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The Codebreakers
They will dedicate their lives to their country, but no one will ever know...
A compelling story about tenacity and friendship, inspired by the real codebreaking women of Australia's top-secret Central Bureau in WWII. For readers who love Judy Nunn and Kate Quinn.
1943, Brisbane: The war continues to devastate and the battle for the Pacific threatens Australian shores. For Ellie O'Sullivan, helping the war effort means utilising her engineering skills for Qantas as they evacuate civilians and deliver supplies to armed forces overseas. Her exceptional logic and integrity attract the attention of the Central Bureau-an intelligence organisation working with England's Bletchley Park codebreakers. But joining the Central Bureau means signing a lifetime secrecy contract. Breaking it is treason.
With her country's freedom at risk, Ellie works with a group of elite women who enter a world of volatile secrets; deciphering enemy communications to change the course of the war. Working under immense pressure, they form a close bond-yet there could be a traitor in their midst. Can the women uncover the culprit before it's too late?
As Ellie struggles with the magnitude of the promise she's made to her country, a wedge grows between her and those she holds dear. When the man she loves asks questions she's forbidden to answer, how will she prevent the double life she's leading from unravelling?
A compelling story about tenacity and friendship, inspired by the real codebreaking women of Australia's top-secret Central Bureau in WWII. For readers who love Judy Nunn and Kate Quinn.
1943, Brisbane: The war continues to devastate and the battle for the Pacific threatens Australian shores. For Ellie O'Sullivan, helping the war effort means utilising her engineering skills for Qantas as they evacuate civilians and deliver supplies to armed forces overseas. Her exceptional logic and integrity attract the attention of the Central Bureau-an intelligence organisation working with England's Bletchley Park codebreakers. But joining the Central Bureau means signing a lifetime secrecy contract. Breaking it is treason.
With her country's freedom at risk, Ellie works with a group of elite women who enter a world of volatile secrets; deciphering enemy communications to change the course of the war. Working under immense pressure, they form a close bond-yet there could be a traitor in their midst. Can the women uncover the culprit before it's too late?
As Ellie struggles with the magnitude of the promise she's made to her country, a wedge grows between her and those she holds dear. When the man she loves asks questions she's forbidden to answer, how will she prevent the double life she's leading from unravelling?
496 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2021
30 people are currently reading
2507 people want to read
About the author
Alli Sinclair
9 books214 followersAlli Sinclair is an Australian multi-award winning author published who has lived in Argentina, Peru, and Canada. She’s climbed some of the world’s highest mountains and worked as a tour guide in South and Central America. Australia has always been close to Alli’s heart as she loves the diverse landscapes and the rich multicultural heritage of this wonderful land.
Alli’s books explore history, culture, love and grief, and relationships between family, friends and lovers. She captures the romance and thrill of discovering old and new worlds and loves taking readers on a journey of discovery. When not writing novels, Alli works as a producer and screenwriter for TV and cinema.
Alli’s books explore history, culture, love and grief, and relationships between family, friends and lovers. She captures the romance and thrill of discovering old and new worlds and loves taking readers on a journey of discovery. When not writing novels, Alli works as a producer and screenwriter for TV and cinema.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
February 25, 2021
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.
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.
March 22, 2021
This is an interesting fictional account of the Australian women codebreakers who worked out of a suburban garage in Brisbane. Recruited especially for their skills in sending and receiving signals, they were part of the Central Bureau of the AWAS (Australian Women's Army Services), a secret department of the army formed at the request of General MacArthur. They liaised with Bletchley Park and other signal intercepting units around the world, mainly concentrating on eavesdropping on messages being sent in the Pacific region. Since their work was highly classified they could never talk about it during or after the war. It would be 2011 before their work would be formally recognised with a medal and letter of thanks from the British Prime Minister and the Head of GCHQ, Britain's wartime intelligence unit. Finally, after nearly seventy years, those who were still alive, would be able to talk about their vital work during the war and be recognised for it.
In the novel, Ellie O'Sullivan is recruited from her job as a QAE (later to become Qantas) mechanic to join Central Bureau as the operator of a decoding machine for messages intercepted over the airwaves.
together with the other women who work in the garage, she lives in the barracks nearby where they formed tight friendships and shared details of their loves and lives. She enjoyed the job very much and at one stage was assigned to the male section of the unit where she had to learn Japanese morse code to intercept messages being sent by the Japanese forces. After the war, Ellie felt unanchored as women were no longer needed to fill jobs until she worked out what she really wanted to do was to become a pilot. Although women pilots weren't yet able to fly commercial planes, Ellie would eventually find her niche in aviation.
This fictional account of Australia's codebreaking women whetted my appetite to know about Australia's role in codebreaking in WW2. Wikipedia has a page on the Central Bureau with a photo of the rather grand house occupied by the men's section of the unit in Brisbane, although not the garage where the women were consigned https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central....
I'm also looking forward to reading The Secret Code-Breakers of Central Bureau: how Australia’s signals-intelligence network helped win the Pacific War by David Dufty, a non-fiction historical account of Central Bureau and its role in WW2.
In the novel, Ellie O'Sullivan is recruited from her job as a QAE (later to become Qantas) mechanic to join Central Bureau as the operator of a decoding machine for messages intercepted over the airwaves.
together with the other women who work in the garage, she lives in the barracks nearby where they formed tight friendships and shared details of their loves and lives. She enjoyed the job very much and at one stage was assigned to the male section of the unit where she had to learn Japanese morse code to intercept messages being sent by the Japanese forces. After the war, Ellie felt unanchored as women were no longer needed to fill jobs until she worked out what she really wanted to do was to become a pilot. Although women pilots weren't yet able to fly commercial planes, Ellie would eventually find her niche in aviation.
This fictional account of Australia's codebreaking women whetted my appetite to know about Australia's role in codebreaking in WW2. Wikipedia has a page on the Central Bureau with a photo of the rather grand house occupied by the men's section of the unit in Brisbane, although not the garage where the women were consigned https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central....
I'm also looking forward to reading The Secret Code-Breakers of Central Bureau: how Australia’s signals-intelligence network helped win the Pacific War by David Dufty, a non-fiction historical account of Central Bureau and its role in WW2.
May 12, 2021
⭐️4 - 4.5 Stars⭐️
Set in the year 1943 Australia, I found The Codebreakers by Alli Sinclair absolutely fascinating. It’s a story inspired by the work Australian women carried out during WWII, depicting their bravery, dedication and the sacrifices they made as our country was threatened. It was disappointing to see that these woman were never acknowledged for their crucial work during wartime and I’m pleased to see they are now continuing to be honoured many decades later.
Ellie O’Sullivan a former Qantas Empire Airways engineer found herself decoding secret messages within the Australian Central Intelligence Bureau from a suburban garage in Brisbane! The women that were recruited and worked there named themselves 'The Garage Girls’. The important work they engaged in took at least two years off the war and therefore saving numerous lives.
It was a difficult time for a woman working where they were subject to harassment and sexism by some of the men. The women had to sign an official secrets act agreement and almost lead a double life trying to keep their work top-secret and to never talk about it to anyone even their families or they would be charged for treason and put in jail. This had an immense strain on relationships.
The dramas, romantic interests and camaraderie between the characters made for an absorbing read.
An exceptionally researched and compelling story about the Australian women who became codebreakers and their friendships, loves and bravery.
Publication date 3rd March 2021
Many thanks NetGalley & Harlequin Australia for an advanced copy to read and review
Set in the year 1943 Australia, I found The Codebreakers by Alli Sinclair absolutely fascinating. It’s a story inspired by the work Australian women carried out during WWII, depicting their bravery, dedication and the sacrifices they made as our country was threatened. It was disappointing to see that these woman were never acknowledged for their crucial work during wartime and I’m pleased to see they are now continuing to be honoured many decades later.
Ellie O’Sullivan a former Qantas Empire Airways engineer found herself decoding secret messages within the Australian Central Intelligence Bureau from a suburban garage in Brisbane! The women that were recruited and worked there named themselves 'The Garage Girls’. The important work they engaged in took at least two years off the war and therefore saving numerous lives.
It was a difficult time for a woman working where they were subject to harassment and sexism by some of the men. The women had to sign an official secrets act agreement and almost lead a double life trying to keep their work top-secret and to never talk about it to anyone even their families or they would be charged for treason and put in jail. This had an immense strain on relationships.
