THE ENIGMA GIRLS

The latest from acclaimed nonfiction author Fleming is a detailed, well-researched account highlighting a lesser-known wartime chapter.

This chronological survey of cipher-breaking efforts at Bletchley Park during World War II centers on the now-legendary struggle to crack the Axis powers’ messages, including those sent using Enigma machines. This top-secret work was first revealed in the 1970s; Fleming’s book adds depth to readers’ understanding by sharing the stories of 10 young women in the context of changing societal gender roles. Bletchley’s workforce grew to around 7,000 by 1944, with women ultimately outnumbering men. Among the women employees were Patricia Owtram, Jane Hughes, Mavis Batey, Sarah Norton, Diana Payne, Gwen Watkins, Ann Williams, Joanna Chorley, Charlotte Webb, and Marion Graham—all of whom publicly shared their stories decades later. They worked in secret, supporting many aspects of operations: listening for encoded communications; decoding, translating, indexing, and paraphrasing messages; and doing round-the-clock shift work to keep early computers such as the Bombes and Colossus running. Their work helped the Allies defeat the Italian navy in 1941, launch the D-Day invasion of 1944, and bring the Pacific front to a close in 1945. This compulsively readable, compellingly written book will appeal to a broad audience, from readers already interested in World War II to those who are new to the subject. The fascinating photos and diagrams invite browsing.

A gripping narrative celebrating teen girls’ underrecognized contributions to Allied war efforts.