"LITERATE AND SAVVY . . . BRIMS WITH WARTIME INTRIGUE."
--The Washington Post Book World
England 1943. Much of the infamous Nazi En... read full description
--The Washington Post Book World
England 1943. Much of the infamous Nazi En... read full description
reviews
Sep 27, 2007
lindsay
rated it: 
I'm a sucker for anything that involves solving puzzles, so I was pretty sure I was going to like this book when I picked it up. It's a reasonably fast-paced novel that revolves around codebreaking at Bletchley Park during WWII.
The main character, Tom Jericho, is a cryptanalyst who has had a nervous breakdown due to the strain of codebreaking and the end of his relationship with a woman, Claire, who also works at Bletchley Park. However, Jericho is suddenly called back to work when More...
The main character, Tom Jericho, is a cryptanalyst who has had a nervous breakdown due to the strain of codebreaking and the end of his relationship with a woman, Claire, who also works at Bletchley Park. However, Jericho is suddenly called back to work when More...
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Aug 03, 2011
As with his other work Robert Harris does not just write a great story, he brings history to life. The backdrop is the English winter of 1942 / 43. The severe weather is exacerbated by useless heaters and made more depressing by severe rationing and awful food. Even the coats are grey. The bleakness is vivid.
I had doubts that the author could create a thriller plot around the code-breaking activities at Bletchley Park without reinventing history, but remarkably he does achieve this, and wi More...
I had doubts that the author could create a thriller plot around the code-breaking activities at Bletchley Park without reinventing history, but remarkably he does achieve this, and wi More...
Jun 03, 2011
Kay
rated it:
For many people, Ian Fleming summed up spy stories when he described his own James Bond books as being ‘bang, bang, bang, kiss, kiss, that sort of stuff’. But as with other genres, there is the crude and the subtle, with the best as good as many conventional novels.
On of the good ones is Enigma, by Robert Harris. Harris is an English writer, who, though not aspiring to write the sort of novel that will win a Booker prize is nevertheless an excellent craftsman who tells a clever and More...
On of the good ones is Enigma, by Robert Harris. Harris is an English writer, who, though not aspiring to write the sort of novel that will win a Booker prize is nevertheless an excellent craftsman who tells a clever and More...
Jan 29, 2010
Will
rated it: 
This is a fictionalized view of the British WW II code-breaking enterprise that cracked the German code scheme named Enigma. Set in the out-of-the-way English town of Bletchley. Tom Jericho is a whiz code breaker who was a crucial player in breaking the original Enigma code. But the effort cost him. Just recovering from a breakdown and a broken heart, he is brought back into the code-breaking effort. The Germans are making it tough on the Brits, changing aspects of their coding process to keep o
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Jul 24, 2010
Avel
rated it:
This is an engrossing novel about an amazing wartime secret -- the decipherment at Bletchley Park of the German military, air force, and naval codes by a gang of eccentric cryptanalysts laboring under depressing, exhausting conditions for months on end. Tom Jericho is a Cambridge mathematician with an extraordinary talent for problem-solving, who loses his heart to Claire Romilly, a clerk-typist in another section of the project. Then Claire goes missing, as do a handful of transcribed ciphered
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Mar 17, 2011
Bonnie
rated it:
Till almost the end I thought I'd be giving this book fewer stars, but the ending tied everything together and left me feeling glad I'd read it. Considering the subject, the breaking of the German Enigma codes at Bletchley Park during WWII, confusion was not inappropriate and that is what I felt. There was a lot going on through the book that I did not remotely understand. I thought that maybe I wasn't reading with enough concentration, but I think that my feelings of confusion were probably
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Feb 09, 2011
Basicallyrun
rated it:
This book makes me happy. Yeah, OK, significant lack of Alan Turing, but to be fair, that's historically accurate. Plus there was the adorable scene where Jericho asks Turing to be his supervisor and is basically 'I want to do this topic because you're studying it too, and you're so smart and all. *puppy-dog eyes*' And how cool is Hester? Perhaps the name bestows innate qualities of awesomeness. I like her being a bitter feminist, because let's be honest here, she's got a damn good point - she's
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Aug 17, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
Nachdem ich von "Pompeji", "Vaterland" und auch "Der Ghost" so begeistert war, wollte ich auch mal die älteren Thriller von Robert Harris lesen. Anfangs war ich noch etwas skeptisch, weil ich mit Funken und Funksprüchen eigentlich nichts am Hut habe und mich das auch nicht so wirklich interessiert, aber bald war das Buch so spannend, dass ich es wirklich nicht mehr weglegen konnte.
Es geht um den englischen Mathematiker Tom Jericho, der schon einmal den C More...
Es geht um den englischen Mathematiker Tom Jericho, der schon einmal den C More...
Apr 13, 2011
Mariah
rated it:
I found Enigma a compelling page turner. I was able to spend large chunks of time reading which is a plus. Harris weaves a very intriguing mystery into the greater struggle of breaking the Enigma machine. Like Jericho and Hester I really want to know what happened to Claire - even if I don't like her much. I'll never understand the appeal and loyalty these bitchy, self-centered characters demand, but that's another story. I really did want to know not only where she disappeared, but why and beca
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Aug 30, 2010
Greg
rated it: 
Due to the other Robert Harris books I've read, I expected to like this one as well. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me.
It's a spy-thriller/mystery set during World War II at the English think-tank that decoded the German Enigma cipher machine. The characters and the mystery were not very compelling to me, and I was disappointed that there wasn't more technical history regarding the Enigma machine itself.
Certainly, there are some passage that explain how it worked More...
It's a spy-thriller/mystery set during World War II at the English think-tank that decoded the German Enigma cipher machine. The characters and the mystery were not very compelling to me, and I was disappointed that there wasn't more technical history regarding the Enigma machine itself.
Certainly, there are some passage that explain how it worked More...
Jan 04, 2011
Sean
rated it:
"You can at least say this for the blackout, he thought, it has given us back the stars."
For my first read of 2011 this went down very well. I was only 8 years old when this book came out and despite an attempt to try and read it a few years thereafter, never got into it. Now that I'm older, there was no doubt in my mind as to just how thrilling a story it was.
"They've got ten U-boats on their backs and you want them to tell you the weather?" "Yes, More...
For my first read of 2011 this went down very well. I was only 8 years old when this book came out and despite an attempt to try and read it a few years thereafter, never got into it. Now that I'm older, there was no doubt in my mind as to just how thrilling a story it was.
"They've got ten U-boats on their backs and you want them to tell you the weather?" "Yes, More...
Nov 29, 2011
Nuno
rated it:
This was a parting gift from friends and I'm really glad to have received it :)
The story is very interesting, particularly for those who are curious about WW2 and the developments in computation made during that time. The technical aspects of the Enigma machines are described in detail but I went looking for visual information online, it makes it so much easier to understand.
What I especially enjoyed was how much the reader is immersed in what life was like during those years More...
The story is very interesting, particularly for those who are curious about WW2 and the developments in computation made during that time. The technical aspects of the Enigma machines are described in detail but I went looking for visual information online, it makes it so much easier to understand.
What I especially enjoyed was how much the reader is immersed in what life was like during those years More...
Jul 05, 2011
Stamatios
rated it: 
Absolutely engrossing. A fascinating detective story that takes place during the peak of the second world war in 1943. The plot may be fiction, but all the historical events, places and names are true, giving the book a gritty realism. The background is the allies' amazing feat to break the infamous German Enigma code, but you don't need to be a mathematician to appreciate the book. The miserable routine of everyday life at Bletchley Park, the suffering of the people who worked there and the ove
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Aug 26, 2009
Adam
rated it:
When I began this book and after the first chapters I thought for sure I was reading a smaller version of Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon. That sure did change in a hurry.
One of the things I enjoyed the most was the layering of storylines. One part is the coverage of WWII crypto and the other the disappearing of Claire. Unfortunatley (at least for me) the book was about 80% about the missing girl. The longer the book went on the less and less the book became about crpyto and the more More...
One of the things I enjoyed the most was the layering of storylines. One part is the coverage of WWII crypto and the other the disappearing of Claire. Unfortunatley (at least for me) the book was about 80% about the missing girl. The longer the book went on the less and less the book became about crpyto and the more More...
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Jan 12, 2012
Kelly
rated it:
I tried to get Fatherland out of the library but this was all they had - and then I read it in a day. I'm more satisfied with this novel in retrospect than I was while I was reading it; I kept wanting more from it than a simple "I knew what the right thing to do was but instead I helped my girlfriend out" plot and yet the twists were enough to keep me reading. But then: I did manage to read it in one day, so I wasn't completely without love for it. But just for future reference, can so
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Jan 24, 2012
Maura
rated it:
I was worried when i first started in on this. I had been psyched to read a WII/cryptography book and found a whole big love affair taking center stage. luckily i stuck with it -- about halfway through it turns into a mystery novel, where the love affair is just necessary background. for someone who doesn't know much about Bletchley Park and how the British worked on cracking the German code (generated by the Enigma machines), it gives a lot of good details on that. For someone (like me) who alr
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Apr 24, 2011
Genia
rated it:
The basic idea of this story, like so many of others Harris wrote, is; 'take an interesting historical period, throw in some Noir, mix, add fascinating and beautiful femme fatales to flavour'.
It's a recipe that usually works, but, just like your basic meat-and-potatoes, it's not something you'd serve for a gourmet meal unless you're a really genuinely good chef. Harris is rather more my mother throwing together a nice but not terribly inspiring dinner than the three-star restaurant s More...
It's a recipe that usually works, but, just like your basic meat-and-potatoes, it's not something you'd serve for a gourmet meal unless you're a really genuinely good chef. Harris is rather more my mother throwing together a nice but not terribly inspiring dinner than the three-star restaurant s More...
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Jan 21, 2012
Heikki
rated it:
A review of "Enigma" by Robert Harris
Enigma is one of the icons of World War II. It is told countless times in as many connections how the British cracked the seemingly uncrackable German cipher machine, and utilized the decrypts in all secrecy to win the war.
Of course, such a situation provides ample opportunities for suspense writers. I've read about ten books on the Enigma, its precursors, and successors, but I have to say Harris delivers such a wonderful nov More...
Enigma is one of the icons of World War II. It is told countless times in as many connections how the British cracked the seemingly uncrackable German cipher machine, and utilized the decrypts in all secrecy to win the war.
Of course, such a situation provides ample opportunities for suspense writers. I've read about ten books on the Enigma, its precursors, and successors, but I have to say Harris delivers such a wonderful nov More...
Oct 05, 2009
Alice
rated it:
I adored the setting and characters - I am a sucker for anything historical and cryptanalytical, so Bletchley Park is pretty much the perfect setting for a book, in my opinion. The story was a little weaker - it veered off towards the end into Dick Francis / Dan Brown territory, where the main (male, ordinary, and inexplicably attractive to the drop-dead gorgeous heroine) character somehow manages to escape from the middle of the plot with nothing more than a slap on the wrist and a full confess
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Jun 18, 2008
Kevin
rated it:
Thomas Jericho is a cryptanalyst by trade working with British Intelligence during WWII. Jericho is also very well known as he is the one who cracked the Nazi's unbreakable Shark variant (U-Boat communications) of the Enigma naval code. However, the Nazi's have learned that the Brits have cracked their code and have made a few changes to their system. Now, it is up to Jericho to not only rebreak the unbreakable, but try to discover how the Nazi's found them out. While the suspense in the novel i
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Dec 12, 2010
Jim
rated it:
One of my favourite novels of recent years, and a second reading didn't disappoint one bit. If anything, I enjoyed it even more this time 'round, and although I remembered some of the plot I had forgotten the key twists and turns. Harris captures the mood of an era long gone and also highlights the quiet heroism and fortitude of a generation. You can't help but wonder, as you hear Big Brother next door on TV with its crudity, effing and blinding, where we went wrong?
