Droughtlander suggestions: Read The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
If you’re looking for another book to read during Droughtlander, Kate Quinn has you covered. The Rose Code is a must-read right now.
There are some excellent books to ready during Droughtlander. Kate Quinn certainly has a way with words. She jumps between various characters and time periods to tell a story, slipping in clues to help solve the riddle at the end.
The Rose Code is one set during the 1940s. It focuses on the women of Bletchley Park, those who managed to break the Nazi codes to help bring an end to the Second World War. While it will end up being a quick read because it’s one of those books you won’t be able to put down, it is also an excellent option for Droughtlander.
What is The Rose Code by Kate Quinn about?
The novel is set in two years: 1940 and 1947. Well, the 1940 period does stretch to the later years of the war, but the main focus is at the start of the war. We meet Osla and Mab on the way to a new job to support the war effort. They have one of the most secretive jobs throughout the war.
Osla is a debutant who seems to have everything, including the love of a certain Prince Philip of Greece. Her knowledge of German is what pulls her into the war effort to help break the Nazi codes.
Meanwhile, Mab is straight out of London’s East End, where she has raised herself up from poverty. She’s put herself through secretary school, which leads to her having the skills to work out codes and type them up. She’s perfect for helping with the war effort.
The two of them end up living with Beth’s family. Beth is a spinster who does everything for her parents. However, as she shows her skills at breaking crossword puzzles, Mab and Osla encourage her to apply for a job at Bletchley Park. She quickly becomes important in the war efforts to break the codes.
However, in 1947, we find out that Beth is now in an asylum where she’s been accused of treason. She wants to get word out to Mab and Osla, who no longer talk to her, because if she doesn’t share what she knows now, she will soon end up with no ability to do anything because the doctors want to lobotomize her.
Why The Rose Code is perfect during Droughtlander
The first reason to ready this novel while waiting for more Outlander episodes is the setting. This is focused on the women of the war effort. We get to see the work Claire did as a nurse, but there were women working in Britain to help bring the war to an end.
There is also a deep mystery within the book. Why was Beth accused of treason? What did she do? What secrets did she share, and why did her friends turn against her? We get to see how everything plays out, especially how the need to keep secrets due to the Acts of the time caused problems for everyone.
The individual characters also have their own secrets and mysteries. One of those is why Osla lost her prince to Queen Elizabeth II.
It’s an excellent read. Kate Quinn is a wonderful storyteller, and we’re sure to see many more books from her in the future.
Read The Huntress by Kate Quinn to get through Droughtlander. dark. Next
What are you reading to get through Droughtlander? What do you think of The Rose Code? Share your thoughts in the comments below.