I do think the author is a remarkable story teller and I very much enjoyed reading the book. It was very pleasing to see how quickly the action was launched and how the novel maintained its pace. The first sentences almost had the rhythm of the horse’s feet and I loved the fact there were no wasted words. Reading and enjoying the first few paragraphs of a new novel is often key to whether the reader reads on and I loved this first chapter, which could have belonged to many genres.
The novel has a clear story line full of well distinguished characters with quite distinct personalities. Obviously as it is based on actual historical events there is an interest in ondering about the accuracy and truthfulness of the portrayal. In this case that simply adds to the general
intrigue. Most of the writing is extremely plausible but there were odd moments when I had doubts - for example I had to suspend belief in the scene between Goering and Margaret where they held their conversation. I found it difficult to believe Margaret was likely to pick up important information within the pattern of her life. However this did not detract in any way from my enjoyment of the book.
Setting the novel during the mid part of the twentieth century gives it solidity and purpose. It is instructing the reader at the same time and giving a neat and clear explanation of what was happening during the pre-war and war years. For a reader it is always good to learn something from a novel which is separate from understanding the plot and the interaction between characters.
I would highly recommend this book.
Maxine Broadbent, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
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I Spy Bletchley Park is a novel with a very different perspective of WW2 and one I would highly recommend.
From the moment we meet Lady Margaret Pugh, it is clear that she is ambitious, but ambition can be a very dangerous thing, particularly in wartime, as she is about to discover.
Betty Hall is a young working-class WAAF with an exceptional talent who finds herself in a secretive job role at Bletchley Park.
Betty’s life is about as far removed from Margaret's privileged upbringing as it is possible to be, but her love of music and talent as a pianist bring her into Margaret’s world.
The trouble is that Margaret’s world is nothing like Betty imagined. A life of privilege and ambition, riddled with wartime espionage.... Read Full Review
This book had a gripping storyline, which kept me reading chapter after chapter in quick succession, especially closer to the end.
A few years before the Second World War, Lady Margaret and her father Earl Pugh live in their large manor house, close to Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire. Her mother sadly died a few years ago, so it is the two of them living in this house with extensive grounds that has been in the family for generations. The two of them are well regarded members of the aristocracy and have established many connections in their local community over the years.
When her father invests a lot of money in what turns about to a fictitious gold mine, the family are forced to move out of their beloved home into a cottage in the grounds. Margaret is devastated, but even more so by the stroke that her father suffers as a result of the stress.... Read Full Review
I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a thrilling and interesting read and I was engaged in the story from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed it.... Read Full Review
