Code Name Verity
Wein, E.
(2012). Code name Verity. New York:
Hyperion.
Code name Verity
weaves together the story of two women and the unique role they played in WWII.
“Verity” has been captured by the Nazis in occupied France and as a spy she is
given no mercy. She is tortured, starved, and humiliated. She has been forced
to tell the truth about her mission into France and write it all down. The
truth she tells, however, does not given the Nazis any information they can use
against the Allied Forces. Her pilot and best friend, Maddie, is being hidden
by the French Resistance until she can return to England. Through a painful
series of events, Maddie is given Verity’s written “confession” and Maddie is
able to crack her code and complete the mission.
This historical fiction novel intertwines the stories of
Maddie and Julie, giving glimpses of their friendship and the horrors of
Julie’s capture. From the beginning of the novel, the reader is almost left
wondering which girl has been taken prisoner. As the story unfolds, the reader
realizes it’s Maddie’s best friend that is being held captive. Maddie’s role in
the story becomes clear (pilot), but exactly what role the narrator is to the
war effort is hidden creating tension and anxiety as the story progresses. When
Maddie’s side of the story is told (and she becomes the narrator) she is hiding
from the Nazis and the periphery characters take on new roles and help bring
the story full circle and ties all the pieces together. Wein paints a story of
two incredibly strong women who don’t back down and do what is right, even when
it is the hardest thing to do.
Interesting Links:
Recommended Reading:
The Pearl Thief (A
story about Julie before the war.)
Rose Under Fire (A
story set during WWII involving strong women.)
Awards:
Edgar Award (2013)
Golden Kite Award (2013)
Printz Award (2013)
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