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The Brightwood Code
Seven months ago Edda was on the World War I front lines as one of two hundred “Hello Girls,” female switchboard operators employed by the US Army. She spent her nights memorizing secret connection codes to stay ahead of spying enemies and her days connecting calls between platoons and bases and generals, all trying to survive—and win—a brutal war. Their lives were in Edda’s hands, and one day, in fateful seconds, everything went wrong.
Now Edda is back in Washington, D.C., working as an American Bell Telephone operator, the picture of respectability. But when her shift ends, she is barely hanging on, desperate to forget the circumstances that cut her time overseas short. When Edda receives a panicked phone call from someone who utters the fateful code word “Brightwood,” she has no choice but to confront her past.
Now Edda is back in Washington, D.C., working as an American Bell Telephone operator, the picture of respectability. But when her shift ends, she is barely hanging on, desperate to forget the circumstances that cut her time overseas short. When Edda receives a panicked phone call from someone who utters the fateful code word “Brightwood,” she has no choice but to confront her past.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
112 people are currently reading
5474 people want to read
About the author
Monica Hesse
9 books1,272 followersMonica Hesse is the national bestselling author of the true crime love story American Fire, and the historical mystery novel Girl in the Blue Coat, which has been translated into a dozen languages and won the 2017 Edgar award in the Young Adult category. She is a feature writer for the Washington Post, where she has been a winner of the Society for Feature Journalism's Narrative Storytelling award, and a finalist for a Livingston Award and a James Beard Award. Monica lives in Maryland. with her husband and a brainiac dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
August 13, 2025
Mais quelle pépite !
J'ai toujours aimé les romans historiques et celui-ci m'a particulièrement happée. Il nous place juste avant la fin de la Première Guerre Mondiale et parle des Hello Girls, ces jeunes femmes américaines qui ont participé à l'effort de guerre depuis l'Europe en transmettant des communications codées. J'ai trouvé ça hyper intéressant et très original mais c'est aussi suuuuuper addictif car l'histoire prend vite un côté polar quand Edda commence à recevoir des appels anonymes très étranges. Entre cet aspect de l'intrigue et les mystères qui planent autour de ce qui s'est passé pour elle en Europe, on a une intrigue qui rend le roman impossible à lâcher. Et si, en plus, on rajoute l'histoire personnelle d'Edda, la force de son personnage et une autre bonne dose d'émotions avec le personnage de Théo... bah ça fait une petite pépite que j'ai adorée !
TW : mention de suicide et d'agressions sexuelles
J'ai toujours aimé les romans historiques et celui-ci m'a particulièrement happée. Il nous place juste avant la fin de la Première Guerre Mondiale et parle des Hello Girls, ces jeunes femmes américaines qui ont participé à l'effort de guerre depuis l'Europe en transmettant des communications codées. J'ai trouvé ça hyper intéressant et très original mais c'est aussi suuuuuper addictif car l'histoire prend vite un côté polar quand Edda commence à recevoir des appels anonymes très étranges. Entre cet aspect de l'intrigue et les mystères qui planent autour de ce qui s'est passé pour elle en Europe, on a une intrigue qui rend le roman impossible à lâcher. Et si, en plus, on rajoute l'histoire personnelle d'Edda, la force de son personnage et une autre bonne dose d'émotions avec le personnage de Théo... bah ça fait une petite pépite que j'ai adorée !
TW : mention de suicide et d'agressions sexuelles
June 10, 2024
The story plods along until near the end when everything comes out. It’s just not worth the read.
March 26, 2024
4.5
I started this book after work one day, intending to read just a couple of chapters before doing other things. I ended up reading about 85% before I'd even realized it, and decided to push through the last bit before the end of the day. It's been a long time since I've read a full length book in a few hours, but this book was so gripping I couldn't stop.
This book follows Edda, a former Hello Girl during World War I. I didn't know much about the Hello Girls, as I'm not well-versed in much of WWI. They were bilingual English/French switchboard operators who helped connect the different American and French troops, and were essential to the war effort. Edda was discharged from her duty early and returned to the US, intending to forget her mistake which she believes cost the lives of the entire Forty-Eighth Baltimore Regiment. As we follow Edda, we learn more about how she became a Hello Girl, and what led up to the tragedy that caused her to return home. This book brilliantly crafts another aspect of the war that many people didn't give much thought to and didn't have words for - PTSD. Edda's struggles with her PTSD are woven throughout the tale and offer great insight into her character.
