The Brightwood Code
The Brightwood Code by Monica Hesse, published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in 2024, is a historical fiction novel that explores the hidden experiences of women during World War I. The story follows Edda, one of the “Hello Girls,” who served as a switchboard operator for the US Army. After returning to Washington, DC, she grapples with her past and the traumatic events that led to her early departure from the front lines. When a mysterious phone call invokes the code word “Brightwood,” Edda is compelled to confront the secrets that have haunted her since the war.
Readers will find a narrative that delves into themes of family, resilience, and the impact of war on individuals. As Edda teams up with Theo, a fellow survivor of the conflict, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the call and the shadows of their shared history. This edition, comprising 336 pages, presents a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated military environment, while also weaving in elements of mystery and detective storytelling.
Official synopsis Publisher
Timely and unforgettable,The Brightwood Code sheds light on hidden history and the brutality of being a woman in a war built by men.
“The Brightwood Code has everything I love in a book.” –Stacey Lee, New York Times bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club pick The Downstairs Girl
Seven months ago, Edda was on the World War I front lines as one of two hundred “Hello Girls,” female switchboard operators employed by the US Army. She spent her nights memorizing secret connection codes to stay ahead of spying enemies, and her days connecting vital calls between platoons and bases and generals, all trying to survive–and win–a brutal war. Their lives were in Edda’s hands, and one day, in fateful seconds, everything went wrong.
Now, Edda is back in Washington, DC, working as an American Bell Telephone operator, the picture of respectability. But when her shift ends, Edda is barely hanging on, desperate to forget the circumstances that cut her time overseas short. When she receives a panicked phone call from someone who utters the fateful code word “Brightwood,” Edda has no choice but to confront her past. With precious few clues and help only from Theo, a young man bearing his own WWI scars, Edda races to uncover what secrets may have followed her across the ocean.
New York Times bestselling author Monica Hesse delivers a gripping thriller that will leave you guessing until the last page.
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Starred reviews from ★ The Bulletin ★ The Horn Book ★ Publishers Weekly ★ SLJ
“Page-turning.” ―The Washington Post
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Brightwood Code” about?
Who is the author of “The Brightwood Code”?
When was “The Brightwood Code” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Brightwood Code”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
