The Codebreakers in Aussie Readers

Feb 24, 2021 Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, arc, own-read, 2021-release, aussie-authors, net-galley, 5000-2021, read-on-kindle

Elanora (Ellie) O’Sullivan loved her work with Qantas, using her engineering skills to keep the planes in tip top shape for the war effort. Ellie’s intelligence and strong ethics saw her being approached by Lieutenant Andrews of the Central Bureau, where her life would change in an instant. The immediate signing of a contract to keep her silence forever shook Ellie a little, but she knew working to help stop the war; working with Bletchley Park in England, was something she was desperate to do. Elanora (Ellie) O’Sullivan loved her work with Qantas, using her engineering skills to keep the planes in tip top shape for the war effort. Ellie’s intelligence and strong ethics saw her being approached by Lieutenant Andrews of the Central Bureau, where her life would change in an instant. The immediate signing of a contract to keep her silence forever shook Ellie a little, but she knew working to help stop the war; working with Bletchley Park in England, was something she was desperate to do. Ellie had already lost her brother Robert to this dreadful war – if she could help to stop others losing loved ones, she wanted in.

The headquarters in Brisbane in 1943 saw the girls she worked with sharing huts once their shifts were over and working in a garage for their codebreaking work. Hence, they were called the Garage Girls. Secrets, decoding messages from the enemy, using the innate intuition that Ellie possessed to rush messages to the top brass, all helped with what they were there for. But the pressures were intense and being unable to talk about it with anyone except each other pushed people to breaking point. Was there a traitor within their group?

What would happen once the war was over? Settling back into ‘normal’ life would be hard for some – would Ellie manage it? Such a huge chunk of her life could never be spoken of….

The Codebreakers by Aussie author Alli Sinclair is an exceptionally well researched, well written story. I loved Ellie’s character along with Mrs Hanley, Louis, Florry – most of them actually! The Codebreakers was inspired by the real-life codebreakers who worked in Australia (and the world over) but could never be acknowledged. The Author’s Note at the end is fascinating – Ms Sinclair tells her readers how the book came about, and everything that followed. The intrigue, intense pressure and camaraderie between the codebreakers made for a wonderful read. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
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Mar 08, 2021 Helen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: review-copy-from-netgalley

What an awesome story, compelling and poignant and it is beautiful, a real page turner this one takes us on a journey through World War 11 and we get to meet the women, who are known as codebreakers working for the very secret Central Bureau in Brisbane, who are with the intelligence organization Bletchley Park in England, but once working there they must sing a secrecy contract and never, never talk about what they did during the war and this can be very hard on them.

It is 1943 war is raging in What an awesome story, compelling and poignant and it is beautiful, a real page turner this one takes us on a journey through World War 11 and we get to meet the women, who are known as codebreakers working for the very secret Central Bureau in Brisbane, who are with the intelligence organization Bletchley Park in England, but once working there they must sing a secrecy contract and never, never talk about what they did during the war and this can be very hard on them.

It is 1943 war is raging in the Pacific and Ellie O’Sullivan is working as a an engineer on the Qantas planes that they are using to help with the war effort, she is soon roped into helping break codes coming in from the enemy, Ellie is good at what she does, very good, but keeping secrets is very hard for this country girl living in Brisbane now, Ellie is settling in and the girls are becoming close friends and soon have a name for themselves and as they work in a small garage which is part of Nyrambla House they are known as The Garage Girls.

These strong woman are doing everything they can to protect not only Australia, but the Allies as well and when one of the girls appears to have broken the rules about secrets they are all put under the microscope especially Ellie the bond they share grows, the secret keeping is really hard on Ellie when she cannot discuss anything she does with her best friends and her boyfriend, honesty means so much. Thoughts about what will happen when the war is over, what will they do, will these secrets cause problems with relationships and families in the future, the pressure grows.

This story was so very good, I could feel the emotions pouring off the pages, the pressure Ellie was under not just her work but her personal life as well. I shed quite a few tears throughout this book, there were smiles as well and lots of cheering, I loved Ellie she is so caring and loving it was great getting to know her.

Alli Sinclair has written an amazing well researched story, with so many fabulous characters, the Garage Girls, Mrs. Hanley, Louis and Harry all come together in a story that I feel is a must read, I do highly recommend this one, I loved it so much. Thank you Allis Sinclair for a story that will stay with me for a long time to come and this is definitely one for the keeper shelf. The ending was gorgeous there are still tears as I write this.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
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Mar 13, 2021 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-are, netgalley-reviews, aussie-author

Inspired by the women who secretly served the Australian Central Intelligence Bureau during World War II, The Codebreakers by Alli Sinclair is a highly engaging historical fiction novel about war, friendship, secrets, love and loss.

When Elanora (Ellie) O’Sullivan is approached to take up a clandestine role with the Australian Women’s Army Service, she is reluctant to give up her position as a member of the ground crew for Qantas Empire Airways, whose planes transport supplies to New Guinea as WW Inspired by the women who secretly served the Australian Central Intelligence Bureau during World War II, The Codebreakers by Alli Sinclair is a highly engaging historical fiction novel about war, friendship, secrets, love and loss.

When Elanora (Ellie) O’Sullivan is approached to take up a clandestine role with the Australian Women’s Army Service, she is reluctant to give up her position as a member of the ground crew for Qantas Empire Airways, whose planes transport supplies to New Guinea as WWII continues to rage across Europe and the Pacific. Accepting the post will mean she will have to leave the home of Mrs. Hanley, where she shares a room with fellow crew member Kat Arnold, and will have to keep her activities in her new job a secret from everyone. Yet she feels compelled to accept, and finds herself living and working with a group of women whose role is to decode intercepted enemy communications. Ellie enjoys the work and is proud to be making such an important contribution to the war effort, but the intense pressure and the need for secrecy takes its toll on her, and her colleagues.

Sinclair develops a fascinating story in The Codebreakers, set in Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, beginning in 1943. Having read the wonderful biography of Mrs Mac, an extraordinary woman who was in large part responsible for women being able to join the auxiliary armed forces in WWII (Radio Girl by David Duffy) last year, and then falling down a rabbit hole or two, I was aware that women played a role as signal operators and codebreakers in Australia during the war, and I’m delighted that Sinclair honours their significant but largely un-acknowledged contribution.

Merging historical fact with fiction, Sinclair explores the challenges the Australian people faced on the home front while at war, fearing an invasion or bombing from enemy forces. Everyone was expected to contribute to the war effort and as men were sent away to fight, many women stepped up and into non-traditional roles. Sinclair’s main protagonist Ellie represents one of thousands of women who played a vital role during the period, often with little recognition, then and even now.

If I’m honest I did not particularly care much for Ellie, I often found her character grating, always anxious about something - be it her job, or her personal relationships - even if for good reason, her thoughts throughout the book were often repetitive. I understood, as Sinclair’s Author Note confirms, that to keep such an extraordinary secret, particularly from loved ones despite the high stakes, was very difficult, but it was largely the well-crafted, sweeping plot that carried this story for me.

There is intrigue when one of Ellie’s colleagues is suspected to be a traitor, and romance when Ellie meets a handsome airman who courts her with gentlemanly ardour. Friendships are formed and broken. There is grief when young men fail to return to their sweethearts, joy when the war finally ends. Of course the main strength of the novel is what it reveals of our own history - the ‘Garage Girls’ and the remarkable women like them, a glimpse of our clandestine war activities, the revelation of a secret base in the outback, and later, the changes war wrought on society which allowed Ellie and other women to imagine a different future for themselves, other than what had always been expected of them.

An absorbing, well researched novel told with heart, warmth, and respect for the legacy of all who defended our country, The Codebreakers is a wonderful story I’d recommend.
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Mar 02, 2021 Tien rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own, australian-author, historical-fiction, for-review, net-galley, kindle

464 pages and I read it in a single sitting. Well, practically a single sitting. I had to break to prep for dinner and be "present" at family dinner but other than that, I was basically not "present". I met Alli for coffee when her last book, The Cinema at Starlight Creek (you should read this one too!), she was doing lots of researching for this book and I was so excited to hear about female Australian codebreakers! I've read a bit on Bletchley Park & some women codebreakers (also watched & lov 464 pages and I read it in a single sitting. Well, practically a single sitting. I had to break to prep for dinner and be "present" at family dinner but other than that, I was basically not "present". I met Alli for coffee when her last book, The Cinema at Starlight Creek (you should read this one too!), she was doing lots of researching for this book and I was so excited to hear about female Australian codebreakers! I've read a bit on Bletchley Park & some women codebreakers (also watched & loved that Netflix series, The Bletchley Circle) so this was a most anticipated release for me and I LOVED it!

'So we cling to hope and stars?'

'With all our might.'

There were just many things I loved about this novel. From a most inspiring protagonist to a swoony romance to the realisation of just how many women in the past have fought (and most, in silence) for us to be where we are today (and we are not done!).

"...The men suffer in silence, never ones to talk about the tragedies they've suffered. We women try to hold everyone up with our strength, until our knees shake and our arms threaten to drop the heavy load. But we do it. We carry everyone who needs support. We help the world right itself and nurture those who need it most. Women are incredible creatures; don't you ever forget it. So, if you have the chance to do something you want, take it and don't be apologetic. Women spend too much time bowing to society's expectations instead of allowing ourselves to be who we truly are."

Set in 1940s Queensland, in the height of World War II and its immediate aftermath, we follow Elanora O'Sullivan as she served to end a war she did not believe in, found & lost friends and love, struggled to find her place in the world as a woman who knows she's as good as the men around her.

