the world due to the nature of the work they were doing and had only each other to lean on. Sunbathing, laughing and dining together as a way to relieve the tension of long days filled with long hours of codebreaking.
This is one of the best works of Historical Fiction I have ever read and one which will no doubt stay with me. A gift that just kept on giving. After finishing the book, I wanted to dish out a review where I spilled everything; every twist that took me by surprise, every comment that made me laugh, those parts that threatened a tear and moments that touched my heart....but I really can't because I want every reader who reads this to experience the euphoria I am now...this book just has it all! The Rose Code is one of those books which makes the reader feel like they've achieved a great feat when they get to the end of it- but no. Kate Quinn is a mastermind, worthy of all accolades and deserves a huge congratulations for being such an incredible author and for writing this formidable masterpiece; the pure intelligence, emotion and daring in the plot needs it's own separate review before we even get on to the strength of the writing itself. I cannot recommend The Rose Code enough!
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
sh543's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Sexual harassment, and War
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Mental illness, Racism, and Terminal illness
fifteenthjessica's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This will probably be my last finished novel of 2022, and I'll definitely check out more by Kate Quinn.
World War II is in full swing, and decrypting German and Italian messages may be the difference between victory and defeat. Bletchley Park becomes a center of British Intelligence activity, and with many men at war, women are among the people brought in to help. Three of the women--Osla Kendall, a witty socialite who aspires to be seen as more than a ditzy debutante; Mab Churt, a jaded young woman from the poor side of London determined to make a better life for herself; and Beth Finch, a spinster near Bletchley Park who after years of bullying from her mother thinks she's not good for much else other than household help and solving crossword puzzles--form a strong friendship that breaks before the end of the war. A few years later, as the world prepares to watch Osla's war time beau Philip marry Princess Elizabeth, Osla and Mab receive coded letters from Beth saying that there was a traitor at Bletchley Park who was behind her commitment to an insane asylum, and she needs their help get out and catch them.
The novel is overall excellent, most of the characters are lovable (although the traitor felt very two-dimensional), and Quinn shows skill with the genres she blends for this. As someone who isn't that big on romance, I did find myself rooting for most of the couples, even to a certain extent Philip and Osla's doomed romance, however, it would have been nicer if there was more code breaking and mystery worked in. At times, Bletchley Park feels like it's only present in the novel to put higher stakes into the 1947 portion. Another thing is that Quinn paints a great portrait of how, even in relatively egalitarian places like Bletchley Park, misogyny still rears its ugly head.
I was initially going to give it 5 stars, but looking back over my notes, I remembered some pacing issues. At times the narrative switching between the war years and the madcap hunt for the traitor before Philip and Elizabeth's wedding (as well as between the three main characters' POV) was well done, other times it was questionable. Probably the worst incident of this is Beth coming to a (false) conclusion of who the traitor is, only for the very next chapter to reveal the traitor's real identity when they literally show up and tell her. Not to mention, chapter 3 gave such a strong portrait of Mab and Osla's characters that Chapters 1 and 2 seemed extraneous except for bring up some important relationships they have with people outside of Bletchley Park.
World War II is in full swing, and decrypting German and Italian messages may be the difference between victory and defeat. Bletchley Park becomes a center of British Intelligence activity, and with many men at war, women are among the people brought in to help. Three of the women--Osla Kendall, a witty socialite who aspires to be seen as more than a ditzy debutante; Mab Churt, a jaded young woman from the poor side of London determined to make a better life for herself; and Beth Finch, a spinster near Bletchley Park who after years of bullying from her mother thinks she's not good for much else other than household help and solving crossword puzzles--form a strong friendship that breaks before the end of the war. A few years later, as the world prepares to watch Osla's war time beau Philip marry Princess Elizabeth, Osla and Mab receive coded letters from Beth saying that there was a traitor at Bletchley Park who was behind her commitment to an insane asylum, and she needs their help get out and catch them.
The novel is overall excellent, most of the characters are lovable (although the traitor felt very two-dimensional), and Quinn shows skill with the genres she blends for this. As someone who isn't that big on romance, I did find myself rooting for most of the couples, even to a certain extent Philip and Osla's doomed romance, however, it would have been nicer if there was more code breaking and mystery worked in. At times, Bletchley Park feels like it's only present in the novel to put higher stakes into the 1947 portion. Another thing is that Quinn paints a great portrait of how, even in relatively egalitarian places like Bletchley Park, misogyny still rears its ugly head.
