The Bletchley Riddle

The Bletchley Riddle is a novel based on secrets. It is not only set during the real, top-secret efforts by the British to crack the German Enigma code, it also concerns a family that communicates largely through codes themselves. They each have different secrets and struggle to navigate their taut familial dynamics because of this. Through their experiences, the novel explores the burden of secrets.

Jakob proudly admits in the first chapter that he is dedicated to learning secrets, but his sister soon after expresses that their relationship has suffered because of his own detachment, lack of communication, and mysterious job that restricts him from being more honest with her. Lizzie thinks, “I prefer being straightforward. My older brother, Jakob, used to be straightforward. Before Willa disappeared, that is. Willa is our mother. Killed in a bomb blast, they told us. A falsity I refuse to accept” (11). This demonstrates how her response to emotional strain has been to be forthcoming; meanwhile, Jakob has reacted by withdrawing and avoiding the facts about Willa’s disappearance that call the story of her death into question. As a result, he no longer understands his sister, and she likewise struggles to admit that she no longer understands him.