Author Jan Slimming published the book “Codebreaker Girls: A Secret Life at Bletchley Park” in 2021 (March). This is Ms. Slimming's first publication and focuses on her mother.

I categorize this novel as ‘G’. This is the story of Daisy Lawrence and her experiences at Bletchley Park during WWII. The story begins before the war and gives background information on Lawrence. The focus then shifts to her wartime experiences. It finishes up with the troubles Lawrence had after the war. She had to sign the Official Secrets Act to work at Bletchley. The restrictions placed upon her proved to be detrimental to her mental health.

Lawrence had become engaged early in the war. Some of the book follows the plight of her fiancee after he became a POW after the fall of Singapore. The later part of the book tells of her life in the years after the war.

While I enjoyed the 9.5+ hours I spent reading this 352-page WWII history. I have read and listened to podcasts about Bletchley Park. This book gave more everyday details than the other sources. I like the selected cover art. I give this book a 5 out of 5.

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Can a book about Bletchley be anything other than fascinating?? A recommended purchase for general nonfiction collections and some HS collections.

I loved this book because of the topic more or less. I was really unsure going into this novel about whether or not I would like it, and while I do like it, it is not the best book I have ever read. It was spiratic and could have been more cohesive as a whole.

Super interesting book about the women who worked at Bletchley Park during WW2.
There are many other books on this topic, but this is told from a totally unique point of view.
A must read for anyone interested in this group of heroes and how they served in this unique role.

I am very interested in the role played by women in the IIWW, and I had read some about Bletchley Park, so I was super excited when I got this book. It lived up to my expectations for sure!!
The book explains how Daisy got selected for the job as a codebreaker in Bletchley, and not only focuses in the historical facts and the role this women played in the war, but also on their day to day lives: the living quarters, clothes, food... There are several pictures, letters, newspaper clippings, funny anecdotes...added to the narrative that make it even more interesting.
The story about Daisy's fiancée got me hooked until the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in WWII, and I'm very grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read it.

Codebreaker Girls: A secret life at Bletchley Park is one of those rare gems that if you're lucky, you will stumble upon and give it a read. It's a bit intense and filled with so much information about the early days of computers and the men and women who saved thousands of lives by using their wits to decode the enemies of Britain and the Allies during WWII. I was familiar with some of the names... but, the vast majority of these heroes will quietly slip from memory unless someone like the author takes a stand, digs deep into historical records, and interviewing those who were there or were somehow connected to those working at Bletchley Park. A very enjoyable read! Lots of tidbits to absorb. A must-have novel for those who have an interest in WWII as no library will be complete unless it has novels such as this, to get a full account of the very real history of those who fought with only their brains and aptitude to see patterns!

An interesting history.. Always great to read about women who were Trail Blazers before their time and who had the guts to do what they believed in.

Codebreaker Girls: A Secret Life at Bletchley Park is a fantastic blend of history and personal experience. Slimming combines the experiences of her mother, Daisy Lawrence, with enough historical information to give her mother's story the needed context. The photographs and documents help bring Daisy Lawrence's life story to life.

For those who enjoy the history of World War II, Codebreaker Girls give a personal insight into Bletchley Park and the critical events that transpired during the war. Being familiar with Bletchley Park, I was fascinated with the personal details of how Daisy come to work there, her years there, and the effect it had on her personal life following the war. The secrecy of Daisy's work at Bletchley Park in combination with Slimming's father, a Japanese prisoner of war, is compelling as they marry, raise a family, and navigate life. Codebreaker Girls shares a little told story of the hope, hardship, and postwar reality through the life story of Daisy Lawrence.

