 Jon Ostenson | Our Weekend Picks for January 24th comes to us again from blog contributor Jon Ostenson, who last week suggested the 2024 historical graphic novel Pearl. His recommendations continue in the historical fiction genre with this week's pick. To remind readers, Jon Ostenson is a former high school English teacher, an associate professor, and the current director of the English Education program at Brigham Young University. He teaches courses in young adult literature and writing pedagogy. Although Jon enjoys every class he teaches, he particularly enjoys his assignment to teach General Education literature courses where he can introduce students from all disciplines to the power and diversity of Young Adult Literature. |
The Brightwood Code by Monica Hesse
 | Edda, whose unique name came about because her father was hoping for a son he planned to name Edward, surprises her blue blood family by heading to France during World War I to work the switchboards for the American Expedition Forces. She returns unexpectedly to the United States and takes a job at the American Bell Telephone switchboard in Washington, D.C., where she struggles to cope with her trauma and the guilt that plague her after a deadly mistake at her switchboard in Europe led to the deaths of American soldiers. When a mysterious caller calls and admonishes her to “tell the truth” about those events, she enlists the help of Theo, a young man who lives with her in her aunt’s boarding house (and who also becomes a potential romantic interest), to uncover who knows her secret and what this unknown person wants from her. |
Monica Hesse takes her first foray into the World War I and shows that she can write historical fiction about that war that’s as good as the books she’s written about WWII. Her writing features the details that immerse readers in this historical setting, in this case shining light on the little-known role played by the Hello Girls who were critical to military communications for the Americans in fighting in the European theater. She also knows how to craft an intriguing mystery that keeps you guessing as the plot unfolds and reveals real story.
 Author Monica Hesse | Every time I thought I knew what had happened in Edda’s past, a new twist would have me guessing again. In The Brightwood Code, Hesse once again creates interesting and authentic characters who reflect and challenge the times they live in. Readers will be drawn to Edda and Theo’s wrestles with guilt and unresolved traumas as they learn more about the role that these brave women played in the First World War. |
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