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The Codebreaker Girl
1930s, Poland. We hold our breath as the gears turn, waiting to see if years of work have paid off. The operator looks at me with tears in his eyes. He nods his head. We’ve done it. The code has been broken. But with war brewing, will it be enough to save us?
After graduating as the first and only woman on her university course, orphan Beata is set on joining the Cipher Bureau. She’s determined to save her country from invasion by cracking the Enigma code. But, as gunfire rings across the rooftops of her hometown and Nazi boots sound on the cobblestones, Beata and her team are forced to work in secret.
Meeting with underground British intelligence, Beata catches the bright, sparkling eyes of one of the agents, Harry. His excitement about Enigma and how vital it is for all their futures makes her more determined than ever to do what’s right. But with the war destroying everything she holds dear and tearing them in different directions, their only hope is to reunite at the home of British codebreakers: Bletchley Park.
Carrying the final key to the Enigma code, and with the Nazis close on her tail, can Beata keep the secrets she holds safe and turn the tide of the war? And will she ever see Harry again?
After graduating as the first and only woman on her university course, orphan Beata is set on joining the Cipher Bureau. She’s determined to save her country from invasion by cracking the Enigma code. But, as gunfire rings across the rooftops of her hometown and Nazi boots sound on the cobblestones, Beata and her team are forced to work in secret.
Meeting with underground British intelligence, Beata catches the bright, sparkling eyes of one of the agents, Harry. His excitement about Enigma and how vital it is for all their futures makes her more determined than ever to do what’s right. But with the war destroying everything she holds dear and tearing them in different directions, their only hope is to reunite at the home of British codebreakers: Bletchley Park.
Carrying the final key to the Enigma code, and with the Nazis close on her tail, can Beata keep the secrets she holds safe and turn the tide of the war? And will she ever see Harry again?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2024
1044 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
Gosia Nealon
6 books119 followersWhile Gosia Nealon is a proud New Yorker, she was born and raised in Poland. Her journey to the Big Apple revealed a wealth of cultural differences, but also the values that connect us all. Like the fierce desire to protect family, find love, and ultimately, discover who we are and why we’re here.
Gosia’s award-winning short stories have always delved into life’s biggest questions, but it was the drama, sacrifice, and tragedy of WWII that led her to pen her debut novel, "The Last Sketch."
Growing up in Poland, Gosia heard many firsthand accounts of the war, told from a perspective rarely captured in mainstream literature. She was compelled to breathe life into Wanda and Finn, two young people falling in love in the midst of the most terrifying conflict of our time.
When Gosia isn’t tapping away at her laptop, she’s often walking the streets of New York. With her husband and three young sons in tow, they search for the most succulent pierogi, transporting them back to the cobbled streets of her childhood.
Gosia’s award-winning short stories have always delved into life’s biggest questions, but it was the drama, sacrifice, and tragedy of WWII that led her to pen her debut novel, "The Last Sketch."
Growing up in Poland, Gosia heard many firsthand accounts of the war, told from a perspective rarely captured in mainstream literature. She was compelled to breathe life into Wanda and Finn, two young people falling in love in the midst of the most terrifying conflict of our time.
When Gosia isn’t tapping away at her laptop, she’s often walking the streets of New York. With her husband and three young sons in tow, they search for the most succulent pierogi, transporting them back to the cobbled streets of her childhood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 12, 2024
“Tomorrow is not guaranteed. It’s so important to catch every moment.”
Gosia Nealon’s upcoming historical fiction book is inspired by the true story of the brave Polish mathematicians who first cracked the Enigma code.
Poland knew that after gaining independence after WW1, keeping it would mean staying ahead of their enemies. One way they did this was to intercept and decode encrypted messages. When the Germans invented the Enigma, the Poles decided to approach codebreaking mathematically rather than linguistically. It changed everything.
Nealon has shown how mathematics helped to win the war and honored the genius mathematicians and cryptologists who deserve a place in history books.
Beata Koszyczek, 26 and the protagonist of Nealon’s book, is an orphan who took her own life in her hands and learned several languages. She could have easily wallowed in self-pity that fate had dealt her the worst possible hand the moment her mother abandoned her, but she saw the value of (a linguistic) education in gaining her independence. There’s a subtle message here for all of us.
I loved the opportunity to learn new things:
✏️the stroke of luck that enabled ‘bombes’ to be commissioned which led to the rapid decryption process.
✏️The secret cryptology center at Pyry in the Kabaty woods near Warsaw
✏️The legend of Syrenka, the Warsaw mermaid
✏️September 25th Black Monday
✏️Zygalski perforated sheets
✏️Letter ‘P’ that Poles were forced to wear
✏️Turing and the ‘Bombe’
✏️Norwegian campaign
✏️Tripartite Pact
✏️Funkabwehr
I gasped when I read about Nazis closing down the Polish libraries in Warsaw and opening up reading rooms solely for occupying Germans!
💜 I appreciated the message about not taking things for granted, about appreciating the beauty of simple things, about the price we pay to stay alive, and the provisions God makes in sending good people our way so that we are never alone.
I went down a rabbit hole and Googled the plaque at Bletchly Park which commemorates the efforts of the Polish Cypher Bureau and claims that if it weren’t for their achievements, the war would have continued longer than it did. I also looked up the monument in front of Poznań Castle which honors the cryptologists mentioned in the book (Marian Rejewski, Jerry Różycki, and Henryk Zygalski).
I needed this book about Harry and Beata to remind me to be careful when judging someone’s potential, to affirm my belief in the importance of a STEM education and appreciate the value of memories and connection in giving us purpose.
If you enjoyed The Girl from Bletchley Park,The Physicists Daughter, Lady Codebreaker, The Mozart Code, The Codebreakers Secret, The Bletchley Girls or The Rose Code, you’ll like this one. If you are looking for something different, something not highlighted in historical fiction before, you’ll like this one about Poland’s overlooked Enigma codebreakers.
Gosia Nealon’s upcoming historical fiction book is inspired by the true story of the brave Polish mathematicians who first cracked the Enigma code.
Poland knew that after gaining independence after WW1, keeping it would mean staying ahead of their enemies. One way they did this was to intercept and decode encrypted messages. When the Germans invented the Enigma, the Poles decided to approach codebreaking mathematically rather than linguistically. It changed everything.
Nealon has shown how mathematics helped to win the war and honored the genius mathematicians and cryptologists who deserve a place in history books.
Beata Koszyczek, 26 and the protagonist of Nealon’s book, is an orphan who took her own life in her hands and learned several languages. She could have easily wallowed in self-pity that fate had dealt her the worst possible hand the moment her mother abandoned her, but she saw the value of (a linguistic) education in gaining her independence. There’s a subtle message here for all of us.
I loved the opportunity to learn new things:
✏️the stroke of luck that enabled ‘bombes’ to be commissioned which led to the rapid decryption process.
✏️The secret cryptology center at Pyry in the Kabaty woods near Warsaw
✏️The legend of Syrenka, the Warsaw mermaid
✏️September 25th Black Monday
✏️Zygalski perforated sheets
✏️Letter ‘P’ that Poles were forced to wear
✏️Turing and the ‘Bombe’
✏️Norwegian campaign
✏️Tripartite Pact
✏️Funkabwehr
I gasped when I read about Nazis closing down the Polish libraries in Warsaw and opening up reading rooms solely for occupying Germans!
💜 I appreciated the message about not taking things for granted, about appreciating the beauty of simple things, about the price we pay to stay alive, and the provisions God makes in sending good people our way so that we are never alone.
I went down a rabbit hole and Googled the plaque at Bletchly Park which commemorates the efforts of the Polish Cypher Bureau and claims that if it weren’t for their achievements, the war would have continued longer than it did. I also looked up the monument in front of Poznań Castle which honors the cryptologists mentioned in the book (Marian Rejewski, Jerry Różycki, and Henryk Zygalski).
I needed this book about Harry and Beata to remind me to be careful when judging someone’s potential, to affirm my belief in the importance of a STEM education and appreciate the value of memories and connection in giving us purpose.
If you enjoyed The Girl from Bletchley Park,The Physicists Daughter, Lady Codebreaker, The Mozart Code, The Codebreakers Secret, The Bletchley Girls or The Rose Code, you’ll like this one. If you are looking for something different, something not highlighted in historical fiction before, you’ll like this one about Poland’s overlooked Enigma codebreakers.
August 14, 2024
This book takes us on a journey throughout Beata’s life.
In 1932, she is a nineteen-year-old young woman working at the Cipher Bureau of the Polish Armed Forces. Beata grew up in an orphanage having never known her parents, and while living there, she taught herself English, German and French.
While working at the Cipher Bureau, she feels a huge amount of pride in her fellow coworkers, who broke the Enigma Code. Enigma was a device used by the Germans to encode their correspondence before and during WWII, and according to the Germans, it was unbreakable.
In 1939, an outbreak of a new war seems more and more likely. A French and British delegation arrive in Poland, and Beata’s workplace shares its secrets with France and Britain. It is there that Beata notices Harry Smith from the British delegation.
As the war breaks, Beata travels to France with the Cipher Bureau team. Harry is always nearby…
I really enjoyed this book, especially the historical part of it. A lot of people think that Alan Turing broke the Enigma code, but the Poles did it first. They were kind enough to share what they’ve learned with the British, and the British took it from there.
The attraction between Harry and Beata was palpable, but they kept skirting around each other. There were moments when I was shouting, ”Just tell each other the truth!”, or ”Stop going in circles!”.
This book takes some unexpected turns. I was shocked about Beata’s fate and absolutely horrified by the experiences of the people around her. I won’t give the plot away, but you can expect heartbreak and a lot of sorrow.
I definitely recommend this book.
In 1932, she is a nineteen-year-old young woman working at the Cipher Bureau of the Polish Armed Forces. Beata grew up in an orphanage having never known her parents, and while living there, she taught herself English, German and French.
While working at the Cipher Bureau, she feels a huge amount of pride in her fellow coworkers, who broke the Enigma Code. Enigma was a device used by the Germans to encode their correspondence before and during WWII, and according to the Germans, it was unbreakable.
In 1939, an outbreak of a new war seems more and more likely. A French and British delegation arrive in Poland, and Beata’s workplace shares its secrets with France and Britain. It is there that Beata notices Harry Smith from the British delegation.
As the war breaks, Beata travels to France with the Cipher Bureau team. Harry is always nearby…
I really enjoyed this book, especially the historical part of it. A lot of people think that Alan Turing broke the Enigma code, but the Poles did it first. They were kind enough to share what they’ve learned with the British, and the British took it from there.
The attraction between Harry and Beata was palpable, but they kept skirting around each other. There were moments when I was shouting, ”Just tell each other the truth!”, or ”Stop going in circles!”.
This book takes some unexpected turns. I was shocked about Beata’s fate and absolutely horrified by the experiences of the people around her. I won’t give the plot away, but you can expect heartbreak and a lot of sorrow.
I definitely recommend this book.
July 4, 2025
The Polish cryptographers and the enigma machine.
A page turner filled with love and romance despite the background of WW II
A page turner filled with love and romance despite the background of WW II
May 28, 2025
Beata is the protagonist and she is a translator at the Polish Cipher Bureau. Codes have been translated by men, but she is now part of this elite group. She is determined to make a difference to save her country.
She meets Harry of British Intelligence and things progress, but they have to be careful, because relationships are discouraged. They are determined to help out in any way they can. But as the Nazis come calling they both must flee the city. Of course, their work takes them to different areas but are soon brought together at Bletchley Park, which is the home of British codebreakers. Beata has something the Nazis want, and she is fighting for her life.
She meets Harry of British Intelligence and things progress, but they have to be careful, because relationships are discouraged. They are determined to help out in any way they can. But as the Nazis come calling they both must flee the city. Of course, their work takes them to different areas but are soon brought together at Bletchley Park, which is the home of British codebreakers. Beata has something the Nazis want, and she is fighting for her life.
September 12, 2024
In high school, I can remember learning about the Enigma code-breaking machine. It was a bit vague on the details, just that it won the war and the intimation was that it was the Americans who did it. Later on, I learned it was not the Americans, but the British under Alan Turing at Bletchley Park. After reading The Code Breaker Girl, I now know the truth that it was actually Polish cryptologists and mathematicians who first cracked the code in the 1930s and began to build machines to enable them to crack the code faster.
Beata is a Polish orphan who has set her mind on achieving all that she can in a man’s world. She is multi-lingual which gets the attention of the Polish Cipher Bureau to help crack the codes the Germans are using. The Germans are building up their military and the Polish authorities are nervous. One night when she’s out with her roommate, she encounters a British man who seems to have certain opinions about Polish women, not realizing this woman sitting near him can understand the conversation he is having with a friend. When he tries to make nice to Beata, she freezes him out.
It turns out that Harry is from British Intelligence and is in Poland to see if they have really cracked Enigma as well as the machines being built to do it. He is impressed with what he sees, and while spending time there gets to know Beata better. She also learns he is much different than his first impression. Harry is back in England when Hitler finally invades Poland, setting off the chain reaction of World War II. Beata and the rest of the cryptologists decamp to Hungary and then Paris. Harry visits her there, having volunteered to be a British spy, but it must be a secret. When Hitler invades France, the remaining members of the Cipher Bureau decamp to the area where the Vichy government is holding out. Harry comes up with a plan to get Beata across the border to Spain, and then England, but it fails and she is captured by the Germans.
I always love learning more about history, and when it’s in a book that’s entertaining as well, all the better. I had no idea before reading this that Polish mathematicians were the first to crack Enigma. Once I started reading, I verified that some of the characters in this are actual historical figures who were involved in that. At Bletchley Park in England, there is a plaque commemorating their efforts that helped win the war.
