Allison Reviews Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

If you’re looking for a slow burning book with one hell of an impact, I honestly cannot point you in the direction of Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein fast enough. This book is just phenomenal. It pulls you right in, and REFUSES to let you go. It plays with your emotions, and makes you think in a way that you may never have really thought before. I feel like I have been forever changed because I have read about ‘Verity’ and Maddie. I just…

Code Name Verity starts out with a simple four word sentence: “I am a coward”. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity though. Those four words start you out on an adventure that you’re not soon to forget. It is the adventure filled with an unbreakable friendship between two girls, ‘Verity’ and Maddie, who were together in a plane that went down over France during World War II. Unfortunately, ‘Verity’ was caught by Nazi officers, and is being interrogated and tortured, and this is her written confession taken down on whatever scrap paper she is able to find. It is thrilling, and touching, and completely unforgettable.

Just reading my recap of the premise of Code Name Verity gives me chills. Seriously. It is THAT good. It is also extremely multilayered which becomes apparent through the incredible writing. The writing was one of my favorite parts of the story. I loved all the detail that Elizabeth Wein put into her story. Admittedly at times, I did have to pace myself because of the length of detail, especially when it came to descriptions of airplanes; however, it was all worth it. This book gives you another completely new perspective of World War II. It does not focus on the Holocaust or the fighting but instead focuses in on a different type of sacrifice and devotion. In particular, two women’s sacrifice and devotion not only for their country but for each other, and it is beautiful.

It was so striking to read about two women who were doing what they love to do because it was what they wanted to do especially in the middle of a war zone. There was such a strong tone of friendship in this story, it pulled at my heart. It made me think about the type of friend I am, and made me question if I would be able to make the type of sacrifices that ‘Verity’ and Maddie made for each other. The two of them didn’t even have to think about what they did for each other. They just acted, and knew that the other would understand. I honestly don’t know if I would be able to do that. I wish I could say that I could.

I know that my review may not make a lot of sense but I’m just so afraid of giving away too many details that I’m trying to keep it as simple as possible. I’ve found this to be incredibly difficult because there is so much I want to say about Code Name Verity Oh, and it’s also been really hard to not just be like READ THIS BOOK NOW: YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT because I know that is not always the best reviewing point. Seriously though, I really do feel that this book is worth it. Like I said at the beginning of my review, it starts out with a slow burn but it leaves with one hell of an impact. I understand if you feel the need to set it down and walk away but I feel as if I must convince you not to do that. Or if you must set it down, don’t walk away for too long. It may take a while to everything to come together but I promise once it does, you will not regret reading about it. I know I don’t!

Disclosure: Borrowed from library

Other reviews of Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein:

April’s Review: “Oh, Maddie and ‘Verity’ you hold my heart in your hands and I am so glad I got the opportunity to read your story.”

Anna Reads: “For a brilliantly researched and beautifully realized read that will surprise and charm you, you must pick up Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein.”

Pure Imagination: “It’s an incredible book that will warm your heart and break it in equal measures.”

Out There: “The book is brimming over with fast-paced plotting and harrowing, edge of your seat, reading.”

WhatchYAreading: “I love that this is a book with an agenda but still manages to tell an amazing, entertaining and sometimes funny story.”