Author Discussion: Kate Quinn and Lauren Willig

This recording is presented in partnership with Princeton Public Library and the Historical Society of Princeton. The acclaimed historical fiction authors engage in a moderated discussion about their new books as part of Women’s History Month.

Based on a true story, Willig’s “Band of Sisters: A Novel” unearths the story of the Smith College Relief Unit, a group of young women who risked their lives to bring humanitarian aid to civilians in France at the height of World War I. The extensively researched book has been called a “seamless, well-plotted tale” that will “entice readers from the very first page” by Publishers Weekly.

The secretive world of World War II’s Bletchley Park and the female codebreakers who were essential in cracking the Axis’ Enigma codes is brought to life in Quinn’s “The Rose Code.” Among other themes, the book explores the ideas of equality in the workplace, female autonomy and the complexity of female friendship. The book follows the tradition Quinn set with her previous books “The Alice Network” and “The Huntress” – spotlighting women’s untold, overlooked or simply forgotten efforts.

This event was recorded on March 30, 2021.

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