I started reading Code Name Verity, written by Elizabeth E. Wein. It centers around a spy after being captured by the Nazis. After being tortured, she gives up and is told to write down everything she knows about the war. The novel goes from first person view of the captured girl writing her story, to in her writing, her friend Maddie’s view. The novel raises some philosophical issues that soldiers face daily during war. They wonder if what they are doing is for the greater good, and if their actions are actually saving or killing people. For example, on page 55, ‘queenie’ says “ ‘Number nine, killing someone. By accident or on purpose. Did I save that German laddie’s life yesterday, or destroy it? You do it too- tell the fighters where to find them. You’re responsible. Do you think about it?’ “. ‘Queenie’ is explaining her fears to her friend Maddie and how she wonders if her translating is saving people’s lives or destroying them. This is a good example of how war puts ordinary people in horrible situations which tests their moral compasses to the point of breaking. A quote from what I’ve read from the novel so far that interests me is:
“He does not trust Thibaut because Thibaut is french, and he does not trust Engel because Engel is a woman.” pg 24
I find this quote intriguing because Von Linden, one of the nazi leaders in the ‘base/prison’ she is kept in, is both sexist and nativist. I wonder how people’s sense of discrimination prevents work from getting done, in general and especially in war, where people’s abilities are needed in life or death situations, despite the backgrounds or orientation. This quote is important because it shows how deep the nazi party’s sense of fear and distrust runs. Although they targeted jews and those that opposed them specifically, they had a serious sense of distrust for anyone that was not them, or looked like them. And even german women, because of sexism, were still not treated the same as german men. This novel so far has been extremely interesting to me, to read from the point of view of a spy, captured by nazis, in World War II.
I like how Riley included what interests her and includes specific thoughts and inferences about the book. It it clear that she understands what it happening and is able to write a thoughtful response. I also agree that people’s discrimination during the war could prevent work from being done, even though I didn’t read the book.