The dramas, romantic interests and camaraderie between the characters made for an absorbing read.
An exceptionally researched and compelling story about the Australian women who became codebreakers and their friendships, loves and bravery.
Publication date 3rd March 2021
Many thanks NetGalley & Harlequin Australia for an advanced copy to read and review
June 23, 2021
1943, Brisbane: Ellie O’Sullivan works as an engineer at Qantas Empire Airways, keeping allied planes in the sky and they transport supplies to the troops in New Guinea. Ellie lives in a boarding house run by Mrs. Hanley, she shares a room with Kat Arnold and her childhood friend Louis Dutton visits her when he’s in Brisbane. Ellie’s really smart and is offered a job working for the Central Bureau and in the top secret cipher section. This is all very hush hush, she has to sign the official secrets act, she can never tell anyone about her work and it’s a lifelong contract.
Ellie starts working at Nyrambla house in a converted garage, where she and her fellow garage girls receive intercepted Japanese messages, they decipher the codes and pass them on to the top brass. They work under intense pressure and one small mistake could put hundreds of allied soldiers and Australian civilian lives in danger. It’s extremely difficult for Ellie to constantly lie about her job, she tells everyone she works in an office and it affects her personal relationships.
It’s very interesting reading about what it was like for young woman living and working in Australia during WW II, many left home for the first time and women’s roles changed. They also had to deal with the loss of loved ones, the possibly of the Japanese invading, it was an extremely alarming and stressful time for Australian women and children. Alli Sinclair has written a story that highlights the value of friendship, loyalty, duty and she’s made me aware of an unknown group of courageous and inspiring young Australian women. I received a copy of The Codebreakers in exchange for an honest review, it’s brilliant and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Ellie starts working at Nyrambla house in a converted garage, where she and her fellow garage girls receive intercepted Japanese messages, they decipher the codes and pass them on to the top brass. They work under intense pressure and one small mistake could put hundreds of allied soldiers and Australian civilian lives in danger. It’s extremely difficult for Ellie to constantly lie about her job, she tells everyone she works in an office and it affects her personal relationships.
It’s very interesting reading about what it was like for young woman living and working in Australia during WW II, many left home for the first time and women’s roles changed. They also had to deal with the loss of loved ones, the possibly of the Japanese invading, it was an extremely alarming and stressful time for Australian women and children. Alli Sinclair has written a story that highlights the value of friendship, loyalty, duty and she’s made me aware of an unknown group of courageous and inspiring young Australian women. I received a copy of The Codebreakers in exchange for an honest review, it’s brilliant and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
April 12, 2021
The Codebreakers is a fictional story inspired by the real code breaking women of Australia’s Central Bureau operational during WWII and situated in the Brisbane suburb of Ascot.
I was mesmerised by this story from start to finish. Ellie O’Sullivan is a captivating character. Nothing phases her and she has an intelligent come-back to every put-down whether it comes from a male or a fellow female.
Alli Sinclair highlights how, during the war, women stepped into jobs usually occupied by men however there was still much prejudice and differing conditions and, I’m sure, wages between the two. The men working on intercepting Japanese radio communications were in a house whilst the women deciphered coded messages in the garage out the back thus the origin of the name ‘The Garage Girls.”
I love any books featuring WWII whether it be on the troops fighting or the affect on civilians, set in any country around the world, I have read many yet I am always learning something new and finding each author has their own unique way of telling a story. The Codebreakers was another unique story where I was continually learning new aspects of how the war impacted life in Australia.
The Codebreakers features the war’s affect on all Australian citizens and how the women of the Central Bureau contributed to ending the war in the pacific. Alli Sinclair goes beyond the work that the women were involved in to include some off duty activities as they attend dances, go to the movies and fall in love. I found the story a wonderful, believable depiction of Australia during the war.
The demand for total secrecy put a huge burden on the women who felt they had to continually lie to their loved ones. It took many, many years before the women were officially honoured and recognised. With many of them passing away before this happened, which was heartbreaking.
*I received my copy from the publisher
I was mesmerised by this story from start to finish. Ellie O’Sullivan is a captivating character. Nothing phases her and she has an intelligent come-back to every put-down whether it comes from a male or a fellow female.
Alli Sinclair highlights how, during the war, women stepped into jobs usually occupied by men however there was still much prejudice and differing conditions and, I’m sure, wages between the two. The men working on intercepting Japanese radio communications were in a house whilst the women deciphered coded messages in the garage out the back thus the origin of the name ‘The Garage Girls.”
“All this happened under the roof of a regular-looking garage in suburban Brisbane and no one outside Central Bureau would ever be the wiser.”
I love any books featuring WWII whether it be on the troops fighting or the affect on civilians, set in any country around the world, I have read many yet I am always learning something new and finding each author has their own unique way of telling a story. The Codebreakers was another unique story where I was continually learning new aspects of how the war impacted life in Australia.
The Codebreakers features the war’s affect on all Australian citizens and how the women of the Central Bureau contributed to ending the war in the pacific. Alli Sinclair goes beyond the work that the women were involved in to include some off duty activities as they attend dances, go to the movies and fall in love. I found the story a wonderful, believable depiction of Australia during the war.
The demand for total secrecy put a huge burden on the women who felt they had to continually lie to their loved ones. It took many, many years before the women were officially honoured and recognised. With many of them passing away before this happened, which was heartbreaking.
*I received my copy from the publisher
February 28, 2021
I know that it is early in the year but The Codebreakers by Alli Sinclair is going to be one of my top reads for 2021. After reading The Cinema at Starlight Creek I fell in love with this authors writing and characters. I was desperate to get a copy of this book and I can't thank Harlequin Australia enough for sending me an advanced copy.
The Codebreakers is an Australian historical fiction novel that begins in Brisbane, Queensland in 1943. Ellie O'Sullivan is a hard working women, doing her bit for the war effort by keeping the planes in top condition for the pilots taking medical supplies and the like out to the troops in the pacific. She is approached by the Central Bureau for a top secret position working as a codebreaker in conjunction with Bletchley Park in England. It is intense work, living and working with the same group of women day in day out. They quickly form an unbreakable bond as they are the only people who they can talk to about this. Ellie struggles with lying to her friends and new beau but to tell the truth would make her a traitor and land her in prison.
And what happens after the war finally ends? The men return home and the codebreakers are no longer needed. She still can't talk about her war experiences so how she is meant to move on. Working in a shop is never going to be enough for her and her life is turned upside down again.
This is a beautiful story, based on the real life codebreakers. The author's notes at the end of the book was fascinating as she talks about the people behind the characters she has written. Ellie stole my heart and I was so sad when the book was over. Her relationships and her thinking was ahead of her time and she was a women who would never give up. She was loyal to a fault and I was in tears many times throughout her story.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Historical fiction fans will love this story and thereis so much to learn about these women during the war.
The Codebreakers is out March 3rd in Australia.
The Codebreakers is an Australian historical fiction novel that begins in Brisbane, Queensland in 1943. Ellie O'Sullivan is a hard working women, doing her bit for the war effort by keeping the planes in top condition for the pilots taking medical supplies and the like out to the troops in the pacific. She is approached by the Central Bureau for a top secret position working as a codebreaker in conjunction with Bletchley Park in England. It is intense work, living and working with the same group of women day in day out. They quickly form an unbreakable bond as they are the only people who they can talk to about this. Ellie struggles with lying to her friends and new beau but to tell the truth would make her a traitor and land her in prison.
And what happens after the war finally ends? The men return home and the codebreakers are no longer needed. She still can't talk about her war experiences so how she is meant to move on. Working in a shop is never going to be enough for her and her life is turned upside down again.
This is a beautiful story, based on the real life codebreakers. The author's notes at the end of the book was fascinating as she talks about the people behind the characters she has written. Ellie stole my heart and I was so sad when the book was over. Her relationships and her thinking was ahead of her time and she was a women who would never give up. She was loyal to a fault and I was in tears many times throughout her story.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Historical fiction fans will love this story and thereis so much to learn about these women during the war.
The Codebreakers is out March 3rd in Australia.
