Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
The Woman Who Smashed Codes
The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America's Enemies | Jason Fagone
Joining the ranks of Hidden Figures and In the Garden of Beasts, the incredible true story of the greatest codebreaking duo that ever lived, an American woman and her husband who invented the modern science of cryptology together and used it to confront the evils of their time, solving puzzles that unmasked Nazi spies and helped win World War II. In 1912, at the height of World War I, brilliant Shakespeare expert Elizebeth Smith went to work for an eccentric tycoon on his estate outside Chicago. The tycoon had close ties to the U.S. government, and he soon asked Elizebeth to apply her language skills to an exciting new venture: code-breaking. There she met the man who would become her husband, groundbreaking cryptologist William Friedman. Though she and Friedman are in many ways the "Adam and Eve" of the NSA, Elizebeths story, incredibly, has never been told. In The Woman Who Smashed Codes, Jason Fagone chronicles the life of this extraordinary woman, who played an integral role in our nations history for forty years. After World War I, Smith used her talents to catch gangsters and smugglers during Prohibition, then accepted a covert mission to discover and expose Nazi spy rings that were spreading like wildfire across South America, advancing ever closer to the United States. As World War II raged, Elizebeth fought a highly classified battle of wits against Hitlers Reich, cracking multiple versions of the Enigma machine used by German spies. Meanwhile, inside an Army vault in Washington, William worked furiously to break Purple, the Japanese version of Enigmaand eventually succeeded, at a terrible cost to his personal life. Fagone unveils Americas code-breaking history through the prism of Smiths life, bringing into focus the unforgettable events and colorful personalities that would help shape modern intelligence. Blending the lively pace and compelling detail that are the hallmarks of Erik Larsons bestsellers with the atmosphere and intensity of The Imitation Game, The Woman Who Smashed Codes is page-turning popular history at its finest.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
blurb
Texreader
post image

#whatsnewwednesday Thanks @Read4life & @TheSpineView for the tag!

My life is predictable so this was a hard task—I guess it‘s the college planning for my son, who‘s been accepted to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona in the fall. The school is hosting a fancy dinner for new students at a steakhouse here in San Antonio this weekend so we‘ll start to get questions answered. It‘ll be hard as heck to send my youngest away! 🥹

Leftcoastzen That‘s impressive! 8mo
Read4life Thanks for sharing. That is such a great opportunity for him. With both of my kids now away (one for work and one in college) I definitely understand how hard it will be. 💙💙 8mo
TheSpineView You're welcome! Congrats to your son! 8mo
See All 6 Comments
Meshell1313 That‘s outstanding! Congrats! 🍾🎉 8mo
dabbe Congrats to your son! 🤩🤩🤩 Sending hugs your way, too! 🤗🤗🤗 8mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Congratulations 🎊🎈 8mo
49 likes1 stack add6 comments
blurb
Texreader
post image

My Little Free Library trade tonight

Princess-Kingofkings My daughter would love this book as well where you found it. When I visit her, her husband drives us around one day for Little Free Library book bombing. 8mo
65 likes1 comment
review
DcSunshine
Mehso-so

Lengthy and at moments dry, but the history and complexity of code breaking and how women have been there along is great. After reading code girls, this is another good option

review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

This is a meticulously researched account of cryptanalyst Elizebeth Friedman. Her story is incredible, and I loved learning about the codes she broke and the ways she contributed to breaking up a Nazi spy ring in South America. She got her start searching for codes in Shakespeare‘s 1st folio. I love how the author wove her love story with her husband into the book while never taking away from her fierce ability as a codebreaker.

30 likes1 stack add
review
Adventures_of_a_French_Reader
post image
Pickpick

Excellent book about the life of Elizebeth Smith Friedman and her pioneer career in the field of codebreaking.
The book is well constructed, informative, and at times gripping (especially when it comes to her involvement in hunting spies during World War II).
This book offers also a lot about the history of the FBI, CIA, and NSA, revealing their amateurish nature at first, and their petty power fights.

review
IhoardBOOKS
post image
Pickpick

A really interesting non-fiction book about a female code breaker, Elizebeth Smith, and her incredible life. Historically her husband has been remembered as the code breaker among them but they were a team and excelled both apart and together and this book recognizes and celebrates her contribution to code breaking.

review
Larkken
post image
Pickpick

Finally got a bingo!! May #bookspinbingo is all wrapped up.
Interesting story, lots of codes and a fascinating lady. Some new (to me) info on the Nazi influence in South America, and the fight to keep them out of this hemisphere.

