Book: Code Name Verity
Author: Elizabeth Wein
Site: http://www.elizabethwein.com/
Category: Young Adult - Historical Fiction
My thoughts...
Summary: Oct. 11th, 1943—A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun. When one girl is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn’t stand a chance. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution. (Adapted from Amazon.com)
The good: I've never read a book that dealt with this particular topic - two women and friends in the war, one acting as an enemy agent and one as a pilot. The whole premise was really interesting and I think the author created two wonderful and different characters. I think all my favorite moments in the book were the ones that focused on their friendship. And of course, all the little twists and reveals I didn't see coming.
The bad: I know I'm probably in the minority here but the book dragged for me. It took me close to two weeks to finish it. The only parts that grabbed my attention were the ones that dealt with the characters and I don't think there was enough of that. So much of the book was spent on being a pilot and aircraft mechanics. I really struggled with that and found myself skimming it as quickly as possible so I could get to the "good" parts. I thought the latter half of the book was more touching as more truths were revealed but in the end, the book didn't make me FEEL anything. I kept waiting for more. But I never reached a point where I felt emotionally invested in the story.
Do I recommend?: I really wanted to like this book. I wanted to LOVE this book. I've read so many amazing reviews (and a couple who felt the same way I did so now I feel less crazy). I think you're either going to really love this book or not. So it's up to you to take the chance!
Happy reading!
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