The Rose Code

Author: Kate Quinn

One-sentence summary: A top secret crew of elite code-breakers navigates the secrets of war, but their loyalties are tested when a traitor betrays them all and they must figure out how and why. 

B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 8

Our favorite thing about it: A fantastic story set in one of our favorite time periods.

Our least favorite thing about it: 

Main Topics of Discussion: War, Secrets, Friendship, Relationships, Teamwork, Women

Our favorite quote: “Are not there little chapters in everybody’s life, Beth had read in Vanity Fair only that morning, that seem to be nothing, and yet affect all the rest of history?”

Notes: We love stories set during WWII. With so many different parts of the world involved there are endless interesting stories to be told both true and fictional - or a mix of both like this one. We really liked all three women main characters- they each had distinct voices and really added to the depth of the story. We liked how the author did not shy away from pointing out all the ways women suffered in relationships and in society just for being women. In fact, some of that misogyny drove some plot points. Especially upsetting is Beth's ultimate storyline - ending up in an asylum with no evidence whatsoever. 

There were many great nuggets of truth about war, which we though were well-placed. Many of those came from Francis's poems and letters to/from Mab. We also liked the fact that no one person saved the day - both in the war and in solving the traitor mystery/Rose code. The whole team was needed to get the job done. 

And the whole issue of secrecy was both fascinating and mind-blowing. That a married couple could have been involved in the same top secret mission and not know it because they were that committed to keeping the state secret is a lesson to us in dedication from another time and something we don't really fully understand. Books about Bletchley Park are so interesting because it was unknown for so long. We really enjoyed this one a lot. 

Memorable Meeting Moments: We celebrated Lindsay's birthday month. 

What We Ate: Various dishes from Seasons 52 and fall-themed donuts from Detour Donuts.