blurb
Texreader
post image
DrexEdit I think I saw a special on PBS or somewhere about her recently. Her husband wasn't as good a cryptographer as she was, but he was the one that got hired by the government, because he wasn't a woman. 😕 I think this is the same person anyway. 4y
53 likes1 comment
review
Ksvz
post image
Mehso-so

Feb 2021 - Biography, WWII, code breakers - what an absolutely kick ass story and amazing woman. You need to read it.

review
Bookwormjillk
post image
Pickpick

I was fascinated by this book about Elizebeth Friedman and her life‘s work breaking codes. She had been largely forgotten by history and I‘m glad someone told her story now. Highly recommend.

Aims42 Such a fascinating and interesting read!! 4y
54 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
crazyspine
post image
Pickpick

I absolutely loved this book. I knew very little of the information in here, and I love learning. This isn't just about codebreaking, but there's also fascinating information about South American history, the war, mental illness, the FBI, etc.

blurb
Aims42
post image

Loving this presentation @Librarybelle Thanks for posting the info for it 🙌🏻

Librarybelle Yay! So glad you liked it! Thank you for attending! 4y
Aims42 @Librarybelle I “liked” your library‘s Facebook page, but I hope you‘ll continue the shameless plugs here on Litsy too! ❤️ 4y
Librarybelle Lol! Will do! 4y
36 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

One more plug for a big event at my library system tomorrow night at 6:30pm Eastern Time (and I get to introduce the author!). The book is a fascinating look at one woman‘s dedication to code breaking and who mastered much of the codes used during World War II. If you have an interest in this free event, registration details are below in comments.

Shameless promotion post over!

Cinfhen Sounds awesome 🥳Thanks for sharing 4y
Kimzey Sounds great! Hope all goes well. 👍🏼 4y
See All 12 Comments
kspenmoll So sorry I missed this! 4y
inthegreensandblues I listened and peeked at the screen while cooking dinner tonight - Great event, so interesting! 4y
Librarybelle @Cinfhen @Kimzey Thanks! It was a great program! 4y
Librarybelle @kspenmoll The program will be on my library system‘s YouTube Channel tomorrow! 4y
Librarybelle @inthegreensandblues Thanks so much for attending! Glad you liked it! 4y
Kimzey Thanks! I‘m glad it went well. Sorry I missed out, it coincided with my book club‘s Zoom evening. ☹️ 4y
Sharpeipup Sorry I missed it! The book was rather enjoyable... 4y
Librarybelle @Kimzey So many good events at the same time! 4y
Librarybelle @Sharpeipup The book is really good! 4y
71 likes1 stack add12 comments
review
Librarybelle
post image
Pickpick

Elizebeth Friedman was one pretty amazing woman, cracking secret codes created by Nazis and rum runners. Fagone‘s passion for Friedman‘s breadth of work is quite apparent...the more you read, the more you are amazed by everything she accomplished and how most of it remained hidden for decades. Highly recommended. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle I would also be completely remiss if I did not mention that this is the One Book for my library system this year. I, as the chair of the committee, have the honor of introducing Fagone next week at the big virtual author program. It‘s free, and you get to hear me ramble on in nerves. More details and registration through this site if you are interested: https://www.adamslibrary.org/events/adams-county-reads-one-book-evening-jason-fa... 4y
Aims42 How cool, thanks for sharing the link - I registered and can‘t wait! I loved this book, I live about 20 mins from where they worked in Geneva, IL (edited) 4y
Librarybelle @Aims42 That is so cool! Thanks for signing up...I think the program will be fascinating! 4y
paper.reveries Sounds like a fascinating book! 4y
90 likes3 stack adds5 comments
blurb
Sharpeipup
post image

Taking this book on the road.
#audiobook

36 likes1 stack add
blurb
Texreader
post image
52 likes1 stack add
review
Kelican17
post image
Pickpick

Read this for a book club at work. Very interesting story and a quirky beginning to her long career in code breaking.

