I chose to do my book review on a historical non-fiction book called The Rose Code, written by Kate Quinn. Ms. Quinn is an excellent writer and historian. She captures the true essence of life during WWII. I enjoy historical non-fiction books with strong female leads. The Rose Code sets the scene by introducing the United Kingdom’s secret world of enigma code breakers during that time in history. So many brilliant inventions took place during this time, and this book accurately describes how machines such as the enormous bombe machine broke Nazi and Russian code messages meant for their allies.
The three main Characters in the book are Mab, Osla, and Beth. The three couldn’t be more different, but this book captures the complexities of being undercover, love, loss, and determination. Mab, Osla, and Beth take the reader on a journey back in time. I felt like I was at Bletchley Park with Beth, unscrambling and overthinking secret codes. Ms. Quinn delivered this story flawlessly, and I could read Osla’s English accent in the words. She used terminology that hasn’t been seen since that great generation.
One of the biggest takeaways from this book was how people of that time had such an immense loyalty to their country that nothing could break their secret silence and falter the mission: win the war. I can’t imagine putting my life on the line for the sake of millions of others or turning my back on what I believed was true love to shield the identity of a Job. It’s incredible. I can only hope I am never faced with some of the decisions these women had to make, but more importantly, I hope if I am ever in a situation where I know I could use something I was brilliant at to help for good, that, I am brave enough to do so.
I give this book five stars; I couldn’t put it down. If you want to hear a royal love story, the tragedy of war, and the intellectual powers of many minds, then this book is for you.
The Hoot 
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