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416
Biography • Nonfiction
Oak Ridge, Tennessee • 1940s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Published in 2013, Denise Kiernan’s The Girls of Atomic City tells the stories of Oak Ridge, a secret town in Tennessee built around plutonium processing plants, and the women who worked there during World War II. The book details life in Oak Ridge, where secrecy and surveillance were paramount, and workers contributed to the development of the atomic bomb. The narrative explores the creation of community amidst challenging conditions and the mixed reactions of these women upon learning the true nature of their work after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Informative
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Mysterious
Inspirational
34,557 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan offers a vivid historical narrative that brings to life the untold stories of women working in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project. The book is praised for its thorough research and engaging storytelling. However, some critics note that the structure can be disjointed and the depth of individual characters' stories varied. Overall, it's an enlightening read.
Readers who enjoy engaging historical narratives and books like Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly or The Radium Girls by Kate Moore will relish The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan. This book appeals to those fascinated by untold stories of women's contributions during WWII and the intricacies of the Manhattan Project.
34,557 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kattie
A black woman working as a janitor at CEW, who faces racial discrimination and segregation despite Executive Order 8802. She demonstrates resilience and ingenuity by maintaining a sense of normalcy within the constraints of her segregated environment.
Jane
A local woman who excels in statistics after facing sexist barriers in engineering and chooses to work at CEW to remain near her father. Her role underscores the security measures for higher-ranking positions and her appreciation for being part of significant wartime work.
Virginia
A worker at CEW who encounters issues with security clearance before starting her job and eventually works with "yellowcake" in a lab. Her position allows her to engage directly with scientific advancements and she adheres to the confidentiality required by the Project.
416
Biography • Nonfiction
Oak Ridge, Tennessee • 1940s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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