The Girls of Atomic City is a fascinating read. I suspect many readers (myself included) know little to nothing about Oak Ridge, Tennessee, so this well-written novel opened up a whole new world to me. Author Denise Kiernan creates an engaging narrative from the letters and reminiscing of nine young women living and working in Oak Ridge during World War II. The chapters alternate between the firsthand accounts and the more factual information about the science and history behind the atomic bomb itself.
The Girls of Atomic City is a meticulously researched book with a lot of scientific terminology and research. Despite the immense and scholarly subject matter, Kiernan makes the tale both readable and interesting. The book’s photographs and list of characters were an added bonus. I loved reading how these women each had a role in building the world’s first atomic bomb — subsequently ending the war and bringing fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons back home. I highly recommend this book!
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 3 religious exclamations, 5 mild obscenities, 1 derogatory name
Violence/Gore: Several secondhand reports of violence regarding warfare and being smacked at school; a scene of destruction of property with no casualties (the bomb is tested); non-detailed scenes of violent death involve dropping the two atomic bombs on Japan, a tubealloy accident, men shot, radiation poisoning and a train accident.
Sex/Nudity: A few sexual references.
Mature Subject Matter:
War, death, racism, moral responsibility, displacement, sacrifice.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Various characters drink and smoke; a page details drinking choices.