I do have to say that I wasn't expecting the ending at all. Everything is not as it seems, as Edda isn't always the most reliable narrator due to her trauma. However, once you get to the end, you understand completely why Edda is suffering the way she is. There is a second part to the ending, which weaves in another thread of the story that packs an emotional punch. This story moves at a fast pace, with very few unnecessary words or scenes. It's easy to get pulled in by the narration and even easier to keep flipping the pages to find out what really happened. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a bit of mystery involved. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I started this book after work one day, intending to read just a couple of chapters before doing other things. I ended up reading about 85% before I'd even realized it, and decided to push through the last bit before the end of the day. It's been a long time since I've read a full length book in a few hours, but this book was so gripping I couldn't stop.
This book follows Edda, a former Hello Girl during World War I. I didn't know much about the Hello Girls, as I'm not well-versed in much of WWI. They were bilingual English/French switchboard operators who helped connect the different American and French troops, and were essential to the war effort. Edda was discharged from her duty early and returned to the US, intending to forget her mistake which she believes cost the lives of the entire Forty-Eighth Baltimore Regiment. As we follow Edda, we learn more about how she became a Hello Girl, and what led up to the tragedy that caused her to return home. This book brilliantly crafts another aspect of the war that many people didn't give much thought to and didn't have words for - PTSD. Edda's struggles with her PTSD are woven throughout the tale and offer great insight into her character.
I do have to say that I wasn't expecting the ending at all. Everything is not as it seems, as Edda isn't always the most reliable narrator due to her trauma. However, once you get to the end, you understand completely why Edda is suffering the way she is. There is a second part to the ending, which weaves in another thread of the story that packs an emotional punch. This story moves at a fast pace, with very few unnecessary words or scenes. It's easy to get pulled in by the narration and even easier to keep flipping the pages to find out what really happened. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a bit of mystery involved. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2024
Yet another interesting facet of women and their role in war. I love the explanation of crossing new telephone technology and the role of the Hello Girls in WWI.
June 23, 2024
I thought this book was just okay, and I can't say I liked it enough to give it 3 stars. After listening to it, I'm a little surprised by the hype I've been reading about it. I liked learning about the Hello Girls of World War I, but I found certain aspects of the main character to be out of sync with the general vibe of the early 1900's. Edda was fairly estranged from her parents, and while living with her aunt in another city, made many trips to track down the soldiers who were part of an ill-fated operation. She was obsessed with this, and I'm just not sure why--I don't know exactly what she was telling the families of the soldiers who'd died.
And then we have Theo, her friend from the boarding house, who has his own secrets from his family, and those aren't fleshed out very well.
I usually love historical fiction, but this one didn't do it for me.
And then we have Theo, her friend from the boarding house, who has his own secrets from his family, and those aren't fleshed out very well.
I usually love historical fiction, but this one didn't do it for me.
March 20, 2024
An Examination of Trauma and Historical Omissions in Monica Hesse's "The Brightwood Code"
Monica Hesse's "The Brightwood Code" offers a deftly crafted historical mystery intertwined with a nuanced interrogation of trauma and the systematic erasure of women's wartime contributions. The novel centers on Edda, a former "Hello Girl" – one of the courageous female switchboard operators whose skills were indispensable on the World War I frontlines. Hesse meticulously reconstructs the harrowing atmosphere of the war, juxtaposing the relentless tension of Edda's past with the stifling expectations of post-war America.
In portraying Edda's psychological struggles, Hesse transcends the conventions of historical fiction. The novel delves into the complexities of a condition that would not be fully recognized for decades: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Edda's flashbacks, hypervigilance, and desperate attempts to numb her pain are rendered with both visceral immediacy and profound sensitivity. Hesse illustrates the profound isolation experienced by those whose trauma is invisible and often dismissed, particularly within the historical context of a society ill-equipped to acknowledge the psychological cost of war.
"The Brightwood Code" also exposes the historical injustice perpetrated against the "Hello Girls." Despite their undeniable role in the Allied war effort, their service was denied veteran status and largely omitted from official narratives. Hesse weaves a compelling thread of righteous anger through the narrative, highlighting the systemic silencing of women whose wartime sacrifices were deemed inconvenient. The novel thus serves as a corrective, amplifying a hidden history while simultaneously indicting the mechanisms of erasure.
Beyond its thematic depth, "The Brightwood Code" succeeds as a captivating thriller. The central mystery involving the cryptic code word "Brightwood" propels the narrative forward, engaging the reader in the unraveling of secrets and the pursuit of truth. Hesse's prose possesses a historical sensibility that transports readers to the era, yet remains unburdened by archaisms, ensuring a seamless reading experience.