March 5, 2021
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
The Codebreakers by Alli Sinclair. (2021).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 3 March 2021**
1943, Brisbane. The war continues to devastate and the battle for the Pacific threatens Australian shores. Ellie helps the war effort by utilising her engineering skills for Qantas as they evacuate civilians and deliver supplies. Her exceptional logic and integrity attract the attention of the Central Bureau - an intelligence organisation. But joining means signing a lifetime secrecy contract and breaking it is treason. Ellie works with a group of elite women who decipher enemy communications. They form a close bond yet there could be a traitor in the midst. Meanwhile, Ellie struggles with keeping her work secret from those she holds dear. When the man she loves asks questions she's forbidden to answer, how will she prevent her double life from unravelling?
Wow, this one was a fantastic and interesting read. The storyline is inspired by the real codebreaking women of Australia's top-secret Central Bureau in WWII, who contributed to shortening the war by up to 2 years. I had literally no knowledge of this at all so it was absolutely engrossing and I'm so glad the author has shined the light on this topic. Ellie and all of the 'Garage Girls' were intriguing characters, all of them intelligent women who were doing such an important job that they had to keep secret from literally everyone. The burden of that is unimaginable really but I think the author has done an excellent job of portraying it, particularly in the setting of dating and falling in love but having to keep your job a secret from your loved one. I also appreciated that the author explored what life would have been like for these women after the war, when they STILL weren't allowed to tell anyone what they had been doing. Absolutely fascinating.
Overall: a compelling historical fiction novel that I believe a lot of readers would really enjoy and one I'd highly recommend.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
The Codebreakers by Alli Sinclair. (2021).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 3 March 2021**
1943, Brisbane. The war continues to devastate and the battle for the Pacific threatens Australian shores. Ellie helps the war effort by utilising her engineering skills for Qantas as they evacuate civilians and deliver supplies. Her exceptional logic and integrity attract the attention of the Central Bureau - an intelligence organisation. But joining means signing a lifetime secrecy contract and breaking it is treason. Ellie works with a group of elite women who decipher enemy communications. They form a close bond yet there could be a traitor in the midst. Meanwhile, Ellie struggles with keeping her work secret from those she holds dear. When the man she loves asks questions she's forbidden to answer, how will she prevent her double life from unravelling?
Wow, this one was a fantastic and interesting read. The storyline is inspired by the real codebreaking women of Australia's top-secret Central Bureau in WWII, who contributed to shortening the war by up to 2 years. I had literally no knowledge of this at all so it was absolutely engrossing and I'm so glad the author has shined the light on this topic. Ellie and all of the 'Garage Girls' were intriguing characters, all of them intelligent women who were doing such an important job that they had to keep secret from literally everyone. The burden of that is unimaginable really but I think the author has done an excellent job of portraying it, particularly in the setting of dating and falling in love but having to keep your job a secret from your loved one. I also appreciated that the author explored what life would have been like for these women after the war, when they STILL weren't allowed to tell anyone what they had been doing. Absolutely fascinating.
Overall: a compelling historical fiction novel that I believe a lot of readers would really enjoy and one I'd highly recommend.
June 25, 2021
Alli Sinclair's latest release, The Codebreakers, explores the top secret and pivotal role Australian female intelligence specialists played during WW2.
Country girl Ellie O'Sullivan works in Brisbane as a ground engineer for Qantas Empire Airlines, as the commercial airline carries out valuable work in supporting Australia's war effort in the Pacific. In the opening chapter of The Codebreakers, she's approached to undertake an important new job, one she's forbidden to reveal the nature of to even her nearest and dearest, even long after the war has ended. Ellie is recruited at the rank of sergeant into the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS), to work as a TypeX operator in the Cypher Office of the shadowy Central Bureau. There, she joins a group of other intelligent, hard-working young women whose work is to decrypt and monitor intercepted enemy messages, thereby assisting the Allied forces to make informed decisions regarding troop movements and other critical aspects of the unfolding war.
Ellie's required to move into barracks with her colleagues, but keeps in close touch with Mrs. Hanley, with whom she'd previously boarded and her good friend Kat. While there's plenty of conviviality in their household, they know all too well the cost of war. Both of Mrs. Hanley's sons have been killed in action, as has Ellie's older brother Robert, and Kat fears for the safety of her fiancé, who's in active service in the Pacific. Ellie also enjoys a close friendship with Louis, Robert's best friend, who works as a pilot for QEA. Both Ellie and Louis find romance, Ellie with dashing RAAF officer Harry Kinsman and Louis with redheaded Maude. But will the pressures of their wartime obligations, in particular Ellie's obligation to keep secrets, allow them to enjoy happy endings?
I was a great fan of the British ITV series The Bletchley Circle, which focusses on a group of women who work together at Britain's Government Code and Cypher School, colloquially known as "Bletchley Park", after the country estate where the unit was based. The opportunity to read about the experiences of the Bletchley women's Australian counterparts was therefore a fascinating prospect. The level of research Alli Sinclair has undertaken to prepare for writing The Codebreakers is impressive, and I found her extended author's note at the conclusion of the book, in which she details her discoveries, fascinating.
The Codebreakers is a stimulating read, with a well-balanced mix of intrigue, action and romance against an Australian wartime setting. I'd recommend the book to all lovers of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy stories featuring strong, feisty and multi-dimensional female characters taking on challenging situations.
My thanks to the author, Alli Sinclair, publisher Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Country girl Ellie O'Sullivan works in Brisbane as a ground engineer for Qantas Empire Airlines, as the commercial airline carries out valuable work in supporting Australia's war effort in the Pacific. In the opening chapter of The Codebreakers, she's approached to undertake an important new job, one she's forbidden to reveal the nature of to even her nearest and dearest, even long after the war has ended. Ellie is recruited at the rank of sergeant into the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS), to work as a TypeX operator in the Cypher Office of the shadowy Central Bureau. There, she joins a group of other intelligent, hard-working young women whose work is to decrypt and monitor intercepted enemy messages, thereby assisting the Allied forces to make informed decisions regarding troop movements and other critical aspects of the unfolding war.
Ellie's required to move into barracks with her colleagues, but keeps in close touch with Mrs. Hanley, with whom she'd previously boarded and her good friend Kat. While there's plenty of conviviality in their household, they know all too well the cost of war. Both of Mrs. Hanley's sons have been killed in action, as has Ellie's older brother Robert, and Kat fears for the safety of her fiancé, who's in active service in the Pacific. Ellie also enjoys a close friendship with Louis, Robert's best friend, who works as a pilot for QEA. Both Ellie and Louis find romance, Ellie with dashing RAAF officer Harry Kinsman and Louis with redheaded Maude. But will the pressures of their wartime obligations, in particular Ellie's obligation to keep secrets, allow them to enjoy happy endings?
I was a great fan of the British ITV series The Bletchley Circle, which focusses on a group of women who work together at Britain's Government Code and Cypher School, colloquially known as "Bletchley Park", after the country estate where the unit was based. The opportunity to read about the experiences of the Bletchley women's Australian counterparts was therefore a fascinating prospect. The level of research Alli Sinclair has undertaken to prepare for writing The Codebreakers is impressive, and I found her extended author's note at the conclusion of the book, in which she details her discoveries, fascinating.
The Codebreakers is a stimulating read, with a well-balanced mix of intrigue, action and romance against an Australian wartime setting. I'd recommend the book to all lovers of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy stories featuring strong, feisty and multi-dimensional female characters taking on challenging situations.
My thanks to the author, Alli Sinclair, publisher Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
April 18, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘Shadowed by the mansion at Nyrambla, this little garage had been the centre of her world for two and half years. The walls had witnessed the women handling some of the war’s most top-secret messages and ensuring they got into the right hands at Bletchley Park, Arlington Hall and countless outposts around the world. The messages they’d decrypted and encrypted has saved lives and helped the troops come home to their loved ones. All this happened under the roof of a regular-looking garage in suburban Brisbane and no one outside the Central Bureau would ever be the wiser.’
A previously hidden female history is the central concern of Alli Sinclair’s latest Second World War title, The Codebreakers. During World War II many ordinary Australian women stepped up to the challenge to combat invasion on home soil to perform extraordinary tasks to support the war effort. The Codebreakers highlights a very special task force who daringly completed top secret activities during the war. Thrilling, revealing, surprising, inspiring and powerful, The Codebreakers is a high-minded slice of Australian wartime fiction.
