A review by asourceoffiction
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

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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