Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Book Review - The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan


 The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan is the Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II.  This is a work of non-fiction that has been solidly researched. But it's told like a story as Kiernan zeroes in and follows some key women who are representative of the thousands of women brought to Oak Ridge, Tennessee to work on a secret project. Chosen from small towns across America, they performed key tasks, kept quiet, and forged bonds with strangers as they lived in a created muddy city of 75,000 residents. Chemists, secretaries, factory workers - All were key in helping to end WWII

back blurb: Drawing on the voices of the women who lived it- women who are now in their eighties and nineties - The Girls of Atomic City rescues a remarkable, forgotten chapter of American history from obscurity. Kiernan captures the spirit of the times through these women, their pluck, their desire to contribute, and their enduring courage. 

I had no idea what all went into the building of the nuclear bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. This book is fascinating as it truly goes behind the scenes and gives snippets of the action. It also shows how women and men from all walks of life truly worked together for the sake of America. Loose lips could sink ships, as the saying  goes back then. Oak Ridge, TN was an amazing hub for history. Excellent, eye-opening book. 

9 comments:

  1. I wonder if it's destined to be a movie like Hidden Figures?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've not heard anything about a movie, but this book is not very old

      Delete
  2. I think it would make a great movie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You and Alex think alike. There are strong characters and lots of intrigue with quite the finale - start writing a screenplay!

      Delete
  3. Hi Joanne - sounds a very interesting book - I'm sure I'll read it in the years to come. Take care and nearly the end of the year - leaving you more time .. cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Indeed, time is zooming by. Lots of reading time ahead.

      Delete
  4. This sounds as though it hits all the feels. An important glimpse into an otherwise neglected part of history. Thanks, Joanne.

    Be well and warm.

    ReplyDelete