Drawn from the real-life testimonies of Australia’s brave garage girls, Alli Sinclair’s latest historical fiction verse is a must read. Taking the audience back to the year 1943 in Brisbane, we gain a solid picture of the war from the home front. While Australia was facing uncertain times, a fearless group of women pulled together their skills to help in the war effort. For the lead of this amazing story, Ellie O’Sullivan, life during the war is about lending a hand. When Ellie’s efforts capture the attention of the Central Bureau, this brave and intelligent woman must step up to the challenge. Ellie is tasked with the responsibility of protecting her country. Ellie must collaborate with an exceptional group of women who use their unique knowledge and skills to crack enemy codes. With trust, threats, secrets and personal loyalties dominating this elite group, they must forge forward in unison in order to succeed in a pressure filled environment. The Codebreakers illuminates the work of the Central Bureau and the challenges faced by women like Ellie, who selflessly sacrificed their relationships for the greater good.
I’m not going to hide my admiration for Alli Sinclair, which hasn’t abated over the years since I first discovered her debut novel Luna Tango. Alli Sinclair is an author completely committed to refining her craft with each book she releases and The Codebreakers is her most ambitious novel yet. A wealth of research backs The Codebreakers. Alli Sinclair’s new composition is directly drawn from first hand accounts from Australia’s real life garage girls, the codebreakers who worked tirelessly and secretly to support the war effort. Supporting the authenticity of this novel is the research conducted by Alli Sinclair and the advice this talented storyteller sought out during the production of The Codebreakers from experts in the field. The end result of this passionate commitment to getting all of the details right is an extremely vivid and well-informed female focussed history tale.
Ellie O’Sullivan is Alli Sinclair’s lead and she is just fabulous. The image I conjured in my own mind of this amazing woman, a trailblazer of her time, was a figure of pure strength and high intelligence. I was quite in awe of Ellie and her achievements. This could also be said about Ellie’s friends and support staff at the Central Bureau hub. The fellow codebreakers who join Ellie on her incredible journey are all very inspiring. It is important that we highlight the achievements of these undercover agents. The efforts of those who worked tirelessly for Central Bureau was concealed for decades, so it is vital that we give these women the recognition they so rightly deserve, whether it be in a fictional novelisation or another format.
Not only is this a powerful story of a heroic band of women who tirelessly gave up their lives to save others fighting on the battlefields, this book offers the reader so much more. The Codebreakers encompasses feelings of sisterhood, friendship, comradery, love, faith, endurance, resilience, bravery, sacrifice, support and trust. Sinclair draws in some pertinent themes surrounding sexism, gender relations, women’s roles and societal expectations. With a realistic picture of wartime Brisbane as the backdrop to these main issues, The Codebreakers is a fulfilling read from cover to cover.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Codebreakers is book #32 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘Shadowed by the mansion at Nyrambla, this little garage had been the centre of her world for two and half years. The walls had witnessed the women handling some of the war’s most top-secret messages and ensuring they got into the right hands at Bletchley Park, Arlington Hall and countless outposts around the world. The messages they’d decrypted and encrypted has saved lives and helped the troops come home to their loved ones. All this happened under the roof of a regular-looking garage in suburban Brisbane and no one outside the Central Bureau would ever be the wiser.’
A previously hidden female history is the central concern of Alli Sinclair’s latest Second World War title, The Codebreakers. During World War II many ordinary Australian women stepped up to the challenge to combat invasion on home soil to perform extraordinary tasks to support the war effort. The Codebreakers highlights a very special task force who daringly completed top secret activities during the war. Thrilling, revealing, surprising, inspiring and powerful, The Codebreakers is a high-minded slice of Australian wartime fiction.
Drawn from the real-life testimonies of Australia’s brave garage girls, Alli Sinclair’s latest historical fiction verse is a must read. Taking the audience back to the year 1943 in Brisbane, we gain a solid picture of the war from the home front. While Australia was facing uncertain times, a fearless group of women pulled together their skills to help in the war effort. For the lead of this amazing story, Ellie O’Sullivan, life during the war is about lending a hand. When Ellie’s efforts capture the attention of the Central Bureau, this brave and intelligent woman must step up to the challenge. Ellie is tasked with the responsibility of protecting her country. Ellie must collaborate with an exceptional group of women who use their unique knowledge and skills to crack enemy codes. With trust, threats, secrets and personal loyalties dominating this elite group, they must forge forward in unison in order to succeed in a pressure filled environment. The Codebreakers illuminates the work of the Central Bureau and the challenges faced by women like Ellie, who selflessly sacrificed their relationships for the greater good.
I’m not going to hide my admiration for Alli Sinclair, which hasn’t abated over the years since I first discovered her debut novel Luna Tango. Alli Sinclair is an author completely committed to refining her craft with each book she releases and The Codebreakers is her most ambitious novel yet. A wealth of research backs The Codebreakers. Alli Sinclair’s new composition is directly drawn from first hand accounts from Australia’s real life garage girls, the codebreakers who worked tirelessly and secretly to support the war effort. Supporting the authenticity of this novel is the research conducted by Alli Sinclair and the advice this talented storyteller sought out during the production of The Codebreakers from experts in the field. The end result of this passionate commitment to getting all of the details right is an extremely vivid and well-informed female focussed history tale.
Ellie O’Sullivan is Alli Sinclair’s lead and she is just fabulous. The image I conjured in my own mind of this amazing woman, a trailblazer of her time, was a figure of pure strength and high intelligence. I was quite in awe of Ellie and her achievements. This could also be said about Ellie’s friends and support staff at the Central Bureau hub. The fellow codebreakers who join Ellie on her incredible journey are all very inspiring. It is important that we highlight the achievements of these undercover agents. The efforts of those who worked tirelessly for Central Bureau was concealed for decades, so it is vital that we give these women the recognition they so rightly deserve, whether it be in a fictional novelisation or another format.
Not only is this a powerful story of a heroic band of women who tirelessly gave up their lives to save others fighting on the battlefields, this book offers the reader so much more. The Codebreakers encompasses feelings of sisterhood, friendship, comradery, love, faith, endurance, resilience, bravery, sacrifice, support and trust. Sinclair draws in some pertinent themes surrounding sexism, gender relations, women’s roles and societal expectations. With a realistic picture of wartime Brisbane as the backdrop to these main issues, The Codebreakers is a fulfilling read from cover to cover.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Codebreakers is book #32 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
March 5, 2021
I thought I’d enjoy The Codebreakers but I didn’t expect to read the entire book in a single evening.
The Codebreakers is based on the true story of the women who worked at Australia’s version of Bletchley Park. I know a little about the UK history (mostly thanks to Bletchley Girls) but nothing about what happened in Australia, so I found the details fascinating - to think that such important work happened right under people’s noses in suburban Brisbane!
Ellie was a great character to follow; occasionally naive, but so incredibly kind-hearted and resilient. I always love reading about competent women whose compassion is seen as strength. I also loved that, while there is a romance, the focus of this book is on female camaraderie and friendship, and that it acknowledges the hard work required to build and maintain meaningful friendships. Finally, as an (ex)Queenslander, this book really did feel like a love letter to rural Queensland, an unexpected highlight of this book - the depictions of the weather and the wide open spaces reminded me of home.
I did have a few minor quibbles - some of the plot points are a bit rushed, particularly early on - but I really enjoyed this book and will be checking out more of what Sinclair has to offer.
Note: I received an ARC from Mira books. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review.
The Codebreakers is based on the true story of the women who worked at Australia’s version of Bletchley Park. I know a little about the UK history (mostly thanks to Bletchley Girls) but nothing about what happened in Australia, so I found the details fascinating - to think that such important work happened right under people’s noses in suburban Brisbane!
Ellie was a great character to follow; occasionally naive, but so incredibly kind-hearted and resilient. I always love reading about competent women whose compassion is seen as strength. I also loved that, while there is a romance, the focus of this book is on female camaraderie and friendship, and that it acknowledges the hard work required to build and maintain meaningful friendships. Finally, as an (ex)Queenslander, this book really did feel like a love letter to rural Queensland, an unexpected highlight of this book - the depictions of the weather and the wide open spaces reminded me of home.
I did have a few minor quibbles - some of the plot points are a bit rushed, particularly early on - but I really enjoyed this book and will be checking out more of what Sinclair has to offer.
Note: I received an ARC from Mira books. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review.
March 9, 2021
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.
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.
January 20, 2021
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
To serve your country in time of great need, intercepting intelligence and saving countless lives is an honourable endurance unless you are sworn to secrecy by Government agencies.
