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The Codebreaker's Daughter
In the heart of the US capital, Dinah Kendall's role for the Office of Strategic Services isn't the thrilling espionage career she dreamed of. Instead, she spends her days crafting rumors aimed at undermining Axis morale. As Dinah navigates her duties, she uncovers a startling revelation: Her mother, Lillian, was once a codebreaker, cracking military ciphers during the Great War alongside some of the nation's most brilliant minds. The deeper Dinah dives into her mother's past, the more secrets come to light--including the heavy cost of high-stakes codebreaking.
Lillian, though resolute in her decision to avoid war work, reluctantly enters the fray when old friends in Washington, DC, seek her expertise. Both mother and daughter find themselves working behind the scenes--and working together--to support the Allied cause. But just when Dinah begins to excel in her new position, everything she's worked so hard to obtain comes crashing down around her. Caught in a web of intrigue and unsure who to trust, she must piece together the truth in time to confront the shadowy threat that could compromise the impending D-Day invasion.
A compelling World War I and World War II home front novel inspired by true stories of codebreakers and OSS agents. Courage, danger, and a mother-daughter bond interweave in this compelling historical tale that will appeal to readers of Sarah Sundin and Madeline Martin.
These discussion questions were provided by the publisher, Bethany House.
Book club questions for The Codebreaker's Daughter by Amy Lynn Green
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
What did you like or dislike about the novel’s inclusion of two different timelines, the main story in WWII and flashbacks to WWI? Did you have a favorite between the two?
How would you describe Lillian and Dinah’s relationship at the beginning of the novel? In what ways did they grow closer throughout the story?
The Author’s Note mentions that Elizebeth and William Friedman and George Fabyan are historical figures. Does knowing this change how you view the events of the novel? If so, how?
Both Lillian and the Friedmans deal with a stigma around mental illness during their era. What was most interesting to you about their struggles? Do you think this issue has gone away?
Until recently, Elizebeth’s contributions were nearly entirely forgotten, with William getting much more credit for the work he accomplished. Elizebeth tells Lillian, “History has a way of forgetting all but the emperors and generals . . . and the occasional brilliant playwright. Women in particular often change the world quietly, without recognition.” Has that been true in your experience? Are there other little-known women in history you would like to read a novel about?
Mr. Agnew says of his work at Morale Operations: “I believe truth is the most powerful force on this earth. Still, the lies we manufacture in Morale Operations might give us the edge we need. Because sometimes, the truth is that our enemies are winning the battle. If we let them know it, they might win the war.” Do you agree or disagree with his (or Dinah’s) justification for using deception during wartime?
Did you have suspicions about who might be behind Dinah’s feeling of being followed? At what point did you realize the truth?
Margot insists Winora and Lillian have a lot in common, despite having very different personalities and life experiences. Can you see any evidence for that comparison?
Given the opportunity, would you be a better fit for codebreaking at Riverbank or rumor creation with the OSS? Or would you turn down both jobs?
Early in the novel, Roger’s mother tells Lillian, “There is great honor in being an ordinary woman.” How does this theme play out throughout the novel?
Do you think Roger and Lillian are suited for each other? Were you hoping they would get together, despite the difficult start to their relationship?
Near the end of the novel, Roger assesses Lillian’s main problem as one of putting her family and role as wife and mother before anything else, even her faith. Do you agree? What are some signs she has been putting too much pressure on that particular dream?
Which historical details did you find the most interesting?
Do you have any predictions about what Lillian and Dinah will choose to do after the events of the novel, perhaps even after the war?
The Codebreaker's Daughter Book Club Questions PDF
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"Readers will thrill in peering behind the curtain of US-based intelligence during the world wars."--ERIKA ROBUCK, bestselling author