To read my full review please go to The Code Breaker Girl by Gosia Nealon – The Forgotten Heroes of Enigma
Beata is a Polish orphan who has set her mind on achieving all that she can in a man’s world. She is multi-lingual which gets the attention of the Polish Cipher Bureau to help crack the codes the Germans are using. The Germans are building up their military and the Polish authorities are nervous. One night when she’s out with her roommate, she encounters a British man who seems to have certain opinions about Polish women, not realizing this woman sitting near him can understand the conversation he is having with a friend. When he tries to make nice to Beata, she freezes him out.
It turns out that Harry is from British Intelligence and is in Poland to see if they have really cracked Enigma as well as the machines being built to do it. He is impressed with what he sees, and while spending time there gets to know Beata better. She also learns he is much different than his first impression. Harry is back in England when Hitler finally invades Poland, setting off the chain reaction of World War II. Beata and the rest of the cryptologists decamp to Hungary and then Paris. Harry visits her there, having volunteered to be a British spy, but it must be a secret. When Hitler invades France, the remaining members of the Cipher Bureau decamp to the area where the Vichy government is holding out. Harry comes up with a plan to get Beata across the border to Spain, and then England, but it fails and she is captured by the Germans.
I always love learning more about history, and when it’s in a book that’s entertaining as well, all the better. I had no idea before reading this that Polish mathematicians were the first to crack Enigma. Once I started reading, I verified that some of the characters in this are actual historical figures who were involved in that. At Bletchley Park in England, there is a plaque commemorating their efforts that helped win the war.
To read my full review please go to The Code Breaker Girl by Gosia Nealon – The Forgotten Heroes of Enigma
August 26, 2024
"The Codebreaker Girl" is a gripping historical novel that sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of Polish code breakers during World War II, specifically through the tale of a brilliant young woman named Beata. The book seamlessly blends historical fact with a compelling narrative, offering readers both an educational and emotionally resonant experience.
Beata, the protagonist, is a gifted mathematician whose life takes a dramatic turn during the Nazi invasion of Poland. Her innate talent for numbers and complex problem-solving makes her an invaluable asset in the fight against the Axis powers. The novel vividly illustrates Beata's journey, highlighting her resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.
One of the book’s most commendable achievements is its focus on the critical role Polish code breakers played in decrypting the Enigma Code. While popular narratives often spotlight the efforts of scientists at Bletchley and other Allied institutions, "The Codebreaker Girl" brings to life the unsung heroes like Beata, whose contributions were pivotal in the Allied victory.
The author skillfully details the intricate processes involved in code-breaking, making complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging for the reader. Beata's intellectual prowess is portrayed not just as a skill but as a lifeline, a means of survival that gives her hope and purpose even in the darkest times.
Beata’s story is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history, cryptography, or stories of extraordinary individuals who made a difference against all odds. And besides, you just can’t go wrong with a strong, inspiring female protagonist! What a true gem of WWII fiction—highly recommended!
Beata, the protagonist, is a gifted mathematician whose life takes a dramatic turn during the Nazi invasion of Poland. Her innate talent for numbers and complex problem-solving makes her an invaluable asset in the fight against the Axis powers. The novel vividly illustrates Beata's journey, highlighting her resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.
One of the book’s most commendable achievements is its focus on the critical role Polish code breakers played in decrypting the Enigma Code. While popular narratives often spotlight the efforts of scientists at Bletchley and other Allied institutions, "The Codebreaker Girl" brings to life the unsung heroes like Beata, whose contributions were pivotal in the Allied victory.
The author skillfully details the intricate processes involved in code-breaking, making complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging for the reader. Beata's intellectual prowess is portrayed not just as a skill but as a lifeline, a means of survival that gives her hope and purpose even in the darkest times.
Beata’s story is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history, cryptography, or stories of extraordinary individuals who made a difference against all odds. And besides, you just can’t go wrong with a strong, inspiring female protagonist! What a true gem of WWII fiction—highly recommended!
August 13, 2024
This is a story of a Polish woman, Beata, who at a young age worked under the eyes of the best codebreakers at that time. Fighting for the freedom of her beloved country, Beata had to flee from places torn by war to safer countries. While illegally crossing another border, she was caught and was sent to a concentration camp.
Beata’s heart was always with the orphanage she spent eighteen years in. She also cared for her country, but had to leave because of the secrets of Enigma. She was smart, brave, and a courageous woman.
Two parts of the story. The first part focuses on Beata working in the Polish Cipher Bureau, and the second part concerns her stay in a concentration camp. It’s told from the perspective of Beata and Harry, a man who fell in love with her from the first sight.
I loved this book, especially second half, which focused on the more sad and brutal reality of WWII history. Nealon is the master of Polish history from that period and conveyed it to readers with great knowledge. The characters were brilliantly portrayed showing heroes fighting for survival, peace and freedom. The Nazis and their cruelty are already familiar to us, and the author presented their actions in this story in a way that made my heart want to scream. The story was interesting, heartbreaking💔, but also full of hope and love.
Beata’s heart was always with the orphanage she spent eighteen years in. She also cared for her country, but had to leave because of the secrets of Enigma. She was smart, brave, and a courageous woman.
Two parts of the story. The first part focuses on Beata working in the Polish Cipher Bureau, and the second part concerns her stay in a concentration camp. It’s told from the perspective of Beata and Harry, a man who fell in love with her from the first sight.
I loved this book, especially second half, which focused on the more sad and brutal reality of WWII history. Nealon is the master of Polish history from that period and conveyed it to readers with great knowledge. The characters were brilliantly portrayed showing heroes fighting for survival, peace and freedom. The Nazis and their cruelty are already familiar to us, and the author presented their actions in this story in a way that made my heart want to scream. The story was interesting, heartbreaking💔, but also full of hope and love.
August 5, 2024
This book was absolutely riveting from page one to the very end! Gosia Nealon did a phenomenal job at showcasing the importance of the mathematicians and cryptologists that cracked the Enigma Code in WWII; they were truly invaluable.
In this book, we are introduced to Beata, the main character. Of Polish descent, Beata plays a hand in the codebreaking that assisted the Polish people in cracking the Enigma Code. As the war starts, Beata is introduced to Henry, who works for England, and assists Beata and her team. As the German forces push their way into Poland, Beata and her team are forced to flee to France to avoid the Germans finding out they have cracked the Enigma. Beata and Henry's feelings for one another grow strong as each day passes, as do the tensions between Germany and the rest of Europe. As Germany invades France, Beata and Henry find themselves separated as their duties pull them in different directions. Beata is forced to flee for her life, but every where she turns, the Germans close in on her. Will she ever find her way back to Harry? Will she live to see the end of WWII?
What I loved most about this book was the raw emotion Nealon was able to portray through her writing and channel it through her characters. The feelings, heartache, fear, and moments of joy that the characters experience are easily felt through the way Nealon tells the story. She has crafted a powerhouse character with Beata; as Beata represents the true definition of a strong woman: brave, courageous, selfless, kind, loving, and strong. This was a fantastic book with a lot of accurate historical elements and a wonderful story intertwined focusing on Beata and Harry!
