Book Review by Aarene Storms: Code Name Verity

Code Name Verity  by Elizabeth Wein

audiobook read by Lucy Gaskell and Morven Christie

The spy known officially as "Verity" starts off her story by confessing that she has always pretended to be heroic. Yet, when captured by the Gestapo behind enemy lines, the narrator freely admits that she, under pressure of captivity and torture, promptly betrayed wireless codes, details about Great Britain's homeland security and airfield defenses, and more.

In bits and pieces, scribbled away on scraps of paper, a story emerges. But the story is not the one that the Nazis thought they were getting.

Code Name Verity isn't just blazingly fabulous historical fiction for teens, featuring two strong and capable girls. There is also action, suspense, and plenty of twists in the unreliable narrative. This is a story of friendship, choices, and--no matter what Verity says -- this is a story of courage.  

Descriptions of violence, treachery, and torture are intense but not graphic -- much is left to the imagination of the reader.  

Very highly recommended for readers ages 12 to adult.  

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian

Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS