Author: Elizabeth Wein
Series: Code Name Verity #1
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Source: Personal Library, Received as Gift
Rating: 4.5 Stars
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Synopsis
from Goodreads:
Oct. 11th, 1943-A
British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are
best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the
game before it's barely begun.
When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she's living a spy's worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.
As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage, failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?
My
Review:
I love WWII era
historical fictions. This period in history just fascinates me. There are so
many different facets to this war and different areas to examine and I love
learning about all of them. I have wanted to read this book for a while after
reading raving reviews, but never really got around to it. Then my friend,
Meghan, got me a copy for Christmas and I let it sit on my shelf for like three
months before finally picking it up. Why oh why did I not pick this up sooner?
This book was incredible.
I’m not going to lie.
It starts off slow. Really slow. I
actually fell asleep reading the night I started it. But after about 100 pages
or so, I was hooked, captivated, couldn’t put it down. So please, whatever you
do, do not quit this book. Give it a chance. Push through because you will
discover a beautiful story that will likely make a huge impact on you.
I can’t say too much
about this book for fear of giving something away. I will say that the
historical detail was rich and well-done. I felt like I was in Europe with the
characters cowering in fear whenever there was an air raid or something of that
nature. Elizabeth Wein definitely did her research and it played a huge role in
making this book what it is.
Both main characters
were incredible. “Verity” was brilliant, witty, funny, and brave. She was one
of the most courageous characters I have ever read about and I truly loved
everything about her. Her best friend Maddie is a little quieter and definitely
more timid, but she was so passionate about flying and she cared deeply for her
friend. Speaking of friends…the friendship between these two young women was so
poignant and just absolutely beautiful. We need more friendships like this in
YA.
I’m not going to say
much more than that because I seriously don’t want to give a single detail
away. It’s really best if you just read it not knowing much of anything. I will
tell you to prepare for feels though. You will go through the entire range of emotions
in this book. I was shaking angry at parts. I was laughing and smiling at
others. And yes, I was sobbing during certain moments. This book broke my
heart, but I absolutely loved it. A breathtaking tale of friendship and courage
during a very dark time in history. I can’t wait to read the companion novel, Rose Under Fire. Happy reading all!
I agree it starts slow but I'm glad you loved it!! I did too :D
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was soooo good!
DeleteThis book. It is one of the most amazing stories I have ever read. So glad you liked it! "Kiss Me, Hardy!" *sob*
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris
*bursts into tears* Why would you say that to me??? Now I am a puddle again.
DeleteYAY I'm so glad you loved it! I'm not usually a historical fiction fan but this book kind of started turning me on to it haha. It was so jarring and so beautiful all at the same time. The ending broke my heart! Well... the whole book did haha
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm not either, but I've heard such great things about this one that I knew I had to give it a try. I also recently read A Mad Wicked Folly (historical fiction) and LOVED it. So maybe I am actually a historical fiction fan...
DeleteThis one does sound like it will be heartbreaking. If I read it, I think I'll need to read it in between two light and fluffy books. I haven't read much historical YA, really only A Mad Wicked Folly, but I did enjoy that one. I don't know, this one might just be too sad for me, I'll have to think about it. Great review, glad you loved it. ~Pam
ReplyDeleteYeah, I know you don't like books that make you cry so this one might not be for you. But if you decide to read it, it truly is a powerful, amazing story.
DeleteOh this book!! I definitely cried. the friendship is just so amazing, loved it so!! I agree -- the beginning definitely was slow, so much planes stuff! But then it gets so good!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is very plane heavy at first and it took me a while to get into it, but I'm so glad I stuck it out. I need to read the companion novel now!
Delete*SCREAMS* Gosh, I'm so happy that you finally read this and that you loved it :D I absolutely agree, it starts off incredibly slow. There was actually a time when I was reading it (with a friend of mine who was WAY ahead than me lol) where I said I would put it down and DNF it because I found it so boring. she pushed me to continue though, and thank goodness! I haven't read Rose Under Fire yet but hopefully soon, I need to mentally prepare for the types of feels that Elizabeth Wein gives me lol
ReplyDeleteYeah, I felt the same way. I was quite bored at the beginning, but it got so freaking good! And then I sobbed. And my heart broke. I definitely need a little break before getting to Rose Under Fire. My heart can only handle so much at one time.
Delete