This multifaceted novel offers profound insights into both individual wartime experiences and the broader societal consequences of downplaying women's contributions. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of historical fiction to both illuminate forgotten corners of the past and resonate with the ongoing human struggle to heal from unseen wounds.
Monica Hesse's "The Brightwood Code" offers a deftly crafted historical mystery intertwined with a nuanced interrogation of trauma and the systematic erasure of women's wartime contributions. The novel centers on Edda, a former "Hello Girl" – one of the courageous female switchboard operators whose skills were indispensable on the World War I frontlines. Hesse meticulously reconstructs the harrowing atmosphere of the war, juxtaposing the relentless tension of Edda's past with the stifling expectations of post-war America.
In portraying Edda's psychological struggles, Hesse transcends the conventions of historical fiction. The novel delves into the complexities of a condition that would not be fully recognized for decades: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Edda's flashbacks, hypervigilance, and desperate attempts to numb her pain are rendered with both visceral immediacy and profound sensitivity. Hesse illustrates the profound isolation experienced by those whose trauma is invisible and often dismissed, particularly within the historical context of a society ill-equipped to acknowledge the psychological cost of war.
"The Brightwood Code" also exposes the historical injustice perpetrated against the "Hello Girls." Despite their undeniable role in the Allied war effort, their service was denied veteran status and largely omitted from official narratives. Hesse weaves a compelling thread of righteous anger through the narrative, highlighting the systemic silencing of women whose wartime sacrifices were deemed inconvenient. The novel thus serves as a corrective, amplifying a hidden history while simultaneously indicting the mechanisms of erasure.
Beyond its thematic depth, "The Brightwood Code" succeeds as a captivating thriller. The central mystery involving the cryptic code word "Brightwood" propels the narrative forward, engaging the reader in the unraveling of secrets and the pursuit of truth. Hesse's prose possesses a historical sensibility that transports readers to the era, yet remains unburdened by archaisms, ensuring a seamless reading experience.
This multifaceted novel offers profound insights into both individual wartime experiences and the broader societal consequences of downplaying women's contributions. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of historical fiction to both illuminate forgotten corners of the past and resonate with the ongoing human struggle to heal from unseen wounds.
July 3, 2024
i really need to stop using Instagram for book recommendations.
June 10, 2025
3.5 stars! I really enjoyed this one. I haven't read a historical fiction book in a while. However, it wasn't really so much of a war book as a girl processing her memories of the war she helped in. She grew a lot and it was really cool to read her story. The end made my heart ache for her.
April 23, 2025
This is one of the worst books I have read. So crazy because the International Spy Museum in DC is where I found it. I didn't even really find how it was related to spying and it should be removed from being promoted there. On top of this, the storyline was completely slow with nothing really happening and no reason for the scare anyways. The character's actions don't even make sense. Why wouldn't Mae tell the protagonist what Luc did and to beware of being alone with him? Why wouldn't the matron have talked directly to the protagonist? Half of the scenes were slow with no purpose- and then the entire "mystery" wasn't even really one. If this had been my first Hesse book I would never pick up another one. Don't waste your time.
June 3, 2024
Ranges between 3.0 and 2.5 for me. I was straight up bored with this at times. I wished there was more historical content. It felt more like a mystery-drama plopped into a historical setting. I didn’t always think the sense of the time period was consistent.. the mystery didn’t play out as expected iin a way that neither seemed realistic or interesting. If I had to give this a one word rating it would be MEH.
May 20, 2024
3.5*
I flew through this book and enjoyed learning about the Hello Girls. Monica Hesse is a great author.
I liked the concept and the conflict of the story a lot, but the resolution kind of fell short for me.
I flew through this book and enjoyed learning about the Hello Girls. Monica Hesse is a great author.
I liked the concept and the conflict of the story a lot, but the resolution kind of fell short for me.
September 26, 2024
I hate to call a book stupid, but here we are.
No amount of quality research and intellect can make up for a flimsy plot and illogical, un relatable characters.
A great concept, only to be butchered by poor execution.
No amount of quality research and intellect can make up for a flimsy plot and illogical, un relatable characters.
A great concept, only to be butchered by poor execution.
June 10, 2024
Will pass on this one.
Read
September 1, 2024It's sad that women have been so overlooked in history that one only learns of their contributions through YA historical fiction. This is one of those books, taking on the story of a group of women who controlled switchboards in WW1. More specifically it deals with the trauma one young woman faces and her post trauma life when she returns home.