In this book, we are introduced to Beata, the main character. Of Polish descent, Beata plays a hand in the codebreaking that assisted the Polish people in cracking the Enigma Code. As the war starts, Beata is introduced to Henry, who works for England, and assists Beata and her team. As the German forces push their way into Poland, Beata and her team are forced to flee to France to avoid the Germans finding out they have cracked the Enigma. Beata and Henry's feelings for one another grow strong as each day passes, as do the tensions between Germany and the rest of Europe. As Germany invades France, Beata and Henry find themselves separated as their duties pull them in different directions. Beata is forced to flee for her life, but every where she turns, the Germans close in on her. Will she ever find her way back to Harry? Will she live to see the end of WWII?
What I loved most about this book was the raw emotion Nealon was able to portray through her writing and channel it through her characters. The feelings, heartache, fear, and moments of joy that the characters experience are easily felt through the way Nealon tells the story. She has crafted a powerhouse character with Beata; as Beata represents the true definition of a strong woman: brave, courageous, selfless, kind, loving, and strong. This was a fantastic book with a lot of accurate historical elements and a wonderful story intertwined focusing on Beata and Harry!
August 17, 2024
The Codebreaker Girl by Gosia Nealon.
I loved the cover. I really did enjoy this book. I loved the story. I did like Beata and Joanna. I liked Harry. I liked their friendship. I really didn't like Georg. He gave me goosebumps. I couldn't put it down. Read in three days. I'm slowly starting to really enjoy historical books. I loved it when Harry and Beata find each other again. I did love the ending.
I loved the cover. I really did enjoy this book. I loved the story. I did like Beata and Joanna. I liked Harry. I liked their friendship. I really didn't like Georg. He gave me goosebumps. I couldn't put it down. Read in three days. I'm slowly starting to really enjoy historical books. I loved it when Harry and Beata find each other again. I did love the ending.
September 24, 2024
Very interesting story about the brilliant and brave Polish mathematicians and scientists who deciphered coded messages written by the Germans before and during World War II. While the love story of Polish orphan Beata and Polish/Englishman Harry is the heart of the novel, this very readable historical fiction story is very well written.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this novel.
January 9, 2026
A fantastic feel good story..hope and determination can help overcome hardship..easy read and predictable but leaving a positive view of humanity even though unimaginable atrocities exist then and now
July 27, 2024
A very intense story about code breaking.
It’s 1930 in Poland.
The story is based on the true story of brave Polish mathematicians who worked on the Enigma code.
The romance aspect was lovely.
The information about the code breakers was well developed.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
It’s 1930 in Poland.
The story is based on the true story of brave Polish mathematicians who worked on the Enigma code.
The romance aspect was lovely.
The information about the code breakers was well developed.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 3, 2024
DNF 28%
July 29, 2024
I was really intrigued to read a World War Two book that focused on the enigma machines and an origin that I was unaware of. The book started out strong by looking at how it was Poland that was able to crack the German code but then it turned into a romance novel a bit like others I’ve read. This isn’t a bad book by any means, although I wasn’t the biggest fan of the style of writing, I was just disappointed that it didn’t focus on the code breaking like the blurb indicated.
August 22, 2024
I majored in history and thought I knew much about the Allied effort to break the German coding in the Enigma Machine. But this tale was a love story and history lesson wrapped with a WWII historical fiction bow.
I had always believed that the British at Bletchley deserved honors for cracking the German codes, saving thousands to millions of lives on both sides of the war.
As the story begins, Beata is a young Polish girl working for the Polish Cipher Bureau in the 1930s during Hitler’s rise to power in Germany. This intense tale of a group of Polish codebreakers, Beata being the only female, revealed how the Polish worked to break the German codes via the Enigma Machine long before Bletchley. It is a story of perseverance in the face of unparalleled human horrors. The story captivated me from the beginning.
Although the story becomes more of a love story with the typical romance and happy ending that I was not expecting, the author’s style and voice carried the love affair between Beata and a British spy, Harry, to its natural conclusion. Through the narrative, readers caught a glimpse into the lives of many during wartime, learning about the dangers of love and the fleeting nature of life.
The prose was simple and easy to digest, and the settings were vivid and detailed, keeping me engaged and reading deep into the night. The characters brought to life individuals my parents and grandparents could have known, facing and overcoming this era's prevalent dangers and fears.
As Beata gets separated from the male members of her code-breaking team as they flee the Nazi invasion of Poland and later France, readers get an insight into the strength and courage, the fear and resilience of the protagonist as she makes split-second decisions to survive. I walked beside Beata with her guardian angel as she met a few friends and fellow resistance fighters who came to her aid. However, when the Gestapo captures her while attempting to cross the Pyrenees into Spain on her way to Gibraltar and Britain, the author shows her ability to create authentic characters like Leon.
Leon is a man who will do anything to protect his family and survive. When they capture Beata and Leon at the Spanish border, they later free Leon but send Beata to a concentration camp in Poland. There, she meets another friend and a mother and son whom she befriends.
The way the author showed both the compassion of some and the evil of others, like the Nazi soldier who forces himself upon Beata, held me riveted throughout the tale.
The book was well-researched (I had to study the Polish history of the Enigma Machine) and beautifully written, taking me inside the lives of those who lived through WWII.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and will read more of Gosia Nealon’s work, I was unsure why she added Harry’s penchant for writing letters to his dead mother. It seemed like a side story that needed more development and explanation.
This book captivated me from start to finish. I would have liked to see a more robust and justified ending for the Nazi officer who stalked and toyed with Beata, but the tale ended as most romances do with its HEA.
This is a 4.5-star book. I want to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for the free advanced copy. This review is voluntary and mine alone.
I had always believed that the British at Bletchley deserved honors for cracking the German codes, saving thousands to millions of lives on both sides of the war.
As the story begins, Beata is a young Polish girl working for the Polish Cipher Bureau in the 1930s during Hitler’s rise to power in Germany. This intense tale of a group of Polish codebreakers, Beata being the only female, revealed how the Polish worked to break the German codes via the Enigma Machine long before Bletchley. It is a story of perseverance in the face of unparalleled human horrors. The story captivated me from the beginning.
Although the story becomes more of a love story with the typical romance and happy ending that I was not expecting, the author’s style and voice carried the love affair between Beata and a British spy, Harry, to its natural conclusion. Through the narrative, readers caught a glimpse into the lives of many during wartime, learning about the dangers of love and the fleeting nature of life.
The prose was simple and easy to digest, and the settings were vivid and detailed, keeping me engaged and reading deep into the night. The characters brought to life individuals my parents and grandparents could have known, facing and overcoming this era's prevalent dangers and fears.
As Beata gets separated from the male members of her code-breaking team as they flee the Nazi invasion of Poland and later France, readers get an insight into the strength and courage, the fear and resilience of the protagonist as she makes split-second decisions to survive. I walked beside Beata with her guardian angel as she met a few friends and fellow resistance fighters who came to her aid. However, when the Gestapo captures her while attempting to cross the Pyrenees into Spain on her way to Gibraltar and Britain, the author shows her ability to create authentic characters like Leon.
Leon is a man who will do anything to protect his family and survive. When they capture Beata and Leon at the Spanish border, they later free Leon but send Beata to a concentration camp in Poland. There, she meets another friend and a mother and son whom she befriends.
