Enigma

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Alan Howard

Brought to you by Penguin.


Bletchley Park: the top-secret landmark of World War Two, where a group of young people were fighting to defeat Hitler, and win the war. March 1943, the Second World War hangs in the balance, and at Bletchley Park a brilliant young codebreaker is facing a double nightmare. The Germans have unaccountably changed their U-boat Enigma code, threatening a massive Allied defeat. And as suspicion grows that there may be a spy inside Bletchley, Jericho's girlfriend, the beautiful and mysterious Claire Romilly suddenly disappears.


© Robert Harris 1995 (P) Penguin Audio 2009

©2004 Robert Harris; (P)2004 Random House Audiobooks

Great story, Well read, Based on actual history

Would you consider the audio edition of Enigma to be better than the print version?

Just as good as the written. But you can't compare the two. They are as essentially different as bottle and draught varieties of your fovourite ale. Both are equally enjoyable. Read the book first, then listen to Alan Howard introduce you to subtly different facets of the personae of the characters. It reflects the atmosphere of wartime Britain of the Second World War. I've visited Bletchley Park and seen the Enigma machines. This book accurately complemented what I saw and read there.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Alan Turing and "Dr.Weissmann". OK, I'm a cryptophile and for years have taken a deep interest in the Enigma and the breaking of the code. "Weissmann" and Turing are unsung heroes that have been forgotten by history.

What does Alan Howard bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Atmosphere and explanation. You need to close your eyes to concentrate on the detailed explanation of the workings and theory of Enigma... You can't read with your eyes closed.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES

Any additional comments?

WHY NOT DO AN UABRIDGED VERSION..Robert is a wonderful story writer, and as most of his novels are deeply and accurately rooted in history, they are enlightening. Harris gives pages of history that might have been forgotten a boost into our appreciation of the past.

Excellent Abridgment

I usually avoid abridged versions - but the full version wasn't available so I took the punt! This is a great story expertly shortened - the narrator also is a stand-out. I can recommend this shortie - well worth the credit!

not his best work

I just couldn't get into this one like I did with Munich and Fatherland. I'd recommend those.