Code Name Verity

By: Elizabeth Wein

Narrated by: Morven Christie, Lucy Gaskell

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Code Name Verity is a compelling, emotionally rich story with universal themes of friendship and loyalty, heroism and bravery. Two young women from totally different backgrounds are thrown together during World War II: one a working-class girl from Manchester, the other a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a wireless operator. Yet whenever their paths cross, they complement each other perfectly and before long become devoted friends. But then a vital mission goes wrong, and one of the friends has to bail out of a faulty plane over France. She is captured by the Gestapo and becomes a prisoner of war. The story begins in Verity's own words, as she writes her account for her captors.

©2012 Elizabeth Gatland (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Creatively and thoughtfully written

The story was constructed in an imaginative way that gives insight into historical events and horror without succumbing to a yoyeuristic exploitation of horror or the maudlin in the intensity of the wartime relationship.

The book isn't flawless but overall well written. I had times when I got the sequence or characters confused, but that was probably my trying to multitask. I will probably give it a second read in a year or two, just unscramble my own confusions in listening.

I almost didn't buy it because the cover art while capturing key details in the story puts too much of a "sappy, emotional" take on the story. I hate "sappy" stories. I'm glad I bought this audible book and that the author kept the intensity reasonably in check.

Spectacular Historical Fiction

After years of hearing about this book, I finally gave it a try, and I did not regret it one bit. Not only was this a historical fiction novel focused on women, it focused on them in a historically and emotionally realistic way. The two main characters were both fascinating, and the way Wein lays out the story keeps you completely on edge. At any given time, there's layers of story and meaning that almost can't be explained without reading it. Let's just say that a spy turned prisoner of war telling her story via "journal" entries makes for an incredibly interesting take on the unreliable narrator.

By the time I got to the end of this book, I felt like I needed to take a breather and just think about it for a while. It was that good, and I am so glad I didn't see any spoilers ahead of time.

Both narrators were great, and they did a wonderful job with accents and a range of voices.

A great read for anyone looking for an engaging and personal historical fiction novel told from the point of view of two courageous and compelling women.

First Class YA Historical Fiction

This may be classified as Young Adult Fiction, but as a World War II story aficionado, I could NOT stop listening to this compelling story. Excellent characters, first rate narration. LOVED it. Especially recommend this title to young women.

Well written and performed but also depressing

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. The writer uses some very clever techniques to tell the story, but after listening for a while, I just felt sad and morose. I usually don't mind reading an occasional dark novel, but this one with its scenes of torture and hopelessness was just too much for me.

What could Elizabeth Wein have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Offer some hope for a happier outcome.

What about Morven Christie and Lucy Gaskell ’s performance did you like?

They were both excellent performers.

Do you think Code Name Verity needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No.

Wonderful narration really set the mood

Would you listen to Code Name Verity again? Why?

Yes, the narrator really brought the characters and story to life

What does Morven Christie and Lucy Gaskell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The first narrator (for Julie) was simply fantastic, she really captured the changes in mood between happiness and despair and told the story in a way you would miss if you were reading it yourself.

Any additional comments?

This book is billed as teen fiction but i would recommend it for all ages, a really terrific story full of suspense and emotion.

Kiss Me Hardy

Would you listen to Code Name Verity again? Why?

Yes, if only just to listen to Lucy Gaskell!

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Lucy Gaskell puts on a WONDERFUL, captivating performance of the strong female characters in the book.

The book itself is bloody brilliant (I'm using a English/Scottish accent now as I write this). I read many reviews about how the pilot jargon bogged people down, but to me it was just apart of the story, you don't really NEED to know the parts of a plane.

More than anything this book is about love, friendship, and sacrifice. It's funny and smart, but also painful. I want to re-read it again right now, but I'm still processing.

Have you listened to any of Morven Christie and Lucy Gaskell ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, but I need Lucy Gaskell to do more audiobooks STAT.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Kiss Me Hardy

Maybe a little better than ok

So, I love mid century British historical fiction. K - love it. I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I’m not sure why. All the right pieces are there - AND it wasn’t about women pining for men - a big plus. But I didn’t fall in love with either J or M, and I wanted to.

So … prolly read other books by WEIN, but not right away.

Jen writes these for Jen to remember

beautiful story

This book is a beautiful Story of Friendship, Triumph, and loss. if you enjoy World War II spy novels this is the book for you.

Much Respect

Much respect is due to the author and narrators of this story. Thank you for reminding us.

Narration seals the deal

As many have said, this is a really great story. But for me, what really made the experience was the narration. One of the few times where the performance of the book is better than reading it. I don't think I would have been entertained or invested if not for the narrators - all were wonderful and added another dimension to the story.

This is extra impressive considering that the story is so good in itself.