The way the author showed both the compassion of some and the evil of others, like the Nazi soldier who forces himself upon Beata, held me riveted throughout the tale.
The book was well-researched (I had to study the Polish history of the Enigma Machine) and beautifully written, taking me inside the lives of those who lived through WWII.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and will read more of Gosia Nealon’s work, I was unsure why she added Harry’s penchant for writing letters to his dead mother. It seemed like a side story that needed more development and explanation.
This book captivated me from start to finish. I would have liked to see a more robust and justified ending for the Nazi officer who stalked and toyed with Beata, but the tale ended as most romances do with its HEA.
This is a 4.5-star book. I want to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for the free advanced copy. This review is voluntary and mine alone.
August 13, 2024
Although Gosia Nealon grew up in Poland and heard wartime stories in her native language from those around her, she currently lives in New York. I found it quite remarkable as I was reading this novel that she is so fluent in writing in her second language. The idea that prompted her to write this story was a desire to give credit to the Polish mathematicians who were working on understanding the German enigma machines well before war began and were willing to trust Great Britain with the knowledge they had accumulated in the hopes it would help shorten the war that they believed was on it's way.
Fictional Beata is a young woman, abandoned at birth and raised in an orphanage. Out of a desire to be more adoptable, she worked hard while growing up to learn 3 languages. She never was adopted, but her language skills made her suitable to work with the Polish Cipher bureau on their code breaking efforts. Through this job, she met Harry, an Englishman sent to liase with the Poles.
Beata maintained a connection to the orphanage where she was raised and had a special fondness for one particular orphan. On the day that war began in Poland, German bombers and fighters attacked Warsaw and her orphan friend was killed. Her work group was forced to escape the country in order to continue their vital decoding work. It was too late to go to Britain and they ended up in France in the free zone. Beata was still devastated by this loss when Harry had to return to England. She had feelings for him, but no idea whether he had them back or not. He was recalled to Britain and she continued on with her work until the Germans took over Vichy France. Harry occasionally returned in a different capacity and the feelings both help grew. When escape became necessary again, Harry could not go with her. The plan was to cross the Pyrenees and head for Britain, but this was easier said than done. Her efforts to escape took time and had unforeseen consequences. These did not directly concern her work in code breaking. Some reviewers were disappointed with that. I wasn't one of them.
The novel kept me engaged and reading when I should have been sleeping. There were major twists along Beata's way and poor Harry was at a loss to help. I really enjoyed finding out how everything unfolded and hope other readers will as well.
Happy publication day August 13, 2024, to Gosia Nealon. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for allowing me to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Fictional Beata is a young woman, abandoned at birth and raised in an orphanage. Out of a desire to be more adoptable, she worked hard while growing up to learn 3 languages. She never was adopted, but her language skills made her suitable to work with the Polish Cipher bureau on their code breaking efforts. Through this job, she met Harry, an Englishman sent to liase with the Poles.
Beata maintained a connection to the orphanage where she was raised and had a special fondness for one particular orphan. On the day that war began in Poland, German bombers and fighters attacked Warsaw and her orphan friend was killed. Her work group was forced to escape the country in order to continue their vital decoding work. It was too late to go to Britain and they ended up in France in the free zone. Beata was still devastated by this loss when Harry had to return to England. She had feelings for him, but no idea whether he had them back or not. He was recalled to Britain and she continued on with her work until the Germans took over Vichy France. Harry occasionally returned in a different capacity and the feelings both help grew. When escape became necessary again, Harry could not go with her. The plan was to cross the Pyrenees and head for Britain, but this was easier said than done. Her efforts to escape took time and had unforeseen consequences. These did not directly concern her work in code breaking. Some reviewers were disappointed with that. I wasn't one of them.
The novel kept me engaged and reading when I should have been sleeping. There were major twists along Beata's way and poor Harry was at a loss to help. I really enjoyed finding out how everything unfolded and hope other readers will as well.
Happy publication day August 13, 2024, to Gosia Nealon. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for allowing me to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
August 13, 2024
This is primarily a beautifully painted love story with WW11 and the Enigma project as a backdrop. It prompted me to wonder if the title was misleading. Besta works as an interpreter with talented cryptologists in the secret Enigma team, who skilfully shortened the war by two years thanks to the hapless genius Alan Turing. They developed a complex system to crack codes and intercept important secretly coded German messages. I learnt a great deal from this novel. I had only the basic knowledge that the war started with Germany invading Poland, but I did not know the details of the horrific events of Black Friday.
The characterisation was interesting. At first, I didn’t warm to Besta despite making allowances for her past and present circumstances. Naturally, she was insecure and low on trust and commitment. But she was also difficult, stubborn, and lacked perception. Worst of all, she was consumed with self-pity and was an absolute misery. Often, she acted immaturely and had a knack for saying the wrong thing. I don’t know what possessed her to lie to Harry, telling him that she was still in love with her ex and risked losing him. She misinterpreted the clues and vibes he sent her way. Nor, the foolish way she cheeked Georg, who was a notorious volatile sadist. I held my breath, certain he would shoot her.
Harry was a more likeable character. It was love at first sight for him when he encountered Besta in a Polish café. She spurned his overture, believing he was rude and arrogant. He was an intelligent, gentle, long-suffering eccentric, writing letters to his late mother in a journal. It didn’t seem like a man thing, but it served to enlighten the reader about the progress of the war and his love for Besta. Her gradual dawning of love for Harry was slow, touching, and full of hurdles. Will their love endure?
I shall be eternally grateful that I wasn’t born into the ‘unlucky generation’ that suffered two wars. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
The characterisation was interesting. At first, I didn’t warm to Besta despite making allowances for her past and present circumstances. Naturally, she was insecure and low on trust and commitment. But she was also difficult, stubborn, and lacked perception. Worst of all, she was consumed with self-pity and was an absolute misery. Often, she acted immaturely and had a knack for saying the wrong thing. I don’t know what possessed her to lie to Harry, telling him that she was still in love with her ex and risked losing him. She misinterpreted the clues and vibes he sent her way. Nor, the foolish way she cheeked Georg, who was a notorious volatile sadist. I held my breath, certain he would shoot her.
Harry was a more likeable character. It was love at first sight for him when he encountered Besta in a Polish café. She spurned his overture, believing he was rude and arrogant. He was an intelligent, gentle, long-suffering eccentric, writing letters to his late mother in a journal. It didn’t seem like a man thing, but it served to enlighten the reader about the progress of the war and his love for Besta. Her gradual dawning of love for Harry was slow, touching, and full of hurdles. Will their love endure?
I shall be eternally grateful that I wasn’t born into the ‘unlucky generation’ that suffered two wars. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
August 5, 2024
I have heard that we learn at least one new thing every day. After reading The Codebreaker Girl; I have learned enough to qualify for a year. Between what I learned within the story and what I learned in my searches I have been left speechless. I am in awe of Poland for their fore thought and their dedication to breaking the Enigma Code. By immersing myself into Beata's story I learned so much about ciphers, but this story was so much more.
