An Examination of Trauma and Historical Omissions in Monica Hesse's "The Brightwood Code"

Monica Hesse's "The Brightwood Code" offers a deftly crafted historical mystery intertwined with a nuanced interrogation of trauma and the systematic erasure of women's wartime contributions. The novel centers on Edda, a former "Hello Girl" – one of the courageous female switchboard operators whose skills were indispensable on the World War I frontlines. Hesse meticulously reconstructs the harrowing atmosphere of the war, juxtaposing the relentless tension of Edda's past with the stifling expectations of post-war America.

In portraying Edda's psychological struggles, Hesse transcends the conventions of historical fiction. The novel delves into the complexities of a condition that would not be fully recognized for decades: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Edda's flashbacks, hypervigilance, and desperate attempts to numb her pain are rendered with both visceral immediacy and profound sensitivity. Hesse illustrates the profound isolation experienced by those whose trauma is invisible and often dismissed, particularly within the historical context of a society ill-equipped to acknowledge the psychological cost of war.

"The Brightwood Code" also exposes the historical injustice perpetrated against the "Hello Girls." Despite their undeniable role in the Allied war effort, their service was denied veteran status and largely omitted from official narratives. Hesse weaves a compelling thread of righteous anger through the narrative, highlighting the systemic silencing of women whose wartime sacrifices were deemed inconvenient. The novel thus serves as a corrective, amplifying a hidden history while simultaneously indicting the mechanisms of erasure.

Beyond its thematic depth, "The Brightwood Code" succeeds as a captivating thriller. The central mystery involving the cryptic code word "Brightwood" propels the narrative forward, engaging the reader in the unraveling of secrets and the pursuit of truth. Hesse's prose possesses a historical sensibility that transports readers to the era, yet remains unburdened by archaisms, ensuring a seamless reading experience.

This multifaceted novel offers profound insights into both individual wartime experiences and the broader societal consequences of downplaying women's contributions. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of historical fiction to both illuminate forgotten corners of the past and resonate with the ongoing human struggle to heal from unseen wounds.

4.5 stars

Monica Hesse has once more written a historical novel, ostensibly YA, that brought this not-young adult close to tears. Unlike her three most recent novels ("They Went Left," "The War Outside," and "Girl in the Blue Coat"), "The Brightwood Code" takes place during the First World War, not the Second. Here, Edda has returned to the States after a brief, and apparently traumatic, stint as a Hello Girl, one of several dozen young American women employed by the U.S. Army as switchboard operators in France.

In trying to solve one mystery—the identity of a caller urging her to "tell the truth" about a project dubbed Brightwood—Edda reveals to us another, while discovering truths she never expected. It's a fast, tight read, with no wasted words or passages, several unanticipated reveals, and a final act that sucker-punched me. War is hell, in ways one might never imagine, and sometimes everyday life can be too—but as Edda learns, "you expect that as time passes grief will get small, but grief doesn't get smaller. It's just that life gets bigger."

Thank you, Little, Brown Books and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy is exchange for an honest review.

I completely expected this to be wonderful, because every book I’ve read by her has been wonderful. And I was not let down, as this was a unique book by her, but no less well researched and well written. I love how the story unwound throughout and you start with this incredibly broken young woman and you find out why she’s broken by the end. She could’ve done this in such a different way if it gone in a linear fashion. I’m really glad she chose not to, because watching Edda unravel was much more compelling.

Thank you to Little Brown and NetGalley for the arc!

I have to say, for someone who doesn't have an interest in YA historical fiction, this book makes me want to dive into the field. Monica Hesse keeps the story going by having the ability to execute working in two different timelines. I enjoyed following along our characters and the mysteries behind what had happened in their pasts. I will say, there were moments regarding our main character, Edda's, past that I really would have liked to see fleshed out more towards the beginning of the story. I felt like I was so focused on the mystery aspect to really focus on the most important part, which is the hardships that women have (and still) face in times of war. Overall, I highly enjoyed the novel and can't wait to see more people read it.

As an educator, I would recommend this novel to my higher level students.

: This is an engaging read for YA historical fiction fans. I enjoyed the perspective of the “Hello Girls” angle of WWI and a little bit into the scope of their experiences. I actually wish it dived into the day to day just a little bit more than it did, but can understand the author not wanting to get too bogged down beyond the main plot. I did find the main character Edda to be a little annoying, but overall I enjoyed her story. This shares newly post-WWI Edda and her story in France from months earlier through flashbacks. Readers may find themselves slightly more interested in one view than the other, but it does pull together nicely in the end. I read through this one super fast, which may appeal to YA audiences who like historical fiction but don’t want something that will take a long time to get through. I will definitely be purchasing this one for our library.

The Brightwood Code by @monicahesse

PITCH: Cable Girls meets Citizen Kane with some women’s rights stirred in the pot

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Compact and well thought out, Hesse uses every word to her advantage. Perfect for someone who is non-committal to a series, this book promises heart and hope during World War I.

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