The Woman All Spies Fear

Starred review from September 20, 2021
This comprehensive biography centers Elizebeth Smith Friedman (1892–1980), one of America’s most important and little-known code breakers, who had a profound impact on WWI and WWII. Greenfield thoroughly covers Friedman’s life, from her repressive childhood; college education; early introduction to codes in a research program run by an eccentric millionaire; marriage to and partnership with brilliant fellow cryptanalyst William Friedman; and varied government career and later life. While coverage of Friedman’s extended professional machinations slows the pace, the book proves strongest as it ably chronicles how her skills developed and homes in on codes and code breaking. Recurring offset feature “Code Breaker” offers fascinating details on the mechanics, such as “Rail Fence Love Letter,” a coded love note; “Solving in Depth,” which highlights Friedman’s work on the famous Nazi Enigma code; and “The Last Word,” which reveals how Friedman even employed a code on her husband’s tombstone. B&w photographs help round out the history, alongside primary sources such as news stories and even Friedman’s own handwritten notes. A captivating account of the life and critical contributions of “one of the most formidable code breakers in the world.” Back matter includes a bibliography and notes. Ages 12–up.

October 15, 2021
Grades 8-10 After graduating from college in 1915, Elizebeth Smith was recruited by a wealthy eccentric to join a team attempting to identify and decrypt secret messages in Shakespeare's First Folio. She enjoyed the challenge of decryption, and soon, as America prepared to enter WWI, she and her future husband, William Friedman, became the government's go-to experts for code breaking. Later, she continued to develop her expertise and train others while working for the Navy, the Coast Guard, the Treasury Department, and other government agencies, gathering evidence on Prohibition-era rumrunners, identifying wartime spies, and decoding enemy secrets. She raised a family while working tirelessly at demanding jobs that remained secret for decades, until relevant documents were declassified. This well-researched volume delves into Elizebeth Smith Friedman's youth, her unconventional route to her profession, her relationship with her supportive spouse, her accomplishments in cryptology, and her sometimes troubling experiences as a twentieth-century woman working in a "man's field." Occasional vintage photos and code-related challenges in sidebars enhance the presentation. An engrossing book for readers intrigued by codes, cyphers, and espionage.

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December 1, 2021

Gr 8 Up-Most people have likely never heard of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, but she is one of the most prolific code breakers in U.S. history. Often overshadowed by her husband, with whom she worked closely, this biographical account of her life brings her story to young adult readers. From falling into code breaking by landing a job for an eccentric millionaire during a visit to the library to falling in love with a fellow code breaker and working her way through two world wars solving ciphers and more, Smith Friedman's life story is a fascinating one. The book follows a linear time line, from her birth and childhood all the way to how she has been recognized and commended post-humously. Each chapter ends on a cliff-hanger, which helps to make a sometimes slow-paced narrative more engaging. There are also sections that break up the chapters called "Code Breaks," which give more detail on either the subject's work or the ciphers themselves. This narrative is very dense at times, but the level of detail and interesting topic make up for that. The back matter includes a bibliography and notes from each chapter. VERDICT A worthy purchase for secondary school libraries and where there are gaps in historical biography sections, especially about women in STEM.-Molly Dettmann, Norman North H.S., OK

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2021
This biography of a groundbreaking cryptanalyst is entwined with crucial episodes in U.S. history. Thorough research and accessible, enthusiastic writing create a page-turning read as thrilling as a spy novel. The text begins with Elizebeth Smith's childhood: born in Indiana in 1892 to a Civil War veteran father and a former teacher mother, both devout Christians, she was determined to attend college despite her father's opposition. She succeeded, finding her way to Chicago, where a library visit led to a research job working for eccentric millionaire Col. Fabyan at his estate, Riverbank. There she met a Russian-born fellow employee, her future husband, William Friedman. They eventually comprised Fabyan's Department of Ciphers and married despite both families' religious objections (William was Jewish). Almost unbelievable adventures ensued as the couple practiced their craft and plotted their escape from Riverbank's maniacal owner. Elizebeth's skills enabled the prosecution of alcohol-smuggling criminals during Prohibition. The couple's work also saved lives and helped capture spies during both world wars. Between the wars, they threw elaborate code-breaking parties. Sadly, they also contended with antisemitism, misogyny, and William's mental health issues; nonetheless, the tone overall is compelling and upbeat. Nearly every chapter about this intrepid, intelligent, energetic woman ends with a cliffhanger whose promise is fulfilled in the following one. Elizebeth's life unfolded against a backdrop of some of the 20th century's most pivotal events, and this riveting title is a fine tribute to her accomplishments. Inspiring, informative, and entertaining. (bibliography, notes) (Biography. 12-18)

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