Code Girls Book Summary

In 'Code Girls,' Liza Mundy reveals the untold story of the women who served as codebreakers during World War II, transforming the landscape of intelligence and cryptography. These brilliant young women, often overlooked in history, were pivotal in deciphering enemy communications, contributing to significant military victories. Mundy paints a vivid portrait of their challenges and triumphs in a male-dominated field, showcasing their extraordinary skills and resilience. As they navigated secrecy and sacrifice, these code girls broke barriers while forging lifelong friendships. Discover the gripping narrative of courage, intellect, and the hidden contributions of women that changed the course of history.

By Liza Mundy

Published: 2018

""The women in the code rooms were not just breaking codes; they were breaking barriers, redefining the roles of women in wartime and proving that intelligence knows no gender.""

Book Review of Code Girls

The award-winning New York Times bestseller about the American women who secretly served as codebreakers during World War II--a "prodigiously researched and engrossing" (New York Times) book that "shines a light on a hidden chapter of American history" (Denver Post). Recruited by the U.S. Army and Navy from small towns and elite colleges, more than ten thousand women served as codebreakers during World War II. While their brothers and boyfriends took up arms, these women moved to Washington and learned the meticulous work of code-breaking. Their efforts shortened the war, saved countless lives, and gave them access to careers previously denied to them. A strict vow of secrecy nearly erased their efforts from history; now, through dazzling research and interviews with surviving code girls, bestselling author Liza Mundy brings to life this riveting and vital story of American courage, service, and scientific accomplishment.

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"The women in the code rooms were not just breaking codes; they were breaking barriers, redefining the roles of women in wartime and proving that intelligence knows no gender."

Code Girls

By Liza Mundy