Ever fantasize about the CIA knocking on your door and recruiting you into the secret world of international espionage (think Matt Damon as Jason Bourne)? Do you love history, particularly the 1940s and 50s? Then look no further and add Transcription to your must read list!

Juliet is recruited into MI5 and sent to an isolated division whose mission is to track British Fascist sympathizers. At first, she has a desk job, but soon she is sent into the field to collect intelligence on the group. She makes friends, she goes on dates, and she mixes with the upper crust of society. Fast forward 10 years after the end of WWII – Juliet now works at BBC and tries to leave the war behind her.

This novel is told in a now-and-then narrative, detailing Juliet’s time both during and after the war. You follow as the perceived glitz and glamour of a life in espionage slowly fades into monotony with most of her day consumed with minutiae. Atkinson is very detailed in her depiction and paints a full picture of Juliet’s experience.

I wanted to love this book, as it is right up my historical-fiction-loving alley, especially the WWII time period. I had also heard rave reviews of Kate Atkinson. However, the narrative never grabbed me. I never connected to Juliet or found her plight particularly interesting. There were moments where I was hooked, but overall I wanted this book to be more than it was.

Verdict: Read it (3.5/5 stars)
Length: 352 pages
When: You’re in the mood for a spy novel and love the 1940s.
Quote: “Choice, it seemed, was one of the first casualties of war.”
Also Read: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Buy Transcription by Kate Atkinson