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

A Wonderful Story With So Much Emotion

This is the fictional story of two young women from different English classes who came together because of WWII. The novel is written so well, that you would swear it is a memoir from two perspectives! One woman is a pilot with the British RAF, the other a spy who speaks French and German. They make a great team in the English’s efforts to thwart the German take over of France.

If you are of German decent, I do apologize, but stories about the brutality of the German Gestapo and the Nazis really just make me want to go back in time and scream, “Wake up people!!! Can’t you see the truth behind Hitler’s words and actions!! Do something!!” Really, I would love to make everyone of those maniacs who blindly followed the crap Hitler and his cronies spewed suffer the same way they made their prisoners suffer....some of what was described here was just too awful to process, and this story wasn’t even about the camps.

Anyway...sorry...I had to get that out....
If you enjoy historical fiction, the WWII time period, and/or stories about true friends, then “Code Name Verity” is for you! Both narrators are amazing!! Ms. Christie’s voice is so velvety smooth, I felt I could listen to her forever. Ms. Gaskell has that best friend voice...I would love to meet her. Both are spot on with their needed accents. I had to listen to each half of the story twice in order to absorb all the details and process the roller coaster of emotions!

Extraordinary

Best audible book listen yet! Narration was excellent. The writing is superb and brought each character to life.

This story about WW2 from a female perspective

The story was unique, and compelling. The narration was exceptional, with multiple accents very well done.

Pleasantly surprised

I love a good story about people breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes. This seemed like such a story; it did not disappoint. I had not payed attention to who the narrator(s) were or that there were even two of them. The surprise here came in the form of Morven Christie and the reason for this review. She masterfully grasps the character’s voices and the tone of the book. She brought this book to life and I don’t know if I would have enjoyed the first half, let alone the whole book, as much as I did were it not for her interpretation. When the narrators switched, I almost quit listening; but I wanted to know what happens. I endured the second half’s narration. Lucy’s performance was spotty at best—it was as though her Maddie never realized where she really was or what was happening. Those 5 stars you see next to performance and most of the overall stars are Morten’s. If I could have her narrate all my favorite books, I would be the happiest person on this planet. Morven Christie is simply extraordinary.

Took a while to get into, but then it was good.

I don't want to give away the plot...many others have done so. I did like that this story focused on Allied women in WWII, facing difficulties due to being women... and in different jobs than most WWII books focus upon. Like many WWII books, there are parts that are downright horrific, but not as graphic as many I have listened to. Makes one appreciate what people have done for freedom. The reason I gave it 4 stars vs 5 is that I found the first quarter of the book did not hold my attention. My mind often wandered and I would have to replay a few minutes. The narrators overall did a good job, but perhaps it was just too melodic or something. I listen to many audiobooks and this usually does not happen. So, if it happens to you, try to push on and the story will grab you a while in.

What an interesting story!

Told from a fresh perspective, took me a moment to get used to, then I did not want to stop listening!!

One of the best

I'm not a great reviewer, all I can say is that this is a great listen. If you liked it, try Mr. Churchill's Secretary for another from the same era.

So good I listened twice!

I listened to this book twice. The story is great and the narration is even better.

Excellent!

This is a beautifully written book, I felt I knew the 2 primary characters, excellent narration. Highly recommend.

My New Favorite Book!

What did you love best about Code Name Verity?

It was all of smart, entertaining, meaningful, and historically fascinating.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Verity, of course! She had more strength and intelligence inside of her than anyone could imagine.

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

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book made me laugh and cry and i still think about it months later.

Any additional comments?

I've recommended this to everyone i know.