Allison Reviews Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Code Name Verity Book Cover

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…

Serena Star Face

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.

Jim Shiver Face

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!

Crying Clapping Gif

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.”

 

The following two tabs change content below.
Allison is 27 years old. She is always looking for new books, good music, quality/epic adventures, and a normal sleep schedule. She currently works with the elderly.

Comments

  1. Great review! It is so hard to write about this book, a. because you don’t want to spoil anything and b. because you just want to tell others to read it! I gave it to my best friend for her birthday and she adored it and I’m giving it to some other friends for Christmas with the confidence that they will love it too. I’m also starting a slow rereading of it to really savor every element this December.

  2. Awesome review! This one’s on my TBR list, but I think your review just moved it up higher! Thanks so much! 😀

  3. First off, love the Sailor Moon gif. I can’t help but smile.

    I haven’t read Code Name Verity, but I have heard amazing things about it. I’m a bit nervous that this book will be really upsetting, and that I will have a hard time dealing with it. But I thought that about Speak, and was so glad that I read it. So I should give Code Name Verity a try.

    Thanks for the review.

  4. I just, just, just finished this (thanks to the recommendation of Elena at Novel Sounds) and I LOVED IT. There’s such a beautiful, layered tale to this novel, and the inclusion of all those details was fascinating. The most appealing part, however, was getting to read about the friendship – it was just SO beautiful.

  5. I’ve heard so many good things about CNV, but something’s keeping me from reading it. I think it’s the tear-factor – I don’t want to cry!

    I love that it’s one of those books that refuse to let go, those are certainly the best.
    Awesome review, Allison!

  6. Ha, I’m glad you loved this so much. It didn’t resonate with me on the same level, but I was still blown away by Wein’s daring and talent. I almost DNFed this one, and I’m very glad that I didn’t.

  7. I must read this one. MUST. Perhaps over the holiday break.

  8. I love this book so much. I think I’m giving it to non-YA fans for Christmas. It’s almost mean to allow them to miss out on such an amazing read!

  9. I read Code Name Verity earlier this month and thought it was wonderful. The detail that completely destroyed me is that Verity gets caught because she looks the wrong way crossing the street. When I was in the UK I looked the wrong way crossing the street all the time — in spite of the London streets having paint on them telling you which way to look– so that just felt very true and sad and scary. Ahhhh. This book.

  10. I continue to be in the minority that didn’t LOVE this book but I understand why it was such a powerful read for other people, it just hit many of my personal pet-peeves.

Trackbacks

  1. […] If you weren’t planning on reading Code Name Verity, maybe Allison’s review will convince you otherwise. […]

  2. […] moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers! There is a scene in Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein that about made me drop the book. I was NOT expecting it at all. If you’ve read the book I can […]