What if you found out that your mother had a secret life that you never knew about? What if that secret was of worldwide historical value? How did keeping that secret for decades affect your mother’s life? Your life? Your extended family‘s life? Codebreaker Girls is the true story of Daisy Lawrence who, as a young woman , was selected to work at Bletchley Park.during WWII. Sworn to secrecy by the government, those who worked at Bletchley were unable to share their experiences with anyone except each other. Carrying a secret of this magnitude takes a toll,
The author is one of Daisy’s daughters. Upon finding some long hidden documents, she begins to investigate her mother’s role at Bletchley Park. The book weaves historical facts with her mother’s photos as well as documents and photos from others. At times there are long dry stretches of information about the buildings and processes. It is not that this is not of interest, but it is presented in a very textbook fashion. The portions of the book which I found most interesting were Daisy’s story, The impact on Daisy post war and through decades later as she struggled to keep the secrets she knew was impactful. This took a huge toll on how she raised her family, I would have enjoyed the book more if there was more of Daisy and lest of a history lesson.
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Words cannot express how fascinating this book is! I clung to every word from the first sentence to the last and learned a great deal about WWII, one of my favourite topics and eras. And who isn't mesmerized by ciphering and code breaking? Sometimes you find that book, that perfect book which seems to be written for you personally. Well, this is one of those books for me. It took my breath away. What appealed first and foremost was that this depicts a real person, the author's mother, Daisy Lawrence...the photographs, advertisements and illustrations are touching and laden with meaning. I also enjoyed reading about actual strips of codes and equipment used and the importance of enciphering. The work Daisy did, which she downplayed, may have been tedious but crucial.

As a young woman in England Daisy wanted to make a difference in the war efforts and found herself at the infamous Bletchley Park for three years. Not only did she keep her work secret during the war but for many decades after and learned to deflect questions. Her fiance and later husband didn't even know specifics, even after many years of marriage. Swearing secrecy and honour were very important but came at a price.

"The work of Bletchley Park and its satellite stations was said to be the best-kept secret of the Second World War, after the atom bomb." Wow. So much to learn here. How sobering to realize the average age of an allied pilot was only twenty and that many, many codebooks were discovered on seabeds! Daisy kept loads of newspaper clippings, thankfully, so we are privy to this type of information.

Daisy eagerly awaited news of Stan for months and months on end while working hard at her job, doing well at it. She also made close friendships. Room 40 is talked about, as are the Enigma and other machines/processes (cribs and kisses!). Daily life events such as meals, rationing (including a copy of food and clothing allowances) and sleeping quarters are detailed. Mental health problems were a very real issue, too, as the workers were not allowed to discuss any part of their work. The author describes what happened to Daisy and Stan after the war.

History buffs, you need to read this book, especially if you are intrigued by WWII and/or codebreaking. It is a very personal and rewarding experience.

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this enthralling book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.

"Codebreaker Girls: A Secret Life at Bletchley Park" by Jam Slimming is the story of her mother and the role she played in WWII. Taken from personal family documents, files, photos and word of mouth it is a compelling story of everyday women who became heroines in their own right. Sworn to secrecy at the beginning of their time at Bletchley Park and held to this secrecy for many years after, their contribution to the war and the allies' victory of Hitler were not acknowledged until the official release of documents decades later in the 70's..

I have been fascinated with WWII for a while now. Got one reason my father served throughout the USA"s involvement, the other r3eason, I am intrigued at the selflessness and patriotism demonstrated by these heroic men and women. All ordinary everyday people, like me or you. people we meet, wee, talk to everyday but all of them saw and felt a need, were compelled to do their part in the fight against evil, and none of them asked for recognition or expected applause and rewards when they were done. They went on with their lives humbly, with dignity and determination.

Every book I read tells this about the people of WWII, they all extol the virtues of a generation that fills me with continuous awe and admiration. Codebreaker Girls does not disappoint. Telling Daisey's story with dignity. Seeking no accolades except to educate about the role the code-breakers and Bletchley Park filled.

I loved Daisey's story and loved learning about the inner workings of Bletchley. Some parts were a bit dry and held a little too much detail that could have been left out without detracting from the story. And it got a bit confusing with too many names to try to keep up with. The beginning with the background of Daisey and her childhood could have been summarized somewhat, I feel that it was a bit long also. But overall it was well written and very informative.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in the secrets and history of Bletchley Park, and of World War II.
I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley got the advanced reader copy of the e-book in exchange for my honest review
#NetGalley
#codebreakergirls