Your contributions and ability to share your experiences with friends and loved ones vetoed, bearing the burden for you to carry alone.
Ellie during the second war had opportunities to pursue careers that she would not qualify for in peace times.
Her aptitude and intelligence recognised when selected to complete a role in code breaking for Government during the onerous conflict.
Working along side women in a covert garage location they were tasked with intercepting and interpreting codes sent by the enemy, a coveted responsibility with valiant successes.
After the war had ended Ellie struggled with not only the secrets of her past role but returning to a more typical woman’s job.
Determined and courageous she sets forth to fulfil ambitions and live life to the fullest holding onto her private past.
A story of friendships, loyalty and the realities of war set against a well researched and interesting part of Australian history that was not known about till recently.
The social fabric of the era and the sadness of loss etched out thoroughly.
Alli has an amazing ability to draw the reader into her powerful stories and educate us at the same time.
Thank you for highlighting the special work these women did.
To serve your country in time of great need, intercepting intelligence and saving countless lives is an honourable endurance unless you are sworn to secrecy by Government agencies.
Your contributions and ability to share your experiences with friends and loved ones vetoed, bearing the burden for you to carry alone.
Ellie during the second war had opportunities to pursue careers that she would not qualify for in peace times.
Her aptitude and intelligence recognised when selected to complete a role in code breaking for Government during the onerous conflict.
Working along side women in a covert garage location they were tasked with intercepting and interpreting codes sent by the enemy, a coveted responsibility with valiant successes.
After the war had ended Ellie struggled with not only the secrets of her past role but returning to a more typical woman’s job.
Determined and courageous she sets forth to fulfil ambitions and live life to the fullest holding onto her private past.
A story of friendships, loyalty and the realities of war set against a well researched and interesting part of Australian history that was not known about till recently.
The social fabric of the era and the sadness of loss etched out thoroughly.
Alli has an amazing ability to draw the reader into her powerful stories and educate us at the same time.
Thank you for highlighting the special work these women did.
April 23, 2021
DNF at 45%
2.5 rounded up because a) I didn’t finish it, and b) this is a smaller Australian author and I don’t feel like making her GR average rating lower because of me.
This was a bookclub pic and I was really interested in the premise- the story of Australian women’s contribution to the war effort, and learning more about codebreaking seemed so intriguing. I would love to know more about Enigma and Bletchley Park.
However, the writing of this one was too simplified for my taste. The dialogue was overdone and left nothing to the imagination- it felt very forced. For example, one of the love story plots (which were very cringey), some of the “romantic” interaction consisted of:
“You’re a really good dancer” Harry said.
“Thanks so are you.”
GLITTERING CONVERSATION. Literally everything was spelled out for you in excruciating detail, and no one speaks like this in real life. Another example of dialogue:
‘Ned slammed his fist on the table. “I’ll be damned if I’m working for a woman. If I wanted to be bossed around, I’d be home with the wife.”’ The cliches were sooooooo UGH.
There was also an overtone of moral superiority that left a bad taste. What I mean is that Ellie was so morally “right”, and judged everyone if they did something outside of that. I can’t speak for the second half of the book of course, and I know (from our bookclub discussions), that she suffered some PTSD. So the “perfection” trope may have been challenged more towards the end.
And the book couldn’t decide on a plot line- the setup was GOOD, like the first 50 pages had me hooked into the story even if the dialogue was weird. But then there was almost no pacing, I suppose the romance was there to keep us interested but still, the romances were so PERFECT it was not interesting in the least.
One thing that it did have going for it was the Brisbane setting, our bookclub looked up the house they worked from and saw it was real, and that was pretty cool! A shame that such an interesting topic was maybe put out a few edits too soon.
2.5 rounded up because a) I didn’t finish it, and b) this is a smaller Australian author and I don’t feel like making her GR average rating lower because of me.
This was a bookclub pic and I was really interested in the premise- the story of Australian women’s contribution to the war effort, and learning more about codebreaking seemed so intriguing. I would love to know more about Enigma and Bletchley Park.
However, the writing of this one was too simplified for my taste. The dialogue was overdone and left nothing to the imagination- it felt very forced. For example, one of the love story plots (which were very cringey), some of the “romantic” interaction consisted of:
“You’re a really good dancer” Harry said.
“Thanks so are you.”
GLITTERING CONVERSATION. Literally everything was spelled out for you in excruciating detail, and no one speaks like this in real life. Another example of dialogue:
‘Ned slammed his fist on the table. “I’ll be damned if I’m working for a woman. If I wanted to be bossed around, I’d be home with the wife.”’ The cliches were sooooooo UGH.
There was also an overtone of moral superiority that left a bad taste. What I mean is that Ellie was so morally “right”, and judged everyone if they did something outside of that. I can’t speak for the second half of the book of course, and I know (from our bookclub discussions), that she suffered some PTSD. So the “perfection” trope may have been challenged more towards the end.
And the book couldn’t decide on a plot line- the setup was GOOD, like the first 50 pages had me hooked into the story even if the dialogue was weird. But then there was almost no pacing, I suppose the romance was there to keep us interested but still, the romances were so PERFECT it was not interesting in the least.
One thing that it did have going for it was the Brisbane setting, our bookclub looked up the house they worked from and saw it was real, and that was pretty cool! A shame that such an interesting topic was maybe put out a few edits too soon.
Read
February 2, 2021Another delightfully insightful tale from Alli Sinclair. Alli's warmth shines through in her writing, with friendship, loyalty and unspeakable bravery rolled together in The Codebreakers. Ellie O'Sullivan is recruited from her role as an aircraft engineer with Qantas to join the top secret Central Bureau in Brisbane, intercepting, deciphering and relaying enemy communications during the Second World War. Forbidden from speaking about their work to their friends and family, the 'Garage Girls' live together and work together, carrying the weight of the nation's secrets. If you're looking for love, loss, war brides and gutsy, smart women, then look no further than The Codebreakers. Thanks to Harper Collins for the advance review copy.
March 16, 2021
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.
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.
March 17, 2021
Brilliant!
I finished this book just before midnight, I couldn’t make myself put it down, to be continued another day just wasn’t going to happen, this book just had to be finished. It was brilliant, it left me with tears in my eyes, both happy tears and sad tears. What a remarkable story Alli Sinclair has weaved together in The Codebreakers. The amount of research that has gone into this novel is monumental and as with another wonderful Australian historical fiction novel, The Land Girls by Victoria Purman, this is a story about women and their courage and adaptability during the most trying times. A story that needed to be told, of secrets that have been kept for far too many years. Of the women who helped win the war and save countless lives.
The characters in this novel were so fully realised that it was easy to believe they were real people, to forget that it was fiction, that the author was telling the real story of these men and women is easy to believe.
Ellie, already working for the war effort as an engineer at Qantas, is recruited by Central Bureau to help crack codes, this is a highly secret division, especially for the women who work there and I could feel the internal war that Ellie waged trying to keep her job from her friends and family, it is not a situation I ever hope to find myself in.
I loved the friendships and relationships that Ellie developed, I especially loved her childhood friend Louis, what a fabulous friend to have. I loved her landlady Mrs Handley, if there was ever a mother substitute, she is the person you would want, and her friend Florry. The friendships she made with the girls in the Central Bureau were strong ones, that were sadly severed after the war. That would have been hard, losing the only people who knew what you’d been through.
So many people lost friends, lovers, husbands, sons during this time, that the urge to collapse in dispair must’ve been strong, yet everyone soldiered on, doing what had to be done and getting by the best they could.
There is a scene maybe two thirds of the way in where I had to stop and listen to one of my favourite songs.
Bridal Train by The Waifs
It fit so perfectly with the story.
This was a fantastic read, which I highly recommend, full of many emotions and uncovering a long hidden history of the women who helped in the war.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
I finished this book just before midnight, I couldn’t make myself put it down, to be continued another day just wasn’t going to happen, this book just had to be finished. It was brilliant, it left me with tears in my eyes, both happy tears and sad tears. What a remarkable story Alli Sinclair has weaved together in The Codebreakers. The amount of research that has gone into this novel is monumental and as with another wonderful Australian historical fiction novel, The Land Girls by Victoria Purman, this is a story about women and their courage and adaptability during the most trying times. A story that needed to be told, of secrets that have been kept for far too many years. Of the women who helped win the war and save countless lives.
