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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
katiebannasch's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and War
Moderate: Child death and Medical trauma
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
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
rockshaw22's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and War
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
rebe677's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
This was an enjoyable book with pleasant plot twists. I enjoyed reading about the code-breakers and learning more about that aspect of WWII, especially knowing many of the people mentioned actually existed. The characters aren't the most vivid but have enough depth to be relatable. I'm glad I read it - but not sure I'll ever read it again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Rape and War
kenny_2288's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, and Terminal illness
madsmcw_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Rose Code is a WWII story that takes place at Bletchley Park where they were responsible for decoding enemy correspondence. And let me tell you these people were incredible. I loved this take on the era because it's unlike any story I've read from the era! There's a lot going on, for 75% of the story there's dual timelines and multiple POVs but it flowed so well. I never felt like I wanted to be reading the other timeline or a different POV because it was so perfectly paced, and for a 600+ page book that's not always easy to do. Quinn does a great job of keeping things historically accurate and changing details when necessary to move the story. There are obviously a lot of content warnings as this is a story set during war time so please take care with those.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and War
Moderate: Cancer, Misogyny, Terminal illness, Torture, Blood, and Alcohol
kailiyahknight's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Racial slurs
Minor: Cancer, Cursing, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Excrement, Vomit, Antisemitism, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis