Secrets at Bletchley Park: An uplifting wartime tale of friendship and bravery

by Margaret Dickinson

In Secrets at Bletchley Park, two young women from very different backgrounds meet in the Second World War and are plunged into a life where security and discretion are paramount. But both have secrets of their own to hide . . .

In 1929, life for ten-year-old Mattie Price, born and raised in the back streets of Sheffield, is tough. With a petty thief for a father and a mother who turns to the bottle to cope with her husband’s brutish ways, it is left to the young girl and her brother, Joe, to feed and care for their three younger siblings. But Mattie has others rooting for her too. The Spencer family, who live at the top of the same street, and Mattie’s teachers recognize that the girl is clever beyond her years and they, and Joe, are determined that she shall have the opportunity in life she deserves.

Victoria Hamilton, living in the opulence of London’s Kensington, has all the material possessions that a young girl could want. But her mother, Grace, a widow from the Great War, is cold and distant, making no secret of the fact that she never wanted a child. Grace lives her life in the social whirl of upper-class society, leaving Victoria in the care of her governess and the servants. At eleven years old, Victoria is sent to boarding school where, for the first time in her young life, she is able to make friends of her own age.

Mattie and Victoria are both set on a path that will bring them together at Bletchley Park in May 1940. An unlikely friendship between the two young women is born and together they will face the rest of the war keeping the nation’s secrets and helping to win the fight. They can tell no one, not even their families, about their work or even where they are. But keeping secrets is second nature to both of them . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, War, Fiction, World War II, Audiobook

560 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2021

About the author

Born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Margaret Dickinson moved to the coast at the age of seven and so began her love for the sea and the Lincolnshire landscape. Her ambition to be a writer began early and she had her first novel published at the age of twenty-five. This was followed by many further titles including Plough the Furrow, Sow the Seed and Reap the Harvest, which make up her Lincolnshire Fleethaven Trilogy. She is also the author of Fairfield Hall, Jenny's War and The Clippie Girls. Margaret is a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller.

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book is very misleading. I love anything to do with the war years, both wars and Bletchley is of particular interest to me. I was looking forward to this story for this reason. However, out of 550 pages, only 181 deal with the Bletchley part of the story. So the title was a real misnomer for me.
There are three parts to this book, Mattie's story, Victoria's story and then Bletchley.
Of the three Mattie's part is the most interesting. She was my favourite part of the book. She was living in pure poverty with an odious father and a mother worn down from her husband's cruelty. I enjoyed how she bettered herself and improved her life.
Victoria had everything in material wealth but always lacked love and companionship of her own age. Her mother is cold and distant. I liked the portrayal of uncaring parents in the different roles.
The Bletchley part of the book is the weakest part. It doesn't tell us much and there was too much emphasis on the secrets that had to be kept. It was repetitive.
I dithered over three or four stars for this review but went with four because overall the writing is very good. I loved the beginning of the book but it petered out towards the end.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were lovely and it was very interesting to read about Bletchley Park.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really is a good saga if you are interested in gritty characters from both sides of the track and the most secret place of work there ever was. I am always fascinated by what went on at Bletchley Park and having been there, I devour books about it or set there. I like fiction like this as it brings the park to life, the work, the daily life and the people who worked there. Who ended up working in a place like this? Maggie and Victoria in the novel are from Sheffield and Kensington London respectively so they have led very different lives. When they come together at Bletchley, all class and background don't matter - it's the brains needed to crack the code that unites everyone.

A fascinating tale of starting out with different luck and a background in life but ending up at the most remarkable place of all. As always the language of the areas, the dialect and the cultural details from both Sheffield and London bring the story to life. Two characters to care about and a really solid story of detail, historical insight and two remarkable girls representative of so many who worked at the park.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, an enjoyable and easy read. I must admit, I didn’t pick it up for its historical elements, so I have no qualms about the title of the book being a misnomer. I liked the double-story telling element of the book which successfully merged together quite nicely towards the end. Would recommend if you are wanting some easygoing historical escapism.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by the author, Margaret Dickinson. The book is about two characters, from very different backgrounds, both trying to hide secrets from their past. It is divided into three sections. The first section is the story of a young Mattie Price - a girl living in Sheffield who faces poverty on a daily basis but who is also clever beyond her years. The second section is the story of Victoria Hamilton, who unlike Mattie, lives an opulent life in London but without the love of family or friends. The final section brings the two characters together when they meet at Bletchley Park during World War Two.

Anyone who knows me, knows my fascination with World War Two and the 1940’s and as such, I am passionate about reading books set in this period. I was excited to see that this one was set in Bletchley Park, but don’t be misled by the title of this book. It is only the final section that is set in Bletchley Park and even then, this section is full of haphazard and watered down facts (such as the breaking of the Enigma code) woven into the story.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The characters were likeable and I found myself engrossed in the first two sections. But I don’t feel that the final section did the book any justice.

[Abbie Birnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this book was all I could ever want. Beautiful and warm and moving all at the same time! I loved that this book didn't start during wartime, but it started from each of the characters childhood! It was a lovely way to write it, to get to watch the two characters grow up, leading comoeltley different lives, to see where their lives eventually interlock! And a lovely happy ending which is always my fave! I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author! A great read to end 2023 with!

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mattie and Victoria, two young ladies very different in character, upbringing and class, yet they discover they have much in common with each other. Mattie has had a hard life with difficult parents, Victoria has had everything she ever wanted that money could provide - except a loving mother.

Bletchley Park, the centre for intelligence and code breaking during World War Two, throws the two women together and their friendship grows. Only those of high intelligence,or expert capabilities were seconded to Bletchley, so we know from the start that there is something particularly special abut our two heroines.

The majority of the story, however, is set in the pre-war years, where the two girls fight the challenges of daily life to survive.

They are worthwhile characters, you want to root for them both, one criticism, however is would girls from such highly different class levels become such close friends? On the other hand, Bletchley (and the war) threw many diverse people together, so why not? Some of the story was a little predicatble, but that is the nature of this type of genre -- it isn't a mystery or surprising adventure story, so we'll not criticise the author for that.

A pleasant read, nicely written with characters to enjoy.

Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[Lyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the style of writing. Strange to read a book set at the place you work but at least I can genuinely recommend this book to our visitors.

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't a terrible book, just not what I was hoping for, or my cup of tea. Virtually none of the story takes place at Bletchley Park, and what little there was had virtually no bearing on the story at all. Could have been set anywhere without changing much.

If you like historical coming of age/romance stories set during WWII, you may enjoy this, just don't go in looking for any real connection to Bletchley.

[Steph Ollman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the sort of book I would usually choose but I was keen to read this having recently.visited Bletchley Park. The story was quite lengthy and perhaps could have been shorter, there was a lot of reminders about how secret Bletchley Park was.

[Emily Douce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio and it was a good easy listen. It was recommend me by my mother in law. It’s a bit twee and predictable but an easy story to listen to. The narration was really good, she did so many different voices which was pretty impressive. (Apart from she did the t’s wrong for the northern people which is a pet peeve of mine, being from up north!) 3.5

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Betty Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating, sentimental, and cosy!

Secrets at Bletchley Park is a heartwarming, uplifting tale that takes you into the lives of two main characters who come from completely different backgrounds but whose shared work at Bletchley Park during WWII makes them the unlikeliest but best of friends. Victoria Hamilton, a young girl who has all the things money can buy but lacks the love she so desperately desires, and Mattie Price, a girl from an impoverished, broken background who blossoms under the support and kindness of those who surround her.

The writing is sweet and tender. The characters are intelligent, helpful, and kind. And the plot is an engaging tale of life, loss, love, family, secrets, heartbreak, community, romance, and the power of friendship.

Overall, Secrets at Bletchley Park is a charming, compelling, nostalgic tale by Dickinson that I think is a lovely choice for anyone looking to be swept away into a heartfelt storyline with rich characterization.

Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars really but?? there were some good bits, though overall I found the book disappointing! ..

It became clear early on that ‘Secrets at Bletchley Park’ was about everything but..Bletchley Park! except for the last hundred + pages of very watered down descriptions.

For anyone really interested in more than trite details of this wonderful facility, within a well researched Novel don’t fail to read
‘The Rose Code’.. by Kate Quinn if gives a much fuller more fascinating view of life at Bletchley, the way the machines worked, the everyday nitty gritty , whilst still managing to Instil the dramas of all the brilliant characters lives etc.. I usually enjoy books by this Author but the title was certainly Misleading.

