Official Review: Code Name Lily by Julien Ayotte

Kelsey Hatch · Post by **Kelsey Hatch** » 20 Oct 2019, 12:12

Wow, I have never read a historical novel about Belgium before, especially during WWII. This sounds like a personal account of a war that affected the whole world. Despite the repetition issues, it sounds worthwhile! I think I could learn a lot. Thanks for an informative review!

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 20 Oct 2019, 12:14

I enjoy learning history via fiction. This book focuses on the Belgian angle of WWII. While not actively fighting, women like Lily were vital to the Allied forces. As part of the Comet Line, they helped many downed airmen escape German capture. Hurrah for these brave women!

todwyer01 · Post by **todwyer01** » 20 Oct 2019, 12:15

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting historical fiction taking place in WWII following one woman who saved over 250 allied soldiers and one of those allied soldiers' experiences being shot down and later saved by this woman referred to only as Lily. It is worth a second look. Well done.

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 20 Oct 2019, 12:24

Nice depiction of the allied bombing routes into Germany during second world war is given uniquely in the historical fiction novel Code Name Lily by Julien Ayotte, which focuses Lily,a woman being a part of secretive Belgian resistance and was responsible for saving the lives of over 250 allied soldiers. The story appears quite engaging.

Katherine Smith · Post by **Katherine Smith** » 20 Oct 2019, 12:33

I agree with you that this book is a refreshing take on World War II. I have not read anything about the Belgian resistance like I have with the French resistance. I like that the author wove two stories together and two separate time periods. I think that the author did not need to repeat the same details of the father's story multiple times, but instead could have picked up where the story left off.

jemgirl202 · Post by **jemgirl202** » 20 Oct 2019, 12:39

In my personal opinion, the WWII historical fiction genre is getting so big that some of the stories begin sound the same. Not this novel. This one sounds truly fascinating about finding out about the past and the Belgian Resistance. I added this book to my TBR. Congrats on the book of the day! Great review.

Howlan · Post by **Howlan** » 20 Oct 2019, 12:40

I am very big fan of historical war stories specially those relating to World War II. I really love your description of it and can't wait to read it. Thank you for recommending the book.

Nuel Ukah · Post by **Nuel Ukah** » 20 Oct 2019, 12:44

I like books like this that cause us to remember our fallen heroes in war and appreciate the efforts of our living heroes that lay down their lives daily for us.

chelhack · Post by **chelhack** » 20 Oct 2019, 12:48

This may turn out to be a good read once one began reading it bt at this point I do not feel any urges in wanting to read it.

MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 20 Oct 2019, 13:03

I will typically read a historical fiction book if it is a period I want to learn more about and if there is a character that interests me. This has both, and I can’t wait to read it! Thank you for your review.

Laura Ungureanu · Post by **Laura Ungureanu** » 20 Oct 2019, 13:10

I've never read a WWII story from Belgium. I want to learn more about this Belgian resistance that sheltered allied soldiers. I love reading about lesser-known events from WWII.

Jordan David · Post by **Chelsy Scherba** » 20 Oct 2019, 13:16

I love historical fiction, especially if it’s accurate to the time period and teaches me new things. This sounds like an excellent tribute to the heroes of WWII.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 20 Oct 2019, 13:31

Ayotte taught me some amazing things regarding this time period and about those trying to escape occupied Belgium that I never knew before. For example, those trying the shield Americans and Canadians from the prying eyes of the Gestapo had to watch extremely closely to the mannerisms that were used so as not to give away the fact that they weren’t European. Something as simple as switching the hand that uses the knife or the fork during the course of a meal (apparently something a European would never do) or shielding one’s lighter from the wind (a habit from lighting cigarettes on airfields with strong crosswinds) would be enough to give them away.

These details are fascinating to learn and they show how much effort and bravery were needed to survive in these horrible circumstances.
The moving timelines rarely bother me, but repetition does. However, I have a special place in my heart and my bookshelves for WWII books, so I won't miss the chance to read this one.
Thanks for a thorough review!

AvidBibliophile · Post by **AvidBibliophile** » 20 Oct 2019, 13:37

Bombs away... and a barrage of bullets in Belgium, my what a scary time in history in must have been for those brave souls of both genders who withstood the harrowing onslaught.

Sangeetha+Narayan · Post by **Sangeetha+Narayan** » 20 Oct 2019, 13:46

Ever since I have joined online book club as a reviewer, historical fiction has become a genre that I'm beginning to like. I absolutely loved the sample pages. The story begins with a lot of promise. I definitely hope to read this book soon.