I was initially going to give it 5 stars, but looking back over my notes, I remembered some pacing issues. At times the narrative switching between the war years and the madcap hunt for the traitor before Philip and Elizabeth's wedding (as well as between the three main characters' POV) was well done, other times it was questionable. Probably the worst incident of this is Beth coming to a (false) conclusion of who the traitor is, only for the very next chapter to reveal the traitor's real identity when they literally show up and tell her. Not to mention, chapter 3 gave such a strong portrait of Mab and Osla's characters that Chapters 1 and 2 seemed extraneous except for bring up some important relationships they have with people outside of Bletchley Park.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Genocide, Homophobia, Racism, and Blood
navayiota's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
sad
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
4.5
Kate Quinn DOES NOT MISS! So far, she is one of my favourite authors. She has such an engaging writing style and I have a real soft spot for historical fiction so her stuff is right up my alley, though I was a bit worried when I saw that prince Philip was a love interest in this one, haha. Seriously did not disappoint, I will definitely be reading the rest of her books. I loved Mab, and I think she is one of the best characters in the book. I really felt her pain and wanted to beat up the ones who hurt her. I really recommend this book, but be sure to check the triggers!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Abandonment, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Bullying, Infidelity, Sexual content, Vomit, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Classism
Minor: Cursing
leahrosiee's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Abandonment, and War
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual content, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
fivecatsinacoat's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free review copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this book! It's a perfect complement to the typical WWII books and I've always been interested in the Bletchly Park codebreakers. I did feel that it was a little too long, but it was beautifully written and I can't wait to read more by Kate Quinn.
I really enjoyed this book! It's a perfect complement to the typical WWII books and I've always been interested in the Bletchly Park codebreakers. I did feel that it was a little too long, but it was beautifully written and I can't wait to read more by Kate Quinn.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Medical trauma, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Blood and Classism
Minor: Animal cruelty and Sexual content
kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.0
I had no idea about Bletchley Park or the work that was done there during World War II. This historical-fiction did a great job of giving me some insight into what went on at BP and who the people working there were. This book is equal parts funny, hopeful, devastating, thought-provoking, and sad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Hate crime, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Antisemitism, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, and War
jlewis's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There are a good many flaws in this book, which is a pity, but even so I enjoyed it (audio version) immensely. Set in WW2 at Bletchley Park, the protagonists are 3 very different women who work there and the relationship between them. Even though I have been to Bletchley Park, I felt I had a much better idea of the work there after reading this book, but it wasn’t heavy-handed in too much technical detail.
The book moves between the war years and 1947, with a slow build-up to why the relationship between the 3 women has gone so badly wrong, and then quite a fast-paced and tense resolution at the end.
So what are the faults? Well, the author is American and there is quite a lot of American vocabulary that could have done with being edited by a British editor. And she seems oblivious to how rare household telephones were in the war years in Britain, and certainly would not have been found in an impoverished East End house. Worst of all, in the audio version, the narrator pronounces Keswick as Kes-Wick.
Some of the plot centres around one of the lead characters being in a relationship with Prince Philip. While I think his character is drawn with a good deal of respect, I’m not sure it adds much to the book and an alternative, fictional aristocrat would have fitted the bill equally.
But my biggest complaint is the liberties she takes with her characters, particularly Beth, in order to drive the plot along. Her behaviour in the situation in which she finds herself in 1947 is utterly out of character, and there are other anomalies earlier in the book.
Having said which, I look forward to reading more by this author.
The book moves between the war years and 1947, with a slow build-up to why the relationship between the 3 women has gone so badly wrong, and then quite a fast-paced and tense resolution at the end.
So what are the faults? Well, the author is American and there is quite a lot of American vocabulary that could have done with being edited by a British editor. And she seems oblivious to how rare household telephones were in the war years in Britain, and certainly would not have been found in an impoverished East End house. Worst of all, in the audio version, the narrator pronounces Keswick as Kes-Wick.
Some of the plot centres around one of the lead characters being in a relationship with Prince Philip. While I think his character is drawn with a good deal of respect, I’m not sure it adds much to the book and an alternative, fictional aristocrat would have fitted the bill equally.
But my biggest complaint is the liberties she takes with her characters, particularly Beth, in order to drive the plot along. Her behaviour in the situation in which she finds herself in 1947 is utterly out of character, and there are other anomalies earlier in the book.
Having said which, I look forward to reading more by this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, and Racism