The characters in this novel were so fully realised that it was easy to believe they were real people, to forget that it was fiction, that the author was telling the real story of these men and women is easy to believe.
Ellie, already working for the war effort as an engineer at Qantas, is recruited by Central Bureau to help crack codes, this is a highly secret division, especially for the women who work there and I could feel the internal war that Ellie waged trying to keep her job from her friends and family, it is not a situation I ever hope to find myself in.
I loved the friendships and relationships that Ellie developed, I especially loved her childhood friend Louis, what a fabulous friend to have. I loved her landlady Mrs Handley, if there was ever a mother substitute, she is the person you would want, and her friend Florry. The friendships she made with the girls in the Central Bureau were strong ones, that were sadly severed after the war. That would have been hard, losing the only people who knew what you’d been through.
So many people lost friends, lovers, husbands, sons during this time, that the urge to collapse in dispair must’ve been strong, yet everyone soldiered on, doing what had to be done and getting by the best they could.
There is a scene maybe two thirds of the way in where I had to stop and listen to one of my favourite songs.
Bridal Train by The Waifs
It fit so perfectly with the story.
This was a fantastic read, which I highly recommend, full of many emotions and uncovering a long hidden history of the women who helped in the war.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
March 2, 2021
‘The only information you need right now is that if you pass this test, you will be involved in an operation that is integral to helping the Allies win this war.’
Brisbane, 1943. Elanora (Ellie) O’Sullivan works as an engineer for Qantas Empire Airways. She is part of the team keeping allied planes in the air, transporting supplies to Australian troops in New Guinea. Ellie has left family in Longreach and boards with Mrs Hanley in Brisbane, sharing a room with her friend Kat Arnold.
Ellie’s dedication to her work does not go unnoticed, and she is approached by Lieutenant Andrews to join the Central Bureau. Her work, as part of the codebreaking team (working in conjunction with Bletchley Park operatives) is top secret, and subject to the Official Secrets Act. Ellie must undertake never to tell anyone about the work she is undertaking.
The team of women, calling themselves ‘the Garage Girls’ work in a converted garage at Nyrambla house in Henry Street, Ascot. Their work involves decoding intercepted Japanese messages: highly stressful work, where a mistake can cost lives. The need to maintain secrecy makes personal relationships difficult for Ellie (and the other women). And not everyone is strong enough to do so.
Ms Sinclair recreates the challenges of life for this generation of young women at the forefront of Australia’s domestic war effort. Women’s roles changed, not without considerable resistance from some quarters, and many of the women (including Ellie) had lost loved ones.
And once the war was over? What would the future hold?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The main characters stepped out of the pages for me, and I appreciated the research Ms Sinclair undertook to bring this novel to life. While I’ve read about Bletchley Park, I had never heard of the work undertaken by Australian Women Army Service (AWAS) staff in the garage at Nyrambla.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Brisbane, 1943. Elanora (Ellie) O’Sullivan works as an engineer for Qantas Empire Airways. She is part of the team keeping allied planes in the air, transporting supplies to Australian troops in New Guinea. Ellie has left family in Longreach and boards with Mrs Hanley in Brisbane, sharing a room with her friend Kat Arnold.
Ellie’s dedication to her work does not go unnoticed, and she is approached by Lieutenant Andrews to join the Central Bureau. Her work, as part of the codebreaking team (working in conjunction with Bletchley Park operatives) is top secret, and subject to the Official Secrets Act. Ellie must undertake never to tell anyone about the work she is undertaking.
The team of women, calling themselves ‘the Garage Girls’ work in a converted garage at Nyrambla house in Henry Street, Ascot. Their work involves decoding intercepted Japanese messages: highly stressful work, where a mistake can cost lives. The need to maintain secrecy makes personal relationships difficult for Ellie (and the other women). And not everyone is strong enough to do so.
Ms Sinclair recreates the challenges of life for this generation of young women at the forefront of Australia’s domestic war effort. Women’s roles changed, not without considerable resistance from some quarters, and many of the women (including Ellie) had lost loved ones.
And once the war was over? What would the future hold?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The main characters stepped out of the pages for me, and I appreciated the research Ms Sinclair undertook to bring this novel to life. While I’ve read about Bletchley Park, I had never heard of the work undertaken by Australian Women Army Service (AWAS) staff in the garage at Nyrambla.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 8, 2021
The Codebreakers fascinated me from the very first page. It is based on real events and tells the little known story of the young Australian women who worked with Central Bureau in Brisbane, during the Second World War. Ellie O’Sullivan is recruited from her aviation engineering job to decipher enemy communications. It quickly becomes evident that what goes on the home-front – especially in intelligence services – is as important in deciding the outcome of the conflict as are soldiers, aeroplanes and tanks. If Ellie misses an important code, it could cost thousands of Allied lives. What struck me most about Ellie and her colleagues was how young they were to have such a weight on their shoulders. They could never talk about their work and, even when experiencing the most heartbreaking grief at the loss of their own menfolk, they had to hold their nerves and carry on. Alli Sinclair tells this tale with such deep affection for the characters you can’t help but feel involved. The descriptions are vivid and the dialogue lifelike as we follow Ellie as she makes friends with her elite colleagues, uncovers a traitor and finds love even with the cloud of a possible enemy invasion hanging over the country. The Codebreakers was so enjoyable to read I was sorry when it ended. I highly recommend it if you want to find out about an interesting part of Australian women’s history and be delightfully entertained along the way.
March 28, 2021
What a wonderful and insightful story this is. We hear so many stories of war and the things people did to help in the effort to regain peace and freedom but this was a story which really brought to life not just what these wonderful, strong and intelligent women did but also the secrets that have been kept (and probably still are) and the effect it has on so many.
The story centred around the main character, Ellie O'Sullivan but it also brought together so many other characters, some more prevalent than others but each with a part to play in this tale. The tale followed the lives, loves, heartache and secrets which would have been felt by all those who were affected by this and so many other wars.
I loved the characters, the story flowed well bringing with it friendships and camaraderie that many of us would have never experienced. It also had love, heartache, sadness and true grit and strength.
A great book, a great read and I do recommend this to anyone that loves a bit of history, a bit of love and a lot of emotion.
Thank you Harlequin Australia
The Codebreakers
Alli Sinclair
The story centred around the main character, Ellie O'Sullivan but it also brought together so many other characters, some more prevalent than others but each with a part to play in this tale. The tale followed the lives, loves, heartache and secrets which would have been felt by all those who were affected by this and so many other wars.
I loved the characters, the story flowed well bringing with it friendships and camaraderie that many of us would have never experienced. It also had love, heartache, sadness and true grit and strength.
A great book, a great read and I do recommend this to anyone that loves a bit of history, a bit of love and a lot of emotion.
Thank you Harlequin Australia
The Codebreakers
Alli Sinclair
March 2, 2021
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
'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
May 2, 2021
Wonderful to learn about this secret Cipher unit of women in Brisbane during WW2. Other secrets are hinted at, such as the US Airforce at Charleville, but it is the real women of the 11 Cipher group whose story shines here.
It's thanks to authors like Alli Sinclair that this story has now been shared. According to the author notes, she was able to interview one of the women from that unit. How wonderful that the secrets she, and her fellow cipherers kept for more than sixty years, were finally revealed and their incredible work, recognised.
Thanks for uncovering their story and sharing it, Alli!
It's thanks to authors like Alli Sinclair that this story has now been shared. According to the author notes, she was able to interview one of the women from that unit. How wonderful that the secrets she, and her fellow cipherers kept for more than sixty years, were finally revealed and their incredible work, recognised.
Thanks for uncovering their story and sharing it, Alli!
January 16, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
The best parts in The Codebreakers were about the relationships between the women working together for Central Bureau and Ellie's relationships with Mrs Hanley and Kat. They were an eclectic cast of characters and they all added something special to the story. I definitely found their contributions interesting and wanted to keep reading to find out more.
The hardest part for me was trying to understand the timeline. Paragraphs would jump days or weeks or months without warning. There were occasional dates, seemingly at random, but not enough for consistency. It made it difficult to comprehend how much time had passed between events unless it was specifically mentioned. Overall, this led to it feeling like an emotional summary of the people left behind during the war where the love stories feel inconsequential because I could never tell how much time had passed. There were times when couples felt forced together despite a lack of chemistry or a common belief system or even a spark of interest.