Beata, is an orphan, raised in Warsaw. She has obtained a job with the Cipher Bureau working under their secretary. She soon finds herself deep within the program. Beata had taught herself German and French while in the orphanage. She is an asset to the cause.
The reader experiences war through her eyes. The group is frequently on the run, just steps ahead of the Nazis. They don't stop. They move around, finding places to keep doing what was necessary. They worked in a Bunker in the woods. They worked in Castles. They worked anywhere they could hide and broadcast. No matter where they moved they continued to work against the Nazis. They were and inspiration while I read.
Even more impressive, they don't keep it to themselves. They share their enigma machine and sheets with their allies. I have to wonder where Alan Turing would have been if it hadn't been for the Poles.
The reader is reminded of the horrors of World War Two. After being caught trying to escape France; Beata is put transported to Auschwitz. It was a very emotional read. I cried for those that survived, but at what cost? I cried for those that lost their lives. I cried with happiness when the Russians arrived at the camp. The book reminds us that their future would not be easy.
Books like The Codebreaker Girl are something we should all read. We shouldn't forget. We can't forget for fear of repeating the war.
Beata, is an orphan, raised in Warsaw. She has obtained a job with the Cipher Bureau working under their secretary. She soon finds herself deep within the program. Beata had taught herself German and French while in the orphanage. She is an asset to the cause.
The reader experiences war through her eyes. The group is frequently on the run, just steps ahead of the Nazis. They don't stop. They move around, finding places to keep doing what was necessary. They worked in a Bunker in the woods. They worked in Castles. They worked anywhere they could hide and broadcast. No matter where they moved they continued to work against the Nazis. They were and inspiration while I read.
Even more impressive, they don't keep it to themselves. They share their enigma machine and sheets with their allies. I have to wonder where Alan Turing would have been if it hadn't been for the Poles.
The reader is reminded of the horrors of World War Two. After being caught trying to escape France; Beata is put transported to Auschwitz. It was a very emotional read. I cried for those that survived, but at what cost? I cried for those that lost their lives. I cried with happiness when the Russians arrived at the camp. The book reminds us that their future would not be easy.
Books like The Codebreaker Girl are something we should all read. We shouldn't forget. We can't forget for fear of repeating the war.
July 14, 2024
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Codebreaker Girl” is a WWII historical fiction novel by Gosia Nealon. The beginning of this book is about Poland’s codebreaking efforts. I found that section of the book rather interesting - along with the mentions of historical people in the field. The main female character, Beata, is a translator at the Polish codebreaking facility. She meets Harry, a British codebreaker (later agent) and they develop feelings for each other. Through some twists and turns, Beata is put into a concentration camp and basically is trying to survive that horror. The first part of this book I found really interesting regarding the codebreaking and working with other countries to try to thwart the Germans. After Beata decides to leave Europe is when this book became, sadly, less interesting. Concentration camps were horrors and trying to live/survive was a struggle and Ms. Nealon does a great job describing (tastefully) that experience, but I didn’t feel like I learned anything new. Additionally as the book progressed, this seemed more like a romance novel with the war serving as a background. I think this book was had a great premise, but I wish more had been done in this book on the code breaking - or even translating aspect. I’d recommend this book to those who haven’t read much about codebreaking - but caution that it’s more about the mechanics involved not the actual codebreaking work. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because the first part did hold my interest.
“The Codebreaker Girl” is a WWII historical fiction novel by Gosia Nealon. The beginning of this book is about Poland’s codebreaking efforts. I found that section of the book rather interesting - along with the mentions of historical people in the field. The main female character, Beata, is a translator at the Polish codebreaking facility. She meets Harry, a British codebreaker (later agent) and they develop feelings for each other. Through some twists and turns, Beata is put into a concentration camp and basically is trying to survive that horror. The first part of this book I found really interesting regarding the codebreaking and working with other countries to try to thwart the Germans. After Beata decides to leave Europe is when this book became, sadly, less interesting. Concentration camps were horrors and trying to live/survive was a struggle and Ms. Nealon does a great job describing (tastefully) that experience, but I didn’t feel like I learned anything new. Additionally as the book progressed, this seemed more like a romance novel with the war serving as a background. I think this book was had a great premise, but I wish more had been done in this book on the code breaking - or even translating aspect. I’d recommend this book to those who haven’t read much about codebreaking - but caution that it’s more about the mechanics involved not the actual codebreaking work. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because the first part did hold my interest.
July 29, 2024
I am a fan of WWII historical fiction and the Code Breaker Girl did not disappoint. The novel provided insight into the area of codebreaking while delving into relationships, heartbreak and survival.
The Codebreaker Girl is a novel set in World War II. In this novel, we are introduced to our main character, Beata, who is directly involved in codebreaking. Despite the fictional nature of the book, there are elements of historical fact focused on efforts by mathematicians and cryptologists involved in methodology and developing equipment for cracking the Enigma ciphers used by the Nazi’s in WWII. The first part of the book really focuses on the codebreaking efforts and provided me insight into the heroic, life-sacrificing efforts by these historical figures to influence the outcome of WWII.
Part way through the book, the focus shifts away from codebreaking when Beata is arrested and ends up in a concentration camp. This portion focuses on her day-to-day experiences along with the horrors of this environment. Beyond the basic desire to survive, Beata has added motivation because she wants to once again be re-connected with Harry, a British codebreaker/agent she has fallen in love with. Beata is an amazing character who takes risks and makes personal sacrifices to help others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheCodeBreakerGirl #GosiaNealon
The Codebreaker Girl is a novel set in World War II. In this novel, we are introduced to our main character, Beata, who is directly involved in codebreaking. Despite the fictional nature of the book, there are elements of historical fact focused on efforts by mathematicians and cryptologists involved in methodology and developing equipment for cracking the Enigma ciphers used by the Nazi’s in WWII. The first part of the book really focuses on the codebreaking efforts and provided me insight into the heroic, life-sacrificing efforts by these historical figures to influence the outcome of WWII.
Part way through the book, the focus shifts away from codebreaking when Beata is arrested and ends up in a concentration camp. This portion focuses on her day-to-day experiences along with the horrors of this environment. Beyond the basic desire to survive, Beata has added motivation because she wants to once again be re-connected with Harry, a British codebreaker/agent she has fallen in love with. Beata is an amazing character who takes risks and makes personal sacrifices to help others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheCodeBreakerGirl #GosiaNealon
August 16, 2024
France, 1932; the Enigma code must be cracked and Beata must make it to Bletchley Park, that is her mission. Beata was an orphan and the first and only woman to graduate from her university course. Beata joins the Cipher Bureau and must solve the Enigma Code in order to save her country from being invaded. As the Nazis close in on the town, Beata and her team have to now work in secret. She knows that the survival thousands of people rests on her shoulders. Beata meets underground with British Intelligence agents. Beata is running out of time, she has no other choice but to solve the Enigma Code and reunite with the British Codebreakers in Bletchley Park.
The Codebreaker Girl, written by author Gosia Nealon is an phenomenal story of those that risked their lives to save others. I learned so much from this book and it kept me enthralled and flying through the pages. I was shocked by Beata’s intelligence and her compassion and determination to solve the code in order to save lives was inspiring. The fact that this book is based on true events made it completely unputdownable. One of the most touching parts of the book is the author’s acknowledgment at the end, it made my heart happy to read about those in her life that have touched her heart. Nealon writes well beyond her years and that has made Nealon an auto buy author for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book she has written and I look forward to reading many more of her stories. Do not pass up this phenomenal and inspiring treasure, I highly recommend it.
The Codebreaker Girl, written by author Gosia Nealon is an phenomenal story of those that risked their lives to save others. I learned so much from this book and it kept me enthralled and flying through the pages. I was shocked by Beata’s intelligence and her compassion and determination to solve the code in order to save lives was inspiring. The fact that this book is based on true events made it completely unputdownable. One of the most touching parts of the book is the author’s acknowledgment at the end, it made my heart happy to read about those in her life that have touched her heart. Nealon writes well beyond her years and that has made Nealon an auto buy author for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book she has written and I look forward to reading many more of her stories. Do not pass up this phenomenal and inspiring treasure, I highly recommend it.
July 20, 2024
I loved The Secret Resistance series by Gosia Nealon so I was excited to discover she had a new book. This story focuses on the achievements of the brilliant Polish mathematicians who broke the German Enigma code in 1932...yes, 1932! I consider myself well-educated and well-read but I had no idea of their accomplishments. Without them, Bletchley Park and Alan Turing wouldn't even be in the history books and history itself would be changed.
The author has her fictional characters interacting smoothly with historical figures in factual situations such as the Polish Cipher Bureau members escaping from Warsaw when the Germans invaded. The story is intense as they are chased from Romania to different locations in France, with the Nazis tightening their grip on Europe. There is a slow-burn romance that is continually interrupted by the war, including years in a concentration camp. But throughout it all, the humanity of Gosia Nealon's characters, particularly the women, made my heart soar even after it had been shattered. "I think about how much harder we women have it than you men. Through the centuries, women have had no say, or often no choices." I read this in one sitting and suggest you clear your schedule because you won't want to put it down once you begin. Kudos to Gosia Nealon on her latest powerful book.
***One more thing...I always read the author's notes at the end of a book. As a retired literature teacher, it's ingrained. The author thanked her children's teachers, by name, for their work and influence on her children. It brought me to tears.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
The author has her fictional characters interacting smoothly with historical figures in factual situations such as the Polish Cipher Bureau members escaping from Warsaw when the Germans invaded. The story is intense as they are chased from Romania to different locations in France, with the Nazis tightening their grip on Europe. There is a slow-burn romance that is continually interrupted by the war, including years in a concentration camp. But throughout it all, the humanity of Gosia Nealon's characters, particularly the women, made my heart soar even after it had been shattered. "I think about how much harder we women have it than you men. Through the centuries, women have had no say, or often no choices." I read this in one sitting and suggest you clear your schedule because you won't want to put it down once you begin. Kudos to Gosia Nealon on her latest powerful book.
***One more thing...I always read the author's notes at the end of a book. As a retired literature teacher, it's ingrained. The author thanked her children's teachers, by name, for their work and influence on her children. It brought me to tears.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
August 13, 2024
As a child in a Warsaw orphanage, Beata Koszyczek sought to add to her value by secretly studying languages in hopes that maybe one day a family would find her valuable and adopt her. As an adult in a country on the brink of war, her worth is finally recognized and her skills utilized to protect her mother country. Employed by the Polish cipher bureau during World War II, Beata meets Englishman Harry Smith when French and British delegations arrive to inspect a replica of the elusive German Enigma machine that has been built by the Polish engineers to facilitate decryption of the enemy’s secret messages and turn the tide of oppression. Through the perilous years of conflict, Beata and Harry slip in and out of each other’s orbit long enough for love and misunderstanding to spark and never long enough to merit promises of forever. Each moves carefully throughout Europe as the years of aggression stretch long and oppression threatens to crush their spirits, each one always looking toward and hoping for a time when they can live together in peace. Sweeping through Poland, Germany, France, and England, and including her harrowing imprisonment in Brzezinka, Gosia Nealon has created an honorable tribute to those who worked tirelessly and at great peril to turn back the sweep of evil and restore their families, fellow countrymen, and their homelands from the grasp of the Nazis. The Codebreaker Girl is one of those books I simply couldn’t put down, as if by turning every page I was somehow also pushing back against the forces of evil. Beata and Harry will steal your heart and your breath; you will hurt with them, hope for them, rejoice with them, and thank the author for giving you a story to remember.
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.
August 14, 2024
I simply could not put this book down. My goal reading a historical book is to learn as much as I can about the subject. It's an extra bonus if I learn something I hadn't known about a subject I'm familiar with.
Based on fact I had a hard time putting this down as it was so informative.
I'm going to say it again about the author, she puts an impressive amount of research into her books and for this I'm grateful. I love descriptions and details in historical books, it helps me learn new facts.
The writing is divided into two time periods, the first part focuses on codebreaking and a romance with a man Beata meets Harry who is taken with her from the start. I thought it was sweet he continued to write letters to stay close to his mother though she no longer is with him.
The second part of the book focuses on Beata's stay in a concentration camp. The author portrays the character's emotions so well: the fear, anger. hopeless despair. In your mind as you read you can see the character's skeletal form as they are deprived of proper food and hygiene, and you celebrate with them as they see a ray of hope in their situation.
Despite the characters experiencing dark situations there is hope, love and encouragement after all.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Based on fact I had a hard time putting this down as it was so informative.
I'm going to say it again about the author, she puts an impressive amount of research into her books and for this I'm grateful. I love descriptions and details in historical books, it helps me learn new facts.
The writing is divided into two time periods, the first part focuses on codebreaking and a romance with a man Beata meets Harry who is taken with her from the start. I thought it was sweet he continued to write letters to stay close to his mother though she no longer is with him.
The second part of the book focuses on Beata's stay in a concentration camp. The author portrays the character's emotions so well: the fear, anger. hopeless despair. In your mind as you read you can see the character's skeletal form as they are deprived of proper food and hygiene, and you celebrate with them as they see a ray of hope in their situation.
Despite the characters experiencing dark situations there is hope, love and encouragement after all.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
September 6, 2024
In this fascinating and complicated World War II historical fiction novel, Nealon brings the tension of World War II code breaking to life. Focusing on the Polish efforts to break the Enigma machine in the 1930s, readers follow orphan Beata from Poland to France and elsewhere in Europe as she and the Polish Cipher Bureau, along with their equipment, try to outrun the Nazis as they conquer and invade Europe. Inspired by real codebreakers and events from the war, Nealon highlights the British-Polish code breaking alliance and the terrors of the Nazi advance through Beata’s eyes. Beata is a fascinating and complicated protagonist, and the circumstances she finds herself in add to the tensions of the novel. With so much at stake, Nealon draws on historical information and vibrant detail to build up this novel and the world that Beata, Harry, and the other Enigma codebreakers are entangled in. An excellent piece of historical fiction, Nealon’s book is a fantastic expansion of the World War II female protagonist subgenre, introducing a new side to the Enigma efforts of the British. With incredible action sequences, a strong emotional throughline with Beata’s strength, alternating perspectives with Harry, and incredibly high stakes, fans of the genre have to read The Codebreaker Girl.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
September 9, 2024
The Codebreaker Girl focuses on the breaking of the Nazi secret coding of their messages during World War II. It is an interesting story about a less-known aspect of the war, and how vital it was to ensure the Allied victory over the Nazis. It also shows the importance of the work the Polish did on breaking the coding system.
