The Woman All Spies Fear

An inspiring true story, perfect for fans of Hidden Figures, about an American woman who pioneered codebreaking in WWI and WWII but was only recently recognized for her extraordinary contributions.

A YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FINALIST ? A KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Elizebeth Smith Friedman had a rare talent for spotting patterns and solving puzzles. These skills led her to become one of the top cryptanalysts in America during both World War I and World War II.

She originally came to code breaking through her love for Shakespeare when she was hired by an eccentric millionaire to prove that Shakespeare’s plays had secret messages in them. Within a year, she had learned so much about code breaking that she was a star in the making. She went on to play a major role decoding messages during WWI and WWII and also for the Coast Guard’s war against smugglers.

Elizebeth and her husband, William, became the top code-breaking team in the US, and she did it all at a time when most women weren’t welcome in the workforce.

Amy Butler Greenfield is an award-winning historian and novelist who aims to shed light on this female pioneer of the STEM community.

Editorial Reviews

*09/20/2021

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. (Oct.)
– Publishers Weekly

A captivating account of the life and critical contributions of ‘one of the most formidable code breakers in the world.'“ –Publishers Weekly, starred review

„Greenfield delivers the tale with enthusiasm and narrative flair, including lots of photos of her photogenic subject.“ –The Bulletin, starred review

„Inspiring, informative, and entertaining.“ –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
– From the Publisher

12/01/2021

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
– School Library Journal

*2021-08-16
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)
– Kirkus Reviews