The parts about the actual work these women were doing were incredible. I wanted to get all up in the minutiae of their daily tasks, the intelligence they collected, and the effect they had on the war. I also liked how much of the story focused on the role of secrecy in their work and how it bled into their lives and relationships. It painted a clear picture of how and why the women working together became so close; there was no one else who had any idea what they did every day and they could be totally honest with. It's easy to see how they could have signed up for this role, understanding the need to keep their work secret, but expecting to be able to go back to their normal lives at the end of the war.
I was real keen for this one; women working intelligence during the war sounded super interesting. I've read a lot of stories about the war based primarily in European countries, so it was definitely unique reading one based in Brisbane. There was a lot of potential here and the story covered a lot of people over a long period of time. I guess I was hoping for more about the day-to-day intelligence work and less about the year-to-year emotional camaraderie and superfluous love stories.
"'The choice has been made, regardless of what we want,' said Ellie. 'Just like so many other things taken out of our hands because we're women. Women's suffrage may have brought us the vote, but it hasn't given us a voice or made us visible. Not yet, anyway.'"
The best parts in The Codebreakers were about the relationships between the women working together for Central Bureau and Ellie's relationships with Mrs Hanley and Kat. They were an eclectic cast of characters and they all added something special to the story. I definitely found their contributions interesting and wanted to keep reading to find out more.
The hardest part for me was trying to understand the timeline. Paragraphs would jump days or weeks or months without warning. There were occasional dates, seemingly at random, but not enough for consistency. It made it difficult to comprehend how much time had passed between events unless it was specifically mentioned. Overall, this led to it feeling like an emotional summary of the people left behind during the war where the love stories feel inconsequential because I could never tell how much time had passed. There were times when couples felt forced together despite a lack of chemistry or a common belief system or even a spark of interest.
The parts about the actual work these women were doing were incredible. I wanted to get all up in the minutiae of their daily tasks, the intelligence they collected, and the effect they had on the war. I also liked how much of the story focused on the role of secrecy in their work and how it bled into their lives and relationships. It painted a clear picture of how and why the women working together became so close; there was no one else who had any idea what they did every day and they could be totally honest with. It's easy to see how they could have signed up for this role, understanding the need to keep their work secret, but expecting to be able to go back to their normal lives at the end of the war.
I was real keen for this one; women working intelligence during the war sounded super interesting. I've read a lot of stories about the war based primarily in European countries, so it was definitely unique reading one based in Brisbane. There was a lot of potential here and the story covered a lot of people over a long period of time. I guess I was hoping for more about the day-to-day intelligence work and less about the year-to-year emotional camaraderie and superfluous love stories.
"'The choice has been made, regardless of what we want,' said Ellie. 'Just like so many other things taken out of our hands because we're women. Women's suffrage may have brought us the vote, but it hasn't given us a voice or made us visible. Not yet, anyway.'"
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April 9, 2021
A very interesting and well researched book about a part of Australia's history I knew nothing about.
February 27, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Being a lover of historical fiction, I was excited to be given the opportunity to read Alli Sinclair's latest book. What a ride!!
The story of Ellie O'Sullivan and her friends, known as the Garage Girls, is wonderful. Set in Brisbane during World War 2, it is a story of secrets, loss, love and, ultimately, recognition. I was in awe of Ellie and her friends, heartbroken at their losses and, finally, overjoyed with the ending of this lovely story.
Being a lover of historical fiction, I was excited to be given the opportunity to read Alli Sinclair's latest book. What a ride!!
The story of Ellie O'Sullivan and her friends, known as the Garage Girls, is wonderful. Set in Brisbane during World War 2, it is a story of secrets, loss, love and, ultimately, recognition. I was in awe of Ellie and her friends, heartbroken at their losses and, finally, overjoyed with the ending of this lovely story.
February 26, 2021
Copy received from Harper Collins Australia for an honest review
Thank you , thank you, thank you Miss Sinclair for giving us another beautiful and insightful story about the wonderful women who did so much for Australia and her allies during WW2.
I knew a little about the women working as codebreakers in Australia, but it is definitely something we all need to learn more about
It is shameful that so much of what these amazing women did was hidden from us for so many years, whilst their male counterparts were showered with accolades. Every time I learn another story like this, it makes me so sad, and so mad for these pioneering women.
Ellie is dead set amazing. She is one of those women who paved the road for the women of today - and there were plenty of women out there like her. Strong, fiesty and with a heart of gold that sees the best in everyone, she takes us from WW2 to post war Australia and what it was like for the women who filled all those "manly positions".
We also follow the relationships throughout that period, and your heart will hurt at times as the story unfolds.
This is such a beautifully constructed tale that I did not want to put the book down when it was way past my bedtime on a worknight lol.
Ms Sinclair weaves a heartfelt, interesting and endearing story, and I can't wait to read more of her work in the future.
Thank you , thank you, thank you Miss Sinclair for giving us another beautiful and insightful story about the wonderful women who did so much for Australia and her allies during WW2.
I knew a little about the women working as codebreakers in Australia, but it is definitely something we all need to learn more about
It is shameful that so much of what these amazing women did was hidden from us for so many years, whilst their male counterparts were showered with accolades. Every time I learn another story like this, it makes me so sad, and so mad for these pioneering women.
Ellie is dead set amazing. She is one of those women who paved the road for the women of today - and there were plenty of women out there like her. Strong, fiesty and with a heart of gold that sees the best in everyone, she takes us from WW2 to post war Australia and what it was like for the women who filled all those "manly positions".
We also follow the relationships throughout that period, and your heart will hurt at times as the story unfolds.
This is such a beautifully constructed tale that I did not want to put the book down when it was way past my bedtime on a worknight lol.
Ms Sinclair weaves a heartfelt, interesting and endearing story, and I can't wait to read more of her work in the future.
ARC received from author for an honest review.
April 25, 2021
The Codebreakers is sixth novel from Australian historical fiction author Alli Sinclair. Chosen as Rachael Johns’s Online Book Club read for April I was looking forward to comparing this to Alice Quinn’s The Rose Code. The Rose Code was about the female codebreakers who worked in Bletchley Park during the second world war, and Sinclair’s latest release takes her readers into the lives of the Australian women codebreakers during this time. These women worked in Brisbane for a top secret organisation called the Central Bureau, intercepting and translating Japanese codes, encrypting and decrypting coded messages. Like Sinclair herself, I was unaware of this aspect of Australian history, so I am grateful that this has been bought to light after decades of silence. Silence because no one was allowed to talk about their work and this sacrifice was not officially recognised until the 1990s. Sinclair has demonstrated the impact of secrecy during and after war through a cast of individuals that has enlightened me.
It is April 1943 and Ellie O’Sullivan is proud to be part of the war effort. In Brisbane, she uses her engineering skills to help Qantas evacuate civilians and supply the overseas armed forces. Despite being one of the best in her trade, Ellie deals with the daily sexist and chauvinistic attitude of her male counterparts. Stories of a bygone era are always a thankful reminder of how far society has come. Away from her job, Ellie lives with her work colleague Kat and war widow Mrs Hanley. Ellie’s empathetic nature allows her to support her friends in an unassuming manner while her own dark days, having lost a beloved sibling and rarely seeing her parents, are tempered with an optimistic nature that I admired. Childhood friend Louis Dutton brings laughter into Ellie’s life when they catch up. When Ellie is approached to complete a skills test to work in a secret organisation, she cannot say no to the opportunity to play an even greater part in the war effort.
Ellie’s new job is with The Central Bureau. In the intelligence organisation that is affiliated with Bletchley Park and others, Ellie quickly becomes part of a secretive world she could never have imagined. Working in a garage next door to the majestic Nyrambla (21 Henry St, Ascot), it is a place where she intercepts and translates Japanese codes alongside other women, women who became known as The Garage Girls. Ellie sees the best in her contemporaries, some of whom become close friends. While her sunny nature and attitude towards the war grates on others, Ellie’s logic and integrity makes her an asset to The Bureau. During this new stage of her career, Louis continues to be a part of Ellie’s life and it is through him that Ellie meets Harry. Their war time love story was a pleasure to immerse myself in as they defied the rules, doing it their way. My heart was happy for the couple but when Harry leaves Australia and the war ends, their lives will never be the same. Ellie struggles to find a meaningful employment when women are sent back to the kitchen. Will Ellie find her inner happiness in peace time?