The story is very intense at times and follows a young woman named Beata and her involvement with the coding system and the decoding of messages sent by the Nazis. She catches the eye of one high-ranking Nazi unaware of her cryptology work, and ultimately winds up in a concentration camp. The experiences that she undergoes while in this camp are unimaginable, and show how brutal the Nazis were.
Overall, I liked the story and recommend it. It paints a devastating picture of what can happen when a dictator is allowed free reign in a country, with people either adoring him or fearing him - and what happens to those who resist his power.
The one aspect of the story I didn't care for was the initial section focusing on the romance and intimacy between Beata and Harry. It just seemed out of context with the rest of the story. If the romance had been kept at a low key like it was for most of the story, that would have been preferred by this reader.
The story is very intense at times and follows a young woman named Beata and her involvement with the coding system and the decoding of messages sent by the Nazis. She catches the eye of one high-ranking Nazi unaware of her cryptology work, and ultimately winds up in a concentration camp. The experiences that she undergoes while in this camp are unimaginable, and show how brutal the Nazis were.
Overall, I liked the story and recommend it. It paints a devastating picture of what can happen when a dictator is allowed free reign in a country, with people either adoring him or fearing him - and what happens to those who resist his power.
The one aspect of the story I didn't care for was the initial section focusing on the romance and intimacy between Beata and Harry. It just seemed out of context with the rest of the story. If the romance had been kept at a low key like it was for most of the story, that would have been preferred by this reader.
September 12, 2024
4-1/2 STAR REVIEW
During World War II, it wasn’t just the Allied soldiers who made inroads in defeating the Germans. Brave civilians used their skills to solve coded military and diplomatic messages.
Author Gosia Nealon draws upon historical records to weave a fictional tale in The Codebreaker Girl. Inspired by the true stories of Polish mathematicians and cryptologists, readers will follow Beata on the quest to break the Enigma code.
With her humble beginnings as an orphan, Beata landed a job with the Cipher Bureau of the Polish Armed Forces because of her multilingual skills. Those skills earned her a primary spot during a joint effort between the Polish, the French, and the British as they tried to break daily codes.
With the Germans invading Poland and destroying her beloved orphanage, Beata is forced to flee with her team so they can continue to decode and decrypt messages sent from the German Enigma machine. She grows close to one of the British representatives, but the war doesn’t slow down for love.
The tone of the story changes when Beata is captured and sent to a German death camp. The author uses that as a reminder of the horrors of the war. Will she survive the atrocities and find happiness with Harry?
The Codebreaker Girl shines a light on a valuable group of people whose efforts helped shorten World War II. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
During World War II, it wasn’t just the Allied soldiers who made inroads in defeating the Germans. Brave civilians used their skills to solve coded military and diplomatic messages.
Author Gosia Nealon draws upon historical records to weave a fictional tale in The Codebreaker Girl. Inspired by the true stories of Polish mathematicians and cryptologists, readers will follow Beata on the quest to break the Enigma code.
With her humble beginnings as an orphan, Beata landed a job with the Cipher Bureau of the Polish Armed Forces because of her multilingual skills. Those skills earned her a primary spot during a joint effort between the Polish, the French, and the British as they tried to break daily codes.
With the Germans invading Poland and destroying her beloved orphanage, Beata is forced to flee with her team so they can continue to decode and decrypt messages sent from the German Enigma machine. She grows close to one of the British representatives, but the war doesn’t slow down for love.
The tone of the story changes when Beata is captured and sent to a German death camp. The author uses that as a reminder of the horrors of the war. Will she survive the atrocities and find happiness with Harry?
The Codebreaker Girl shines a light on a valuable group of people whose efforts helped shorten World War II. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
August 18, 2024
This novel sheds light on the often-overlooked Polish mathematicians who played a crucial role in cracking the Enigma Code during World War II. Set just before the war, these brilliant minds helped British and French officials decipher the complex German code. Beata, an orphan and interpreter for the Polish officials, meets Harry, whom she initially mistakes for an arrogant foreigner. However, their relationship evolves from friendship into a deep love, tested by the relentless war.
The novel offers new insights into this critical historical moment, and I hope these Polish mathematicians receive the honor they rightly deserve—without their contributions, the war might have lasted much longer. Initially, Beata was a challenging character to connect with, but her growth throughout the story is compelling. Her evolution reflects the harsh realities of wartime, where survival often blurs the lines between right and wrong. The devastation of Poland at the hands of the Germans is portrayed with heartbreaking clarity.
Overall, this novel is a poignant blend of historical insight, emotional depth, and the stark realities of war. It’s a story that will linger with readers long after the final page.
Many thanks to Bookouture for providing the digital copy of this book.
The novel offers new insights into this critical historical moment, and I hope these Polish mathematicians receive the honor they rightly deserve—without their contributions, the war might have lasted much longer. Initially, Beata was a challenging character to connect with, but her growth throughout the story is compelling. Her evolution reflects the harsh realities of wartime, where survival often blurs the lines between right and wrong. The devastation of Poland at the hands of the Germans is portrayed with heartbreaking clarity.
Overall, this novel is a poignant blend of historical insight, emotional depth, and the stark realities of war. It’s a story that will linger with readers long after the final page.
Many thanks to Bookouture for providing the digital copy of this book.
December 29, 2024
I wish now I had read this book sooner as it was brilliant! I had no idea that the brainchild of the Enigma machine was Polish and to them we owe a great deal. Like many others I have since reading the book done more research into these individuals and the work of Bletchley Park.
The descriptions of life both in pre-war Poland and then in the concentration camp were graphic but sadly would have been all too true. I feel it is something that should be continued to be highlighted to make people today aware of the suffering that innocent individuals went through.
The book is well written and easy to read and keeps the reader engaged throughout. Both Beata and Harry were so likeable as were all the main characters (with the exception of Georg). I almost wish the book had given more details of the couples life in post-war London and how Beata adapted to life in England and did Harry find his Polish family?
I would highly recommend the title to others and would like to thank the publisher, author and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy (apologies my review has taken me so long).
The descriptions of life both in pre-war Poland and then in the concentration camp were graphic but sadly would have been all too true. I feel it is something that should be continued to be highlighted to make people today aware of the suffering that innocent individuals went through.
The book is well written and easy to read and keeps the reader engaged throughout. Both Beata and Harry were so likeable as were all the main characters (with the exception of Georg). I almost wish the book had given more details of the couples life in post-war London and how Beata adapted to life in England and did Harry find his Polish family?
I would highly recommend the title to others and would like to thank the publisher, author and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy (apologies my review has taken me so long).
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