17 likes1 stack add
blurb
alysonimagines
post image

Well here‘s historical validation for the same way I decided to celebrate my birthday today—sleeping in. When you are bone tired, THAT IS THE CELEBRATION. Woo-hoo! 😴🎉

Soubhiville Happy Birthday! I hope the extra sleep helped. 5y
alysonimagines @Soubhiville Thank you! 💕 It did. Reading a good book is also helping. ☺️📖 5y
6 likes2 comments
review
rsteve388
Bailedbailed

I bailed on this I wasn't getting into it. I think it maybe the format, I was listening to via audiobook.

wanderinglynn Have you read Code Girls? I‘m listening to the audiobook now & enjoying it. Sounds like it might be similar to this one, but Code Girls takes a broader look at the women who helped cracked the codes during WWII. 5y
rsteve388 Hmm I haven't. Seems interesting. I'll give it a shot. 5y
16 likes2 comments
blurb
rsteve388

#NFNov Points have been counted! A couple of announcements.

1.) If I left a note that asks if you finished or if this is a TIL please let me know. Sometimes it isn't apparent to me and I want to ensure I give everyone their full points.

2.) Sign ups are closed. I am gonna take down the sign up sheet.

Happy Reading!

erzascarletbookgasm What‘s TIL? 5y
rsteve388 Today I Learned 5y
22 likes2 comments
blurb
rsteve388

#NFNov Sorry y'all today has been way busier then u expected. And I am trying to spend time with my partner before he leaves for a new job in IN. I will count points around 8pm my time before I go to bed.

Megabooks Take care and don‘t feel bad. 💜 5y
erzascarletbookgasm I didn‘t know we‘re given points, thanks and take care. 5y
25 likes2 comments
blurb
rsteve388
post image

So I am looking through my Audiobook TBR looking for my first #NFNov Read and I found this and as always, I like to see how long a book is before I commit to it. And when I looked at this book... I was like.. weird.. they have 8 hours for ONE chapter.. I am still new to audiobooks.. but what is that about?!! #Audiobooks

rockpools Woah. That‘s just... uncomfortable! 5y
ljuliel Holy smokes ! I go through lots of audiobooks and have never seen a chapter that long ! I wonder why it‘s divided that way ? 5y
rsteve388 I mean uncomfortable is right. I have to wonder if the real book is one long chapter. 5y
23 likes3 comments
review
FireproofBunny
post image
Pickpick
DivineDiana I love this book and the cover! 5y
gradcat So great! ♥️ 5y
15 likes2 comments
review
DivineDiana
post image
Pickpick

This is a photo of Elizebeth and William Friedman in the early days of their relationship. As I read this remarkable story of love,war, and spies, I couldn‘t help but think that it would make a great movie. Just discovered that the creators of the hit TV show The Good Wife have optioned the rights. Loved the Friedmans relationship, and am in awe of the brilliant mind of Elizebeth! #girlpower

Cinfhen Would you recommend this book for book club?? 5y
DivineDiana @Cinfhen Absolutely! Well researched, intelligent writing and non fiction that reads like fiction! 5y
Cinfhen Oh good!!! Adding to my list 💚 5y
74 likes2 stack adds3 comments
quote
DivineDiana
post image

“ For all the harmless innocence conjured by the word “library” the Friedmans knew the truth: a library, properly maintained, could save the world- or burn it down. “

Photo: The Friedmans in their home library, 1957.

Crazeedi This made me think of the library in Alexandria that was destroyed, so much knowledge just gone...😢 5y
DivineDiana @Crazeedi Yes, so sad. The Friedmans were so protective of their books, that they kept an axe mounted over the doorway to warn borrowers to return their books! 5y
Crazeedi @DivineDiana that's hilarious! But a great idea, I rarely lend the ones I really care about. Other ones I'll give away 5y
61 likes2 stack adds3 comments
quote
kspenmoll
post image

The time of Trump. 😱 Maybe a bit exaggerated, but some days that is how I feel.

rretzler Truth! 5y
43 likes1 comment
blurb
kspenmoll
post image

#weekendreads
📚 Book of Dirt, Miracle Creek, Murder by the Book, tagged book.
📚last recommended Secrets of Nanreath Hall to ex student I buddy read with. She just graduated but we are reading this summer. She loves historical fiction.
📚12 library books. Think I have a library thing???! Won‘t promise to read them all...

blurb
kspenmoll
post image

#nonfiction #womenwarriors #womenandscience #womenandhistory

Loving this book about Elizebeth Friedman who was responsible for “smashing codes” for decades, while the infamous Director of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover publicly took the credit.Here is an interview with the author, Jason Fagone.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/15/books/tell-us-5-things-woman-who-smashed-code...