The Codebreakers is a vital informative read of the role Australian women have played in war and the perfect companion to The Rose Code.
It is April 1943 and Ellie O’Sullivan is proud to be part of the war effort. In Brisbane, she uses her engineering skills to help Qantas evacuate civilians and supply the overseas armed forces. Despite being one of the best in her trade, Ellie deals with the daily sexist and chauvinistic attitude of her male counterparts. Stories of a bygone era are always a thankful reminder of how far society has come. Away from her job, Ellie lives with her work colleague Kat and war widow Mrs Hanley. Ellie’s empathetic nature allows her to support her friends in an unassuming manner while her own dark days, having lost a beloved sibling and rarely seeing her parents, are tempered with an optimistic nature that I admired. Childhood friend Louis Dutton brings laughter into Ellie’s life when they catch up. When Ellie is approached to complete a skills test to work in a secret organisation, she cannot say no to the opportunity to play an even greater part in the war effort.
Ellie’s new job is with The Central Bureau. In the intelligence organisation that is affiliated with Bletchley Park and others, Ellie quickly becomes part of a secretive world she could never have imagined. Working in a garage next door to the majestic Nyrambla (21 Henry St, Ascot), it is a place where she intercepts and translates Japanese codes alongside other women, women who became known as The Garage Girls. Ellie sees the best in her contemporaries, some of whom become close friends. While her sunny nature and attitude towards the war grates on others, Ellie’s logic and integrity makes her an asset to The Bureau. During this new stage of her career, Louis continues to be a part of Ellie’s life and it is through him that Ellie meets Harry. Their war time love story was a pleasure to immerse myself in as they defied the rules, doing it their way. My heart was happy for the couple but when Harry leaves Australia and the war ends, their lives will never be the same. Ellie struggles to find a meaningful employment when women are sent back to the kitchen. Will Ellie find her inner happiness in peace time?
The Codebreakers is a vital informative read of the role Australian women have played in war and the perfect companion to The Rose Code.
March 19, 2021
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, and when I do, it's usually set during World War II. The Codebreakers was intriguing to me because it's set in Australia during WWII and follows a woman working as a codebreaker.
Ellie O'Sullivan is working as an engineer for Qantas in 1943 when she is approached with an offer from Central Bureau to serve her country by working alongside England's Bletchley Park codebreakers to aide the war effort. By agreeing, Ellie ties herself to a lifetime of secrecy, unable to speak about her work to her family and friends. In her new life she makes new friends, has to negotiate pre-exisiting relationships and a romantic relationship that demands some level of truth.
I'll admit it that it took me a while to warm up to the story - any kind of historical fiction is a leap of faith for me because it's not one of my favourite genres to read. But every now and then there's a book that has a premise that catches my attention and I was really interested in reading a book that incorporated the efforts of women in Australia during wartime.
Ellie begins the book as a very practical and pragmatic woman doing her best during a difficult time in the world. When she's offered a job working for Central Bureau decoding ciphers it's something she's not sure she wants - it means hiding her work from the people she calls family. It has a long-term impact of the people she's closest, too, which places a huge burden on her that she has to learn to adapt to. It forces her to develop relationships with the women she works with, which was fascinating, because they're such a different group of people, but it also brings them closer during the time they're working together.
Alongside these female friendships, Ellie's trying to navigate a romantic relationship that's complicated by her inability to talk about what she does on a daily basis. It's hard and messy and felt very real while reading.
There's also a bit of mystery for Ellie to solve - one of the women she works with could be a traitor, and it's up to Ellie to figure out who it is and why it might have happened before the blame is place firmly on her.
It was great to read an Australian story set during this time period and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases from Alli Sinclair.
Ellie O'Sullivan is working as an engineer for Qantas in 1943 when she is approached with an offer from Central Bureau to serve her country by working alongside England's Bletchley Park codebreakers to aide the war effort. By agreeing, Ellie ties herself to a lifetime of secrecy, unable to speak about her work to her family and friends. In her new life she makes new friends, has to negotiate pre-exisiting relationships and a romantic relationship that demands some level of truth.
I'll admit it that it took me a while to warm up to the story - any kind of historical fiction is a leap of faith for me because it's not one of my favourite genres to read. But every now and then there's a book that has a premise that catches my attention and I was really interested in reading a book that incorporated the efforts of women in Australia during wartime.
Ellie begins the book as a very practical and pragmatic woman doing her best during a difficult time in the world. When she's offered a job working for Central Bureau decoding ciphers it's something she's not sure she wants - it means hiding her work from the people she calls family. It has a long-term impact of the people she's closest, too, which places a huge burden on her that she has to learn to adapt to. It forces her to develop relationships with the women she works with, which was fascinating, because they're such a different group of people, but it also brings them closer during the time they're working together.
Alongside these female friendships, Ellie's trying to navigate a romantic relationship that's complicated by her inability to talk about what she does on a daily basis. It's hard and messy and felt very real while reading.
There's also a bit of mystery for Ellie to solve - one of the women she works with could be a traitor, and it's up to Ellie to figure out who it is and why it might have happened before the blame is place firmly on her.
It was great to read an Australian story set during this time period and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases from Alli Sinclair.
February 24, 2021
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 hidden for years and some still cannot and will not talk about their time as code-breakers.
This book brought back memories of my own mother's experiences living as a young woman during WWII - from dancing at the Trocadero, the shortages in food and supplies, when the Yanks hit town - its all there in this book.
Alli has done extensive research into this era and these women were pioneers in their own right. Ellie was an aircraft mechanic before being recruited and eventually was one of the first female pilots. These women had to fights against men for everything they achieved, and whilst some chose to become wives and mothers, Ellie had big dreams and was such a strong woman determined to follow her dreams and not be stereotyped into what society expected.
Alli's writing goes from strength to strength and I think this is her best book yet, although it is fiction it gives a very accurate depiction of the people and the times in Queensland living throughout the war. It would make an excellent movie and I hope it gets the attention of the right people and they bring Ellie's story to the screen. It would also be a great novel for school children to read to give them insight into this piece of Australian history. Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Mira Australia for providing me with a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest opinion. 5* from me.
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 hidden for years and some still cannot and will not talk about their time as code-breakers.
This book brought back memories of my own mother's experiences living as a young woman during WWII - from dancing at the Trocadero, the shortages in food and supplies, when the Yanks hit town - its all there in this book.
Alli has done extensive research into this era and these women were pioneers in their own right. Ellie was an aircraft mechanic before being recruited and eventually was one of the first female pilots. These women had to fights against men for everything they achieved, and whilst some chose to become wives and mothers, Ellie had big dreams and was such a strong woman determined to follow her dreams and not be stereotyped into what society expected.
Alli's writing goes from strength to strength and I think this is her best book yet, although it is fiction it gives a very accurate depiction of the people and the times in Queensland living throughout the war. It would make an excellent movie and I hope it gets the attention of the right people and they bring Ellie's story to the screen. It would also be a great novel for school children to read to give them insight into this piece of Australian history. Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Mira Australia for providing me with a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest opinion. 5* from me.
May 11, 2021
The Codebreakers by Alli Sinclair is an interesting historical fiction story (based on true life events) during WWII set mostly around the Brisbane, Queensland area in the 1940's ~ WWII telling the story of our codebreaking women of the top-secret Central Bureau.
I really enjoyed the events that took place and the women in the story who should be honoured for their services and participation in Codebreaking during this time.
Bletchley Park in the UK is also connected to the story and Longreach in outback Queensland and The Flying Doctors Service.
It's the secrets which make this story, the romance and dancing, aeroplanes and aviation which enthralled me.
The descriptions of Queensland and it's surroundings were extremely accurate as is Alli Sinclair's research into The Codebreakers.
Thank you to Alli Sinclair, author, for bringing to life the amazing women who partook in the history and story of The Codebreakers.
I really enjoyed the events that took place and the women in the story who should be honoured for their services and participation in Codebreaking during this time.
Bletchley Park in the UK is also connected to the story and Longreach in outback Queensland and The Flying Doctors Service.
It's the secrets which make this story, the romance and dancing, aeroplanes and aviation which enthralled me.
The descriptions of Queensland and it's surroundings were extremely accurate as is Alli Sinclair's research into The Codebreakers.
Thank you to Alli Sinclair, author, for bringing to life the amazing women who partook in the history and story of The Codebreakers.
March 4, 2021
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***
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***
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