I enjoyed the first part about Mattie and her struggles but Victoria’s long drawn out story I found very tedious.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for someone who loves a historical fiction with a touch of romance. Loved the story split between Mattie and Victoria coming from such different backgrounds, with their journeys crossing at Bletchley Park. I have to admit I was a bit put out at part 2 with Victoria as I was desperate to hear how Mattie got on but it built the story wonderfully.

No spoilers but the ending came to where it needed to but kept me turning the pages.

[Karren Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story but an odd choice of title!

With a title like “Secrets at Bletchley Park” I did expect more of the story to be actually based at Bletchley Park but you don’t get there until Part 3!
Luckily I enjoyed the stories of Mattie’s and Victoria’s childhoods and early lives so all’s good. A bit cheeky though 😉

[josephine Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb story,must not be missed.

This book was very different and difficult to put down. It was the sort of story that is very uplifting. How wonderful it is to write such enthralling stories.

[Vanessa-Ann Dowsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book about Bletchley forget this one as it only comes in at the last few chapters. It's mainly about two girls Mattie and Victoria and in Matties case about her from the age of 10. Very disappointing indeed

[Chloe Bardou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had little to do with Bletchley park until the end so was very misleading. However, the story takes you through class differences and the north-south divide through the viewpoint of two young girls and was completely enthralling to read!

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1929, life for 10yo Mattie Price, born and raised in the back streets of Sheffield, is tough. With a petty thief for a father and a mother who turns to the bottle to cope with her husband’s brutish ways, it is left to the young girl and her brother, Joe, to feed and care for their three younger siblings. But Mattie has others rooting for her too. The Spencer family, who live at the top of the same street, and Mattie’s teachers recognize that the girl is clever beyond her years and they, and Joe, are determined that she shall have the opportunity in life she deserves.Victoria Hamilton, living in the opulence of London’s Kensington, has all the material possessions that a young girl could want. But her mother, Grace, a widow from the Great War, is cold and distant, making no secret of the fact that she never wanted a child. Grace lives her life in the social whirl of upper-class society, leaving Victoria in the care of her governess and the servants. At 11yo, Victoria is sent to boarding school where, for the first time in her young life, she is able to make friends of her own age.Mattie and Victoria are both set on a path that will bring them together at Bletchley Park in May 1940. An unlikely friendship between the two young women is born and together they will face the rest of the war keeping the nation’s secrets and helping to win the fight.They can tell no one,not even their families, about their work or even where they are. But keeping secrets is second nature to both of them . . .The Sheffield Blitz took place over the nights of 12-15th December 1940.The city contained many heavy industries, primarily centred on steel and armaments.The German code name for the operation was Schmelztiegel ("Crucible").Bletchley Park housed the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), which regularly penetrated the secret communications of the Axis Powers-such as Enigma and Lorenz ciphers.All staff signed the Official Secrets Act (1939).The wartime needs required the building of additional accomodation such as huts and blocks.They also worked on Italian, Soviet and Japanese signals.

[Lucy-Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a bit of a mismatch between the title of this book and the content, in that very little of it is actually set at Bletchley Park!
The first section of the book is Mattie’s story – we discover her childhood in Sheffield, a life of poverty with a criminal father & a beaten-down mother. Mattie’s older brother Joe, and her teachers, recognise that Mattie has exceptional mathematical skills and do everything they can to ensure that she can continue her education.
The second part of the book follows Victoria, an only child with an absent father who had everything she could need in terms of material possessions, but lacked love from her cold & distant mother. Sent to finishing school in Switzerland, she had a natural talent for languages & spoke fluent German.
The third part was the girl’s joint story, the friendship that developed between them as they both worked at Bletchley Park during WW2. The section set at Bletchley Park is actually perhaps the weakest – other books have handled this work much better – but the friendship between the girls is both endearing and very well written. There is a lot of insight into character and the nature of friendship as well as the social changes that were happening at the time.

The characters are likeable and there is a good sense of time and place, and evidence of good research into the daily life of the various classes.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to people who like historical fiction with strong female characters.
I honestly think that this could have been a trilogy of books, one being Mattie’s story, finishing when she arrives on the station platform & met Victoria, one being Victoria’s story, and the third being their joint story.

If you have read the “Maitland Trilogy” by the same author, you will notice a lovely little “easter egg” – a nugget of information that links to a character in that series. I found that really unexpected and fun!

[Katy Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't quite put my finger on it, but this felt an awful lot like a very long version of the stories that used to be in my gran's People's Friend magazines, in that sort of, 'things haven't gone well, but they all live happily ever after' sort of a way. I do think the title is very misleading though, as very little of it is actually to do with Bletchley, in fact the first 2/3 of it is about the childhoods of the 2 main characters. I have to admit to having double checked several times that I was listening to the right book as we plodded through first Mattie and then Victoria's journeys to adulthood and by extension Bletchley (I actually think I screamed a little as we got to the end of Mattie's story and then went right back to the beginning again for Victoria's, but as I was driving up the A69 and listening to it, there wasn't much I could do about it!)

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very lovely, easy read. I love me a wartime book and this is extra good because it spans various decades leading up to the Second World War, and includes some stuff I didn't know about so I enjoyed the historical aspect. I did think that all the storylines tied up a little too neatly to be believable, so much so that I didn't feel much emotion throughout because it became pretty obvious that everything was going to turn out right, especially the Joe storyline, and the end with Lewis? pretty boring . I also felt as if we could have had just one narrative instead of Mattie and Victoria, maybe could have had a sequel then Idk, but the book was very long, and spent so much time with 2 backstories that we barely got any time at Bletchley Park itself. Despite all my moaning I promise it was a good read.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three parts in this book. The different lives of Mattie and Victoria and how they managed the challenges of geowing up.... one in poverty and one with extreme wealth. As the war approaches, the two girls come together in the Bletchley Park code breaking establishment of the Foreign Office.

I loved the girls individual stories and latterly how they became friends at Bletchley, but I did feel as though it raced a bit through part three, Bletchley Park, without getting a real feel for the dangers of the war and what the code breaking really meant. It was as though everything went too smoothly and the wsr went quickly.....
However, I did enjoy the book and the lovely characters and also how damaging circumstances can be within families and how strength can overcome them.

[John Hardy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! 550 pages and I finished it in a day, thanks to insomnia. Definitely not my normal genre, but the title is misleading. There isn't all that much about BP, and what there is mainly often repeated need for secrecy. There isn't much about the actual work. This is really a sort of family saga, following the difficulties of two girls from different backgrounds. They grow up to do well at uni, and be called to work at BP, although in different roles.
Along the way we see examples of the lowest forms of human being, but also some fine examples, and even a transformation from bad to good. On the whole it's a feel-good book. I feel slightly mean about the lower rating, but there it is.
Rating 3.4.

[Lisbeth Zabihi · Rating 4 out of 5]

En interessant fortælling om to pigers vej gennem teenage årene og frem til 2. verdenskrig, hvor de begge ender ved Bletchley Park. Her fletter deres historier sig sammen og vi følger dem gennem krigsårene.

Pigerne kommer fra to vidt forskellige baggrunde og har kun en ting til fælles: de er overordentligt dygtige indenfor hver deres felt. Deres liv har ikke været misundelsesværdigt og begge har måtte leve med mange uretfærdigheder gennem barndom og ungdom. Alligevel kommer der to stærke unge kvinder ud i den anden ende.

Fin fortælling - og jeg får lyst til at læse mere af samme forfatter.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really nice WW2 book, honestly better than I was expecting and I think it deserves a more unique cover to set itself apart from all the other books in the light-ww2-idon'tknow genre which all have these very similar covers.

I liked both Mattie and Victoria and really enjoyed reading about their lives from childhood to finishing university/schooling and then doing their war work at Bletchley Park.
There is a nice supporting cast of friends and people who are family in all but name surrounding the girls and while there is some nastiness from Mattie's dad and obviously WW2, I found this to be a very pleasant read.

[Rowena Onions · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to on Audible.
This was not at all what I expected... that will teach me to read reviews before buying!! Or maybe not... I thought this was a story about Bletchley Park and while this got a tiny bit of the book, it was not really of that much importance and took up a very snall part of the text. This kind of romanticized war book is somethings I generally avoid! However, I must admit I enjoyed much of it! I'm not sure that I'll change my mind about books with rose coloured spectacles about war however!!

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always forget how much I enjoy these types of historical fiction books and then pick one up and absolutely fly through it. This was no exception. I liked both Mattie and Victoria’s stories but I will admit that I wasn’t the biggest fan of how the book was structured – Mattie, Victoria and then Bletchley. By the time I’d finished Victoria’s pre-Bletchley story, I felt like I’d forgotten parts of Mattie’s. And then the Bletchley part of the story moved really quickly. I think there was more to explore – although the book was already pretty hefty!