"Code Name Verity" is a historical fiction novel written by Elizabeth Wein. Set during World War II, it follows the story of two best friends, Queenie, a British spy and interrogator, and Maddie, a civilian pilot. The two girls meet when they join the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, where they give direction to pilots via radio. Later, Maddie joins the Air Transport Auxiliary, a ferry service that requires her to transport passengers to airfields. One night, Maddie flies Queenie to German-occupied France for an undercover mission. The mission does not go as planned, and Queenie is caught by the Germans before the game can even begin. The story is split into two parts, the first told from Queenie's point of view and the second from Maddie's.
The novel begins with Queenie in prison, tortured and starved after being captured by the Gestapo, the secret police of Nazi Germany. Queenie has given into the Gestapo’s demands and is now writing a confession of her work as a spy. However, Queenie is not going about writing her confession in the usual way. Instead, she has chosen to write out her confession as a novel.
A person does not have to be a fan of history to enjoy this riveting and fascinating book. With engaging characters, an intriguing set-up, and impeccable research, Elizabeth Wein's novel won't be forgotten anytime soon.
The main characters are realistic and likable. Queenie, upper-class, Scottish (and proud of it) is a real spitfire and holds her own against her captors. She has always been good at pretending, which is what makes her such a great spy and interrogator.
Her friend, Maddie, has always enjoyed engineering and adopts a fascination of planes at a young age. She is an excellent navigator and a hard worker who never lets people stop her because of their misgivings about female pilots. What is interesting about this book is the fact that these two women do what some people think they can't because of their gender. However, they are given a chance and prove themselves. In the book, it even says that Maddie is a better pilot than some of the qualified men.
Another strong point in the book is Maddie and Queenie's friendship. Their friendship is depicted beautifully, in the meaningful conversations they have, and in the ends they go to to protect each other. Queenie says to Maddie once, "If you're scared, do something."
Another well-written character is the Gestapo Captain, Von Linden. He tortures Queenie and oversees everything that is done to her, but he is surprisingly complicated. He seems to show a fondness for Queenie, often talking to her about their shared love of literature. Another interesting fact is he has a daughter, Isolde, who he cares for deeply. Purely evil villains are unrealistic, as in the real world most people are both good and bad. Wein did the right thing in writing Von Linden in this way, when she could have gone the easier route and given him no likable qualities.
This book is never predictable. There are many surprises along with nail-biting suspense. The second part of the book, in which Maddie has to be undercover in German-occupied France, is slightly rushed. However, it is still terrifying, as at any time, Maddie could be found out. People working against the Nazis sometimes disappear right off the streets. The book conveys all too well that Maddie could be next. As Maddie and Queenie say, "Careless talk costs lives."
Elizabeth Wein knows what she is talking about. She did a lot of research on how women worked as spies, pilots, and RDF operators during World War II, which shows in her writing. Wein's personal experience is also of service in writing this book. She has a pilot's license, just like Maddie, so the author's love of flying is evident in any one of Maddie's pilot scenes. Wein didn't write these scenes after a cursory examination of a Wikipedia page. They are real, or at least, they feel that way.
Lastly, the descriptions of the European landscapes shine. Wein lived abroad for much of her life and currently resides in Scotland. She draws from her first-hand knowledge to make the reader feel like they are flying over the Cairngorm mountains with Maddie.
"Code Name Verity" is a moving and harrowing book, but it doesn’t go overboard on descriptions of torture. There’s just enough to make you shiver, but not enough to leave you emotionally drained. There are even parts where the character's antics are laugh out loud funny. After all, the book is not about the torture. It’s about bravery and fighting against a terrifying enemy. Since it's a book about war, there's a fear not every character will make it out alive. But until the end, you root for the characters and enjoy the ride.