December 18, 2024
Wonderful story about female telephone operators during WWI, the Great War. So much more has been written about the second, and so this is a treasure. The story May be mostly about solving a mystery, but it’s about so much more. It’s themes also include grief, blame, trauma, friendships, and healing. Great read
November 25, 2025
This book was very difficult to review. Me and my friend picked out books for each other to read. I was not expecting some of the things that happened. There was NO WARNING! And everything happened within a SINGLE PAGE! Earlier reading it I would probably rate it 2 stars because the writing was not my style but in the middle of the book when the romancey stuff started happening I got more into it. Definitely 13+ book.
February 3, 2026
Such an interesting little read! Loved learning more about historical context of women during WWII. Was not the ending I expected and seemed kinda like a left turn, but I loved how it showed all the amazing, unexpected connections in life! Also, it showed how we carry all our stories (good and bad) with us through our lives and it is something that makes each of us unique!
November 20, 2024
I love this author. There's always something that makes you catch your breath, at the end. An unexpected plot twist or cleverly revealed character flaw. Great WWI historical fiction about a Hello Girl--telephone operator in wartime. Guilt, shame, pain and a hint of romance.
December 24, 2024
3.5 stars. It was 3 stars up until the last part.
January 11, 2025
Amazing! Just amazing.
July 25, 2024
One night read. It was clever and interesting take on PTSD?
December 16, 2024
The Hello girls were American girls who went overseas during WWI to act as telephone operators supporting the front. A part of history that was new to me. Such an interesting story about their role often close to the front lines.
July 12, 2025
As a WWI historical fiction author, I read this book with interest--a story of the war I'd not heard before.
It's listed as YA at my library and the writing is YA level. The story, however, includes a pretty dramatic event which I would not want my YA readers to read without some guidance.
The descriptions of telephone operators at both the WWI front and back in the US, was very interesting.
The heroine's actions didn't make a lot of sense to me, which is why I'm giving this only three stars.
It's listed as YA at my library and the writing is YA level. The story, however, includes a pretty dramatic event which I would not want my YA readers to read without some guidance.
The descriptions of telephone operators at both the WWI front and back in the US, was very interesting.
The heroine's actions didn't make a lot of sense to me, which is why I'm giving this only three stars.
May 17, 2024
Read this if you love:
🤍 well-researched historical fiction
🔎 mysteries that keep you guessing
🩶 unreliable narrators
Since I had a hard time putting down The Brightwood Code, I read it in a little over 24 hours. What a heart-pounding, tightly-plotted piece of historical fiction! Monica Hesse’s prose is electric. Each word packs a punch as we move between Edda’s past and present, slowly uncovering what exactly happened in France. As we get further into the story, you start to question who to believe and who can trusted.
Our main character, Edda St. James, has just returned from the front lines and works as telephone operator in D.C. She’s traumatized, depressed, and struggles with guilt from her time in France as a Hello Girl. Her only company is the occasional visit from her plucky architect neighbor Theo. Edda wears her past like an old coat, unable to move on from the thoughts that haunt her day and night. All of that changes when Edda receives a call referencing the code word that won’t leave her mind, the one that no one else was supposed to know: Brightwood.
The Brightwood Code is set during and shortly after the Great War. This is a period of history underrepresented in historical fiction (especially in YA!), so I appreciate the author giving the era it’s due. I had no idea that dozens of women were sent to the front lines in France to operate military switchboards and yet were not recognized as veterans until the 1970s. I glad that the author came across this piece of history and brought it to light in such a well-written manner.
If you enjoy books by Ruta Sepetys or Amanda McCrina, you’ll LOVE The Brightwood Code.
Thank you to Little, Brown and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🤍 well-researched historical fiction
🔎 mysteries that keep you guessing
🩶 unreliable narrators
Since I had a hard time putting down The Brightwood Code, I read it in a little over 24 hours. What a heart-pounding, tightly-plotted piece of historical fiction! Monica Hesse’s prose is electric. Each word packs a punch as we move between Edda’s past and present, slowly uncovering what exactly happened in France. As we get further into the story, you start to question who to believe and who can trusted.
Our main character, Edda St. James, has just returned from the front lines and works as telephone operator in D.C. She’s traumatized, depressed, and struggles with guilt from her time in France as a Hello Girl. Her only company is the occasional visit from her plucky architect neighbor Theo. Edda wears her past like an old coat, unable to move on from the thoughts that haunt her day and night. All of that changes when Edda receives a call referencing the code word that won’t leave her mind, the one that no one else was supposed to know: Brightwood.
