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weis_ash's review against another edition
2.0
This book is more about William than Elizebeth, I wish we could've had more of her story.
sydkneelisa's review against another edition
I learned so much about so much! The story of Elizebeth is incredible, both professionally and personally. I love that while the story is about her, it also has to be about her husband. They were a team, through and through (according to all accounts). Brilliantly researched and written.
minukannan's review against another edition
3.0
The parts of the book which describe the types of ciphers and how they were broken to readable text makes it an interesting and exciting activity for the readers to try. While parts of the narration are interesting to read, most parts are too deeply discussed making it dry. I am sure it would be an interesting read for people associated with learning cipher, its history and its role in the times of war.
booksrachelreads's review against another edition
4.0
For me, “True Stories of Women Doing Bad Ass Things in Wartime” is a fav book genre of mine, so I loved this story. She’s a woman who did everything for the good of her country and following her interests and nothing for attention or praise of her own, and she ended up changing the course of history. So cooooooool, def recommend if you’re interested in behind the scenes war stories
benziebox's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic recount of the life and hard work of a forgotten figure in history. Highly recommend to anyone who loves history, espionage, and women who made it possible for America to end a war.
lexish00's review against another edition
5.0
Listened to the audiobook over the last few months during my commute. This is a GREAT book that I would recommend to everyone. It's the story of Elizabeth Friedman, one of the first cryptanalysts, her life, her work, her marriage, everything. The first part about working at Fabian's place was amazing, then the work during the second world war was great as well. Her relationship with William is so beautiful, and even though I knew everyone would die in the end (hello, they were literally born in the 1800s, of course they aren't still alive at the publication of the book in 2017), I got teary eyed. Fagone is a wonderful writer who really does justice to this story and includes so many good details without getting bogged down.
lesserjoke's review against another edition
4.0
Author Jason Fagone sometimes gets a little lost in the weeds recounting the details of Elizebeth Smith Friedman's codebreaking activities, but he shines a welcome light on her forgotten contributions in this first biography of the woman who should be considered the mother of modern cryptanalysis. Long-overshadowed by her equally-genius husband due to twentieth-century sexism, the classified nature of their work, and her own inclination against publicity, Friedman made extraordinary breakthroughs of her own in the U.S. counter-espionage and anti-smuggling efforts during the two World Wars. Fagone's delivery can be rough, but he's done valuable research in enabling this incredible story to finally be heard.
annettefunnycello's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating true story about the woman who broke nazi codes, mafia codes, and solved puzzles with a brain as sharp as her curiosity. Extraordinary, worthwhile deep dive into USA's spycraft before the world got really paranoid.