53 likes2 stack adds
blurb
DivineDiana
post image

Next IRL Book Club read! #nonfiction

kspenmoll I just started this.😃 5y
Librarybelle Several people I know really like this one. I have it on my to read list! 5y
DivineDiana @kspenmoll We can “compare notes”! 🙂 (edited) 5y
See All 7 Comments
DivineDiana @Librarybelle Good to know! 🙂 5y
Aims42 A fascinating read!! Hope you enjoy it 🤩 5y
Graywacke (Interesting abbreviated title on my phone - it truncates the last two letters. I was confused in an intrigued way for a moment.) 5y
DivineDiana @Graywacke 😂 (edited) 5y
66 likes1 stack add7 comments
blurb
howjessicareads
post image
Megabooks I picked it up! 5y
Lauren_reading Great book! 5y
Aims42 Loved this book!! 5y
70 likes2 stack adds3 comments
review
Lauren_reading
post image
Pickpick

An amazing book about an amazing woman. Elizebeth broke codes of smuggling rings, maxi spy rings and, along with her husband, helped develop the science of cryptanalysis. #audiobook #nonfiction

65 likes2 stack adds
review
LibraryCin
post image
Mehso-so

This was good. It was interesting to learn about the history of cryptology and even more interesting that a woman was at the forefront of it! I listened to the audio, and while the narrator was fine, and mostly I was kept interested, my mind did wander occasionally. I think that‘s why I sometimes forgot who was who and why I kept my rating down just a bit from the 4 stars I‘d like to give! Cont in comments...

LibraryCin I would recommend this be read in print, though, as there is plenty I think I would have liked to have seen on a page rather than heard read out to me. Apparently, there was an “enhancement” to the audio that should come with the audio, but not via my library (though I have had one other book in the past from the library that came with a pdf I could (and did) download to look at graphs and charts). 6y
10 likes1 comment
quote
Books_n_Whatnot
post image

This book is just so quotable. Do your own digging!

quote
Books_n_Whatnot
post image

succinct & colorful

review
Books_n_Whatnot
post image
Pickpick

Top-notch research from Jason Fagone! I appreciated the references and notes. This book took Elizebeth and William Friedman‘s story (already engaging) and revealed it masterfully. Well-balanced between their technical careers and private life. Much like Elizebeth, this book is not fussy. Some authors get caught up in emphasizing ‘firsts‘ for women, but Fagone did history justice without distracting from the achievements of the individual.

Books_n_Whatnot @scale-shark really nailed this rec. Right up my alley 6y
scale-shark I'm so glad you liked it!! 6y
6 likes2 comments
blurb
Bookish_B
post image

The books I picked up at my friend's wedding (which was in a bookstore) Saturday night. She told me we could shop for books while there but I wonder how many people actually have at any of the weddings that have been held there ...? 🤔😂

review
ElectricKatyLand
Pickpick

Fascinating biography of Elizabeth Friedman, codebreaker extraordinaire who helped thwart the Nazis.

blurb
mrslamping
post image

As always, I checked out way too many books from the library and I can‘t renew them because someone requested them. So here‘s to trying to knock all these out in the next 4 days!

Sharpeipup I do the same thing! 6y
8 likes1 comment
review
Creadnorthey
post image
Pickpick

Pretty good listen- I rarely do audio books- definitely in the same league as “Garden of the Beasts” - some fantastic history and cool stuff you never would think of in light of the bang-bang war movies out there. All this was great yet where it failed as an audio listen was when it got too technical with cyphers and numbers... just a jumble in my mind... this book gives props to ink and paper in more ways then one!

blurb
DebinHawaii
post image

A little morning non-fiction reading (& a cat nap) in bed before I officially start the day. The tagged book isn't in this picture as I was reading it one-handed with my Kindle & had to set it down to take the pic, but Max?wanted me to post it to tell all of his Litsy friends, "Happy Saturday/Caturday!" ?He says that he thinks print books are better for scritches, but he likes when his mom has a hand free to use as a pillow.?
#catsoflitsy ?❤️

BookBabe 😻 6y
SandyW I love it when my kitties sleep on me, however that manifests itself. 😻 6y
mcipher Hi Max!! 💚💚 6y
See All 6 Comments
ValerieAndBooks Hello Max 💖! 6y
Cinfhen Max😻😻😻 6y
rubyslippersreads My handsome Max! 😻😻😻 6y
125 likes6 comments
review
Lea
post image
Pickpick

This was so well written. Her life is so interesting and full of adventure it seems like you‘re reading fiction. This is an amazing account of her life. A good compliment if you read Code Girls. Definitely recommend. #herstory

14 likes1 stack add