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Code Name Verity

Book 1 in the series:Code Name Verity

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In 'Code Name Verity', author Elizabeth Wein weaves a compelling story set during World War II, focusing on the friendship between two young women, Maddie and Julie, who find themselves involved in espionage and war efforts. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two protagonists, revealing a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Through cryptic accounts, unexpected plot twists, and heartbreaking decisions, the story unfolds to showcase the depth of the characters' friendship and the challenges they overcome during the war.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, embodying strength, complexity, and a deep friendship, with both leading females displaying resilience and bravery in the face of adversity.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and combines emotional depth with touches of humor, while also employing an unreliable narrator technique that adds intrigue and complexity.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows the intertwining stories of two young women during World War II, revealing their bravery, friendship, and the harsh realities of war through Verity's captivity and Maddie's efforts to survive.

Setting:

The setting is vividly portrayed, reflecting the dangers of Nazi-occupied France during World War II and the experiences of women in this tumultuous time.

Pacing:

The pacing starts off slow but becomes gripping as the story progresses, culminating in a fast-paced and emotional conclusion.
Just can’t think when it happened. She checked her papers, I checked my papers, Sergeant Silvey checked both of us, that headmistressy Special Operations officer who was nannying her checked, everybod...

Notes:

The book is set during World War II in England and occupied France.
One of the main characters, Verity, becomes a spy and is captured by the Gestapo.
The story is narrated by two women: Verity and her best friend Maddie.
Verity's capture and torture make up a significant part of the plot.
The book highlights the roles of women in the war effort as pilots and spies.
The author, Elizabeth Wein, conducted extensive research on women's roles during WWII.
The structure of the book is split into two parts, with Verrity's confession in the first part and Maddie's perspective in the second.
The story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice.
The book includes historical elements that are woven into the narrative without overwhelming the characters' stories.
The title 'Code Name Verity' refers to the alias used by the main character who navigates dangerous situations.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes content warnings for themes of torture, violence, and psychological distress as it deals with the harsh realities of war.

From The Publisher:

When a Scottish spy named Queenie is seized by the Nazi SS, she is certain she will be killed. The Nazis torture her and tell her that if she wishes to stay alive, she must disclose top-secret information and explain the purpose of her mission. Queenie agrees to do so and is given paper and pen to write down her story.

Clever Queenie then tells the tale of how she became involved in the war and how she came to be best friends with a gifted pilot named Maddie. She describes in great detail her relationship with Maddie, the workings of the British war effort, and the story behind her mission. Her writing is so vivid and enthralling that even the SS officer in charge becomes wrapped up in her intricate tale. By the story's climactic end, the confession Queenie has constructed falls brilliantly into place. But is it enough to save her life?

This gripping story is a first-rate mystery and a riveting spy novel wound into one, but ultimately it's also a triumphant tale that celebrates the unique power of female friendship.

2013 Printz Honor Book

Ratings (31)

Incredible (7)
Loved It (12)
Liked It (5)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (3)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (126):

Read It (31)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (74)
Not Interested (20)

4 comment(s)

Incredible
2 months

this book is everything

 
Did Not Like
3 months

2.5

C

I’m sorry. I know a lot of people really loved this but I struggled to get through it. I eventually did after shelving it twice. I found it long-winded and tedious. I kept trying to make myself read it and like it. It took me over a month but I read it.

That’s about all I’ve got.

 
Loved It
3 months

The story starts with a confession by a captured British spy, Verity. She and her friend Maddie were on a war mission and their plane gets crashed. Varity is captured and Maddie is left behind.

Varity tortured by Germans tells the secrets of British missions, but Germans doesn't much believe her. She tells the story of Maddie, her childhood as hers to the Germans to conceal her identity.

Maddie, on the other side is set to rescue her friend from Germans.

The book is mostly about two ladies who are utterly different and their loyal friendship to each other. The sections are narrated as the sequence of present , past and present.

Very lovely book which holds you even if the first section confuses a little bit,where as second section makes it all clear.

 
Did Not Like
5 months

Confusing in the beginning. I couldn't get attached to the characters. Sad story but my own emotions were vacant the whole time

 
 
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