The Brightwood Code is set during and shortly after the Great War. This is a period of history underrepresented in historical fiction (especially in YA!), so I appreciate the author giving the era it’s due. I had no idea that dozens of women were sent to the front lines in France to operate military switchboards and yet were not recognized as veterans until the 1970s. I glad that the author came across this piece of history and brought it to light in such a well-written manner.
If you enjoy books by Ruta Sepetys or Amanda McCrina, you’ll LOVE The Brightwood Code.
Thank you to Little, Brown and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2025
Really 3.5. the book was slow, then the end was very good. I have to put warnings in it and will only allow my 8th graders to read it. Really, it is a YA book. (For my Middle School Teachers out there)
December 30, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect of this book, and I'm not quite sure what to think now that I'm done. The Hello Girls is interesting, and a little-known piece of history. This takes a while to get the story going, and the reveal about the Brightwood "event" was kind of a letdown. Idk, I'm still feeling torn about this haha.
July 22, 2024
⋆｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆
Hesse is impressive with the chapter names. At first, I thought they were real-life names from World War II, but after reading a few chapters, they have an important meaning that makes more sense. The way she used italics for some of her chapters helped me distinguish between past and present times.
A mystery you have to solve throughout the book is: who exactly said, "You have to tell the Truth," and what even is "Brightwood."
I cackled at the part where Edda was trying to solve who the mysterious caller is, and then all of a sudden her mind drifts to how handsome Theo is.
After figuring out the truth, I was a bit disappointed. I know the main purpose of this book is to realize that not everything will be fair the way you want it to be and that forgiveness and moving forward is the best way to endure a problem in your life. But I really, truly wanted to rip that character’s balls off. I know it is the reality in this world, but I really hoped these characters were all good at heart. There were several plot twists, and it jumbled up my thinking process, which led me to the conclusion of giving this book 3/5. However, I did appreciate the fact that without reading this book, I wouldn't have learned what Hello Girls are and how they played a significant role during WWI. It is something people should learn more about, and I appreciate the author introducing this group of people to me.
⋆｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆
Hesse is impressive with the chapter names. At first, I thought they were real-life names from World War II, but after reading a few chapters, they have an important meaning that makes more sense. The way she used italics for some of her chapters helped me distinguish between past and present times.
A mystery you have to solve throughout the book is: who exactly said, "You have to tell the Truth," and what even is "Brightwood."
I cackled at the part where Edda was trying to solve who the mysterious caller is, and then all of a sudden her mind drifts to how handsome Theo is.
After figuring out the truth, I was a bit disappointed. I know the main purpose of this book is to realize that not everything will be fair the way you want it to be and that forgiveness and moving forward is the best way to endure a problem in your life. But I really, truly wanted to rip that character’s balls off. I know it is the reality in this world, but I really hoped these characters were all good at heart. There were several plot twists, and it jumbled up my thinking process, which led me to the conclusion of giving this book 3/5. However, I did appreciate the fact that without reading this book, I wouldn't have learned what Hello Girls are and how they played a significant role during WWI. It is something people should learn more about, and I appreciate the author introducing this group of people to me.
⋆｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆
April 27, 2024
Trigger Warnings: PTSD, suicide, sexual assault (all very well handled, but deep and heavy topics that readers should be aware of going in)
This is a heartbreaking story about terrible things like war, the things that happen in war, and other human atrocities. But, underneath all the pain, this story also weaves a beautiful message of healing, moving forward, and rekindled hope.
I really loved the author's prose, and she pulled off all the hidden secrets and revealing of information very well. I was very drawn into the story, need to know what happens next. I, however, did not expect some of the themes this books would address in the latter half because of how well hidden those secrets and themes were. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however, I do think that one theme in particular should be foreshadowed in the book's description due to the potential of being triggering.
I am always appreciative of books that address mental health topics, and this book did a very good job portraying what PTSD can look like. I am excited for the release and hope to discuss the story with other readers when it becomes available!
** I received an advance copy of this book from the publish via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacts my rating. **
This is a heartbreaking story about terrible things like war, the things that happen in war, and other human atrocities. But, underneath all the pain, this story also weaves a beautiful message of healing, moving forward, and rekindled hope.
I really loved the author's prose, and she pulled off all the hidden secrets and revealing of information very well. I was very drawn into the story, need to know what happens next. I, however, did not expect some of the themes this books would address in the latter half because of how well hidden those secrets and themes were. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however, I do think that one theme in particular should be foreshadowed in the book's description due to the potential of being triggering.
I am always appreciative of books that address mental health topics, and this book did a very good job portraying what PTSD can look like. I am excited for the release and hope to discuss the story with other readers when it becomes available!
** I received an advance copy of this book from the publish via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacts my rating. **
Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews