Tolog Review: Code Name Verity

Code Name Verity
by Elizabeth Wein
reviewed by Olivia Pieterse

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein tells the story of an untimely friendship between “Verity,” a secret agent, and Maddie, a pilot. When “Verity” is taken prisoner by the Gestapo, she knows that she will most likely not come out alive. What the Nazis are in search of is her mission; if they do not receive what they are looking for, she will be forced to face a dreadful execution. Trapped behind enemy lines, Verity does not stand a chance. Eventually, the Gestapo gets what they want out of her, but not in the way that they intended. Maddie, a young female pilot who crash lands in enemy occupied France, meets “Verity” and the two instantly become best friends. Taking place during World War II, Wein emphasizes the sense of danger between this friendship. In the end, friendship causes the two to make the hardest decision of their life. Code Name Verity is about female friendship in the most bleak of settings.

The novel begins with “Queenie” also known as “Verity” in her cold and dark cell writing her confession for SS-Hauptsturmführer von Linden, which is the narrative for part 1. Told through “Verity’s” eyes in a dreary isolated place, Wein reminds the reader that war is unforgiving. “Verity” continually calls herself a “coward,” (Wein 3) because she felt that she abandoned her country by conceding to the Gestapo rather than facing her punishment, death. In her confession note, she gives them “everything she can remember,” (Wein 3). It consists of her life with a young pilot named Maddie, the other protagonist in this story and all of their adventures and encounters. Maddie also faces a plight. In the story, the reader finds out that she has crashed her plane in enemy territory. The second half of the book tells about Maddie’s life as an enemy British pilot, living in foe’s territory. 

“Verity,” is an intelligent and beautiful young woman who is quite witty. She is a wireless operator, interrogator, and a spy. With her charm and quick wit she is able to persuade her way out of situations and is always thinking one step ahead of everyone else. She not only speaks English, but also French and German. “Verity” also known as Julie, is familiar with the cruelty of war and due to that, she get tasks done quickly and keeps herself on on her toes and is always aware of her surroundings. She is protective and cares about the ones she loves, which influences many of her decisions in the story. 

On the other hand, Maddie loves to fly and enjoys anything mechanical. She is a female pilot who is very good in the air and does not need a map when flying. Maddie whose code name is “Kitty Hawk” is also Jewish which is a challenge for her later in the book. These two women become close friends when they meet on an army base while saving a man’s life together.

Elizabeth Wein writes this story with many different literary techniques. She uses the motif of Peter Pan by having “Verity” describe von Linden as “Captain Hook” (Wein 5). This motif reappears again when “Verity” is reminiscing on a time when she and Maddie went to “Verity’s” parent’s home “Second to the right and straight on till morning,” (Wein 124). Wein also uses the power of flashbacks to help the reader understand the text and everything that led up to what is happening. By using Direct Characterization, Wein is clear and directly describes the characters. He also intrigues the reader by writing this book as if it we're a diary from the eyes of Julie and Maddie. 

I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates the history of World War II, the empowerment of women, and watching a friendship grow through hardship at an unbelievable time in history. This book is not only interesting and captivating, but it is something that many people can relate to. The message it conveys on the importance of sacrifice and how sometimes the hardest thing to do in life is the right thing to do, is very relatable and I thoroughly appreciated that.