The Women of Arlington Hall

Had you ever heard of the US codebreaking operation known as the Venona Project, before reading this novel?

Did the book introduce you to any new historical details or events that you hadn't previously known about?

Were any aspects of the early Cold War years in America surprising to you?

Which character in the story was the most compelling to you? Why?

As a woman in the 1940s, Cat took the road less traveled in terms of her career path. What are the many ways things have changed for women in terms of life and career opportunities? What, if anything, is still similar?

Cat's uncle was a traitor to his country, but his reasons for that were nuanced. Discuss the choices he made and why. Do you agree with those choices? Why or why not?

What were some of the major themes that emerged in the story?

Did you notice any parallels between historical events in the story and contemporary challenges or debates?

Do you think any of the characters in the story would be considered neurodivergent today?

Was there a scene that completely took you by surprise? Did any character's actions surprise you?

What symbols, motifs, or cultural elements had a particular significance throughout the story? In what way were they significant? How did they tie into the historical settings or the overall themes of the book?

Did you find the ending of the novel satisfying? Was the resolution fitting given the historical context?