The Codebreakers is a fictional tale inspired by just such intelligent, strong, and courageous women and such an empowering story! It's ticked so many boxes and filled up my heart meter to the max. I cannot wait to see what Alli's next book will be.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review ...more

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Feb 28, 2021 Bree T rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, arc, australian, historical-fiction, world-war-ii, aww2021

I loved this book!

I’m sure I’m not alone in not knowing about the role of the Central Bureau, the very real organisation that features in this story. During WWII, workers for the Central Bureau worked to intercept and decode messages about the war that was going on in the Pacific. Those that worked there signed a contract that forbade them from talking about their work to anyone who was not also involved in the same work – their families, husbands, children, etc. This silence wasn’t lifted until I loved this book!

I’m sure I’m not alone in not knowing about the role of the Central Bureau, the very real organisation that features in this story. During WWII, workers for the Central Bureau worked to intercept and decode messages about the war that was going on in the Pacific. Those that worked there signed a contract that forbade them from talking about their work to anyone who was not also involved in the same work – their families, husbands, children, etc. This silence wasn’t lifted until long after the war ended and then they were finally also recognised for their contribution – it’s estimated they shortened the war in the Pacific by a couple of years.

Ellie is headhunted by this organisation whilst working as an engineer for Qantas during the war. She scores exceptionally well on the aptitude test and is offered a role within the organisation which means moving to barracks and leaving behind her lodgings and friend and also, keeping what she does a secret from everyone: the women she previously lived with, her childhood friend, even the young man with whom she forms an attachment. She must lie about what she does or deflect so that they lose interest and it’s not something that sits well with her. However it’s what she agreed and the consequences for breaking the confidentiality agreement are severe.

This book feels incredibly meticulous in its research and I really loved the way the tight knit group of girls working for Central Bureau was portrayed. They had to basically become a family to each other because none of them could share with others what they did: the stressors of their days, the highs and the lows. And like families, it wasn’t always smooth sailing either. They were living together and working together and it didn’t always make for harmonious relations. There were all types there and although most were supportive and got along, there were instances where tensions came to the surface, be it over the work or because of external factors. But for the most part, the camaraderie between the girls was really amazing and I loved the relationship that they built with their commanding officer, especially Ellie.

There was so much in this – the changing role of women during the war, and how they became employed in fields that normally would never had considered women. Ellie works as an engineer at first and then after she joins the Central Bureau, she faces sexism from men who believe she’s better served in the kitchen at both places. Men who aren’t serving abroad are viewed suspiciously by some, even those in protected occupations, such as Ellie’s childhood friend Louis who is a pilot. The fear of the ‘Brisbane Line’ is very real and the war feels incredibly close to those in Queensland. There’s danger in the Pacific and in working for the Central Bureau, Ellie often learns when their own planes or ships have been shot down or torpedoed and she’s often plagued with guilt that she might miss something in the messages she’s working on and that because of it, people will die.

I also really appreciated the relationship Ellie had with the woman she rented a room from whilst working at Qantas, before joining Central Bureau. Mrs Hanley has lost much in her time (this book also explores the havoc war wreaks on the men who come home or who survive the conflict but struggle with the mental ramifications of what they’ve seen and done) and the bond she develops with the girls who rent a room for her as well as extending her hospitality to the young men they know and befriend, such as Louis as well as Ellie’s beau and later, an American serviceman, is so lovely. She really cares for them and they develop close bonds and ties – both of them fulfil roles for each other. Ellie is far from her family and Mrs Hanley has no daughters. Likewise, Ellie and Kat, the other young woman renting a room become sister-like in their relationships. It’s why it’s so hard for Ellie at times, to keep the secret of what she does and how she has to allow people to assume she does paperwork or some other type of work, even when they cannot understand why she’d leave her engineering job for that. She cannot explain why she really left and she tries to lie as little as possible to those she loves, trying to deflect and not correct any assumptions instead.

I thought this was a wonderful story, brilliantly written and a great fictional showcase of something real that deserves to be highlighted. I enjoyed Ellie as a character and the work she did and the difficulties of not just the job but also life after the war, when she had done this thing that she could never talk about. There’s a little romance, a lot of friendship, loss and grief, the danger of war and the stress of it being close and rations and the changing situation for women, many of whom were going to end up losing their jobs when men returned from the war. I almost felt like you could’ve had another book about Ellie’s post-war life because she does go on to do some really interesting things.

Enjoyed this a lot and highly recommend it.

***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review*** ...more

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Feb 23, 2021 Janine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: net-galley, for-review

All I can say is WOW what an amazing book about a little-known piece of Australian history.
Ellie is recruited to join a secret group of women who become the Garage Girls during WWII operating out of a garage in the back of fancy house in Brisbane. The girls are obviously talented and quick thinking as they learn how to decrypt messages coming across the radio airwaves which is known as code-breaking. They are a tight knit group who are sworn to secrecy. The impact that these women had has been h ...more

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