The Codebreaker Girls by Jan Slimming is the story of the Slimming's mother, Daisy, at Bletchley Park during WW II. Bletchley Park was the center of British codebreaking efforts during WW II and many believe the efforts there helped shorten the war and save many lives. As the title suggest, there is a lot of information and stories about the role that women played in the activities at Bletchley. Sometimes the information is a bit overwhelming because there are lots of names and situations discussed, men and women. Many times in areas where Daisy was not involved.
Early in the book we get Daisy's family backstory. I can understand that the author would want to include some family stories but it doesn't really add to the overall narrative - until the London Blitz begins. I'm always amazed at the fortitude of the British during the Blitz.
Once Daisy is recruited to Bletchley we get the story of her involvement, but also the overall impact that Bletchley has. If you're a fan of codebreaking you will enjoy the amount of detail here.
The best part of the book is after the war, when Daisy returns home and is reunited with her fiance (who was a POW for much of the war) and they settle and start a family. The story of Daisy having to keep her secret, even from her family, and the toll it had on her is a story that's not told very much. It was tough to see Daisy struggle because of wanting to keep her role secret.
There are many anecdotes about the men and women of Bletchley like Alan Turing and the Wrens that gives them a bit more humanity.
History fans should enjoy this book, especially if you're interested in the activities of Bletchley Park.

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Iam totally fascinated with Bletchley Park and I have found this book utterly amazing and so informative a truly fabulous read.

The Codebreaker Girls by Jan Slimming is a very personal account of one woman's experiences at Bletchley Park during World War 2 and how they impacted on the rest of her life. The book tells the story of Daisy Lawrence, a young woman who began work in Bletchley in 1942 shortly after her fiancee was declared missing in action, and is written by her daughter, who uses documentation and photographs from her mother's personal archives as well as her own memories and the accounts of other family members. While I really enjoyed the biographical style of the book and found the copies of documents and photos fascinating, I did struggle to stay engaged in the sections of the book which were devoted to the general running of Bletchley, the various scientists and military men involved etc, and unfortunately these sections were numerous. I think the book would have been better as a more focused biography with less emphasis on these details. I found Daisy's story to be very engaging and loved how the author was able to show how the war changed the course of her life completely. I also found the after effects of her experiences fascinating, and I had a lot of sympathy for the toll that keeping her wartime experiences secret took on Daisy's health and the psychological trauma she suffered through,
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Wow, having visited Bletchley Park and enjoyed films about the history I salivated when I heard about this book.
It does not disappoint but is hard going in places.
I had never thought about the human cost of the work, the hours or the secrecy involved at the time and for decades after.
The background of daisy's life, romance, working at Bletchley and family life afterwards is invaluable.
This was fighting on the front line in a very different way. It also highlights the need for highly intelligent ladies and how they were treated by male counterparts.
I could not put the book down.

I enjoyed this book. The early biography information is very detailed and should have been boring but it wasn’t. Author Jan Slimming tells a great story about her mother. I was impressed by Slimming’s authenticity as she neither placed anyone on a pedestal nor dragged anyone through the mud. Nor was Slimming maudlin. I actually had to double-check that Slimming was the protagonist’s daughter. The only downside of the book is that at times the description of the activities at Bletchley Park is hard to follow, but this could also be due to the complexity of the operation. Overall this is a good read for anyone interested in history.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.

This beautiful history book reads as smoothly as a novel but is a true and often unknown bit of history. I've been fascinated with the codebreaker girls for a while, so when I saw this ARC available on NetGalley I immediately wished for it and was thrilled to get the email granting it to me. I started reading as soon as it hit my Kindle app and I was hooked from page one. The writing is masterful, the story is powerful, and this bit of history is a fascinating yet necessary niche that is still relatively unknown. This was an enjoyable read from which I learned a lot.

I enjoy reading about ordinary people in extraordinary times, and Slimming's book is an excellent example on how to do that. The book both tells the story on Bletchly Park and the work that was conducted there over the course of the Second World War but the book also takes in a personal portrait of one of the young women who did work with the war effort, Daisy Lawrence. Much of the material used for the book is taken from the personal archieve of Lawrence and that makes the whole book warmer, in a sense, as she was an ordinary young woman doing very important work.

Nice incooperation of pictures and pictures of documents. Made it more easy to visualise.

An interesting read on a very secretive part of the war. The development of the story of the main character was well done and you genuinely cared about the person. It is an engrossing story and one you want to follow. A great read.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this book might work in conjunction with a unit on the Holocaust, but I think high school students will struggle with the rather dry presentation. A true history fan would enjoy the book and working through the presentation of facts. I think the reception of the text would be improved by a contextualizing preface/ intro to "set the scene," as it were.