The Bletchley Riddle
The Bletchley Riddle is a fast-paced and solid middle-grade novel. Based on real events leading up to England’s experience in World War II, it has two teenaged narrators, Lizzie and Jakob, a sister and brother who work at the famous codebreaking center. How the pair acquired their jobs and how they perform them, in itself, makes for vibrant reading.
Chapters alternate between the siblings; the pair have very different personalities, so their differing perspectives about their family, their friends, the events of the war, and the codebreaking work at Bletchley keep readers engaged. Lizzie is an original: She is insightful and impetuous, which leads her into more than one adventure. Jakob is a logical mathematician prone to analysis and reflection. They play off each other beautifully, not to mention how they respond to a few people who try to thwart them, including suspicious government spies!
Vignettes of notable historical figures such as Alan Turing, Winston Churchill, and 1930s Polish codebreakers likewise add interest to the plot. So, too, do side stories about the siblings’ American relatives and the American response to Hitler’s war machine in this time period. The novel also includes interesting clues and codes (some hidden in recipes!) that the brother and sister must unravel to discover the truth about their missing mother; readers might enjoy trying to break these codes for themselves.
Sepetys and Sheinkin are award-winning authors, and they have done careful research about Bletchley, Europe, and America in the Thirties to create this novel. Their work provides an educational and entertaining experience for readers of any age.