Aug 04, 2011
Fox
rated it:
I was waiting for a flight. The library of donated books was near. Little did I know this book was going to be a good read. I would recommend this book to you if you are interested in a good clear writing style with pigments of suspense, drama, and a delicate side of seduction. The language is clear and not rushed. The development intriguing, and the characters well-rounded. You will be surprised and content with taking the time to read this book.
Nov 24, 2010
Mayen
rated it:
I have to confess that i'm not so good in math or solving puzzle. But i can't just left this book for a moment while i was reading this. The world war, german u boats, enigmas, and jericho's search for his missing girl friend and the traitors in bletchly park. With all of these the story was so much exciting. And more amazing how the writer end his story. Mr. Harris is quite a tallented writer and i wish to read more of his books.
Nov 08, 2011
Kaylol
rated it:
At the start I was interested by the cryptography and what went on at Bletchley Park. To be honest, I have no interest in wars per se and I try to avoid anything to do with them. But this book for some reason intrigued me enough to read it. I liked the details of the work being done, I did not like most of the story involving Toma and Claire. It would probably be enjoyed much more by anyone who does not hate war.
Apr 18, 2010
Karen
rated it:
cryptonalysis- very much used during war times for detecting enemies' messages...a guy book but what the heck let's add to the variety ;p
after reading it, i just couldn't catch up with the crypto-jargon, that i think its best to see a movie version of it... :( the build-up of the plot took too long, and the suspense a bit wanting, the ending anti-climactic not one of Robert Harris' best for me :(
after reading it, i just couldn't catch up with the crypto-jargon, that i think its best to see a movie version of it... :( the build-up of the plot took too long, and the suspense a bit wanting, the ending anti-climactic not one of Robert Harris' best for me :(
Oct 18, 2009
Kate
rated it:
Brilliantly written, I had seen the film and visited Bletchley Park so thought it was about time I read the book! I found it very difficult to put down, and also moving - the pressure to crack the codes as they knew so many lives depended on it. The extreme tiredness and its effect on their health was very well portrayed.
A bookcrossing book - see here:
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/7154...
A bookcrossing book - see here:
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/7154...
Mar 01, 2011
Geoff
rated it:
I don't read that many espionage novels but this was pretty good. It was the first book by Mr Harris that I've read and it certainly wouldn't put me off reading more. It was intelligent and not overly complicated for its own sake, which I feel many spy novels are. I loved the character of Tom Jericho who is nicely sullen and anti-heroic. This was definitely a very enjoyable read.
Sep 26, 2011
L.K.
rated it:
I love a good Robert Harris thriller. They are intelligent, well paced and gripping. This story is set during the Second World War and a brilliant criptologist is searching for his missing girlfriend. It is set at Bletchly Park, the characters are compelling but human and imperfect, which makes you root for them even more.
A real page turner.
A real page turner.
Mar 09, 2009
Don
rated it:
I really wanted to like this book, but it ended but being a "book that would never end" book for me. It just kept going and going. The author tried to keep it suspenseful, make a captivating story around the already fascinating topic of cryptography and Enigma (no, I'm serious) but unfortunately maybe the author was too good at capturing the bleak English WWII atmosphere and it carried on into the tone of the book so much that I was yearning for sunshine after 300+ pages of unending
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Apr 29, 2010
David
rated it:
A page turner about Bletchley Park, the secret location where the British deciphered the messages send by Germany using the Enigma encryption machine. This novel reconstructs the desolate, gray quality of the war years, as well as the methods used for the decipherment. Nice historical reconstruction and interesting plot.
