Mary E. Trimble

The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone is a remarkable true story about Elizebeth Smith Friedman, an American cryptanalyst extraordinaire.

In 1916 Elizebeth Smith and William Friedman met in Geneva, Illinois at Riverbank Laboratories, a highly advanced campus that pioneered modern cryptography. Soon after they married, Elizebeth and William left Riverbank in response to government offers to break codes pertaining to national security.

As Elizebeth and William branched out into the world of codebreakers, or cryptanalysts, they found that together they could solve secret messages. To them it was fun; to the country they became a vital link toward America’s security. At first they worked together. Using graph paper and pencil, they invented new techniques that transformed the science of secret writing, known as cryptology. Then, for many years they worked separately. From 1920-1930 Elizebeth worked for the American Coast Guard deciphering codes sent by bootleggers and drug smugglers. During WWII, she worked for the Treasury Department deciphering radio codes, especially from Nazi agents working in South America. William became a US Army cryptographer who ran the research division of the Army’s Signal Intelligence Service. Naturally, their work involved knowing the various languages of the countries sending the messages—Spanish, German, French, Japanese.

The world has recognized William’s work in the decades following World War II. He wrote textbooks that trained generations of codebreakers. Those who knew them both often said that Elizebeth was the more brilliant one of the pair. What held her back from public recognition was, pure and simple, gender. For instance: When massive arrests were made as the result of her codebreaking efforts of smugglers, articles and reports expressed amazement that a woman could achieve such accomplishments.

The Woman Who Smashed Codes is a well-written, detailed account of scientific and mathematical achievement. But, more than that, it’s a fascinating story that spans two World Wars, and describes in exciting detail roles the Friedmans played during those many years. The book is rich in the different facets of cryptography, with many examples of codes and code breaking, the difference between codes and ciphers, etc. People who love puzzles will be fascinated by the many examples of codes and ciphers used and how they were “broken.” The book gives a fresh view of both World Wars and the various intelligence services that it took to combat them. Although Elizebeth lived in the shadow of her accomplished husband, she served her country admirably through her own impressive capabilities and expertise.

Book Review–Doxology: A Novel

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Mary

Doxology: A Novel by Tanya Long Bennett is a well-written story of tragedy, faith, hope and the power of the human spirit. The story takes place in the early 1990s, West Texas.

Maria Brown is pretty sure she’s pregnant. She’s happy about the coming baby, but she’ll wait for the doctor’s confirmation before she tells her insecure husband, Billy. At one time Billy had aspirations to attend an engineering school, but those plans were dashed when he needed to care for his ailing mother. Later, he’d gone to work for an insurance company, not a fulfilling calling, but he makes enough money for them to get by. Once they were married and Maria had finished two years of community college, she would have loved to go on to Texas Tech, but they couldn’t afford it. She planned to find work, but Billy was against it—it seems her being able to stay home is the measure of his success.

Maria finds ceramics a fulfilling hobby and something she can do without challenging Billy’s fragile ego. She has an eye for proportion and texture and loves to see objects miraculously form under her hands. Maria also spends time connecting with family: her parents, grandparents and sister. She tries to keep busy, but longs to do something meaningful with her time.

When a series of tragedies occur, Maria must call upon her inner strength to cope. The importance of family becomes even more essential. While dealing with these problems, she begins to question her faith and the purpose of life.

Maria’s poignant story is told in a folksy, first-person narrative voice. The characters are well developed and authentic. The author vividly describes the countryside with its sandy soil baked by a hot Texas sun. I enjoyed this story, was saddened when the tragedies occurred, and rejoiced when acceptance or solutions were found. It’s a story that deals with realistic and transformative views of religion, faith, and trust.

Book Review: A Yovo in Togo

Posted on August 16, 2021 by Mary

“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, for as long as you can.”
John Wesley

A Yovo in Togo: My Peace Corps Experience in West Africa 1985 to 1987 by Karen Story is a memoir rich in descriptions of Togolese and their country. The word in the title of the book, yovo, means foreigner, stranger, white person, or even rich traveler. During the two years the couple lived in Togo, they often heard themselves referred to as Yovo.

In 1985 Karen Story and her husband Brad, in their mid-twenties, left their Pacific Northwest home to an uncertain but hopeful future of bringing new skills to the people of Togo. Reaching their goals required extensive training, both in Colorado and in Togo. French is commonly spoken, and although Karen was fluent in French, Brad wasn’t and he had to achieve language proficiency. In the meantime, Karen was able to begin learning a local dialect. The training was extensive, both in language skills and cross-cultural awareness, and often seemed to drag on interminably.

After training, they were assigned their jobs and living location. Karen was trained to teach others how to build wood-conserving cookstoves; Brad’s was to teach building rain-catchment cisterns.

The author’s vivid descriptions of Togo and its people gave me a feeling of being alongside them in the beautiful but often hot, dusty, sometimes humid country. They found an endearing people, but also people in need, as in any developing country. They made many friends, but also endured being asked for money or other assistance not associated with their jobs. Men often had multiple wives and many children, sometimes resulting in inequities that were obvious to Story, but nevertheless were a part of a culture that she could do nothing about. Upon reflection, Story realized that Africa changed her more than she changed Africa.

My husband and I served with the Peace Corps in The Gambia (1979 – 1981) and I could appreciate many of Story’s good and not-so-good experiences. The author does an exceptional job of describing the people, the landscape, and the needs she and her husband worked to fulfill. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in developing world culture, specifically Africa, and certainly for anyone considering joining the American Peace Corps.

A Yovo in Togo: My Peace Corps Experience in West Africa 1985 to 1987 is available through Lulu:
https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/karen-story/a-yovo-in-togo/paperback/product-5qdmym.html

Book Review: What Lies Beneath

Posted on August 9, 2021 by Mary

Cynthia Leal Massey has written an intriguing, scholarly work, What Lies Beneath: Texas Pioneer Cemeteries and Graveyards.

The introduction alone is fascinating. Massey, a born and raised Texan, traveled thousands of miles to visit more than a hundred Texas cemeteries, graveyards and burial grounds. She recalls many peaceful visits to Texas cemeteries as well as some harrowing experiences. Massey’s extensive research is impressive as she tells the story of the founding of Texas through those buried in pioneer cemeteries— some stately, some abandoned—from the early days through the nineteenth century.

The large volume is enriched with many pictures reproduced from archives as well as pictures of grave sites as seen today. Throughout the book are text boxes with captivating subjects, gems such as the devastating effects of yellow fever, the difference between cemeteries and graveyards, and the history of the Texas Rangers, to name only a few. These pictures and text boxes further convey the cultural history of Texas from the period before and during its years as a Republic (1836 – 1845) and after it became the 28th state in 1845. The guide also provides descriptions of headstone features and symbols traditionally used by early Texans.

The book is organized using Texas Heritage Trail Regions, then cities, towns, unincorporated communities and forts. As the many graves are visited, the reader is taken back in time while learning about individual attitudes and challenges, and how those people helped shape what is Texas today.

What Lies Beneath: Texas Pioneer Cemeteries and Graveyards is an ambitious, well-written account of Texas history. Massey’s background in journalism and love of history shine through the pages of this valuable resource of early Texas families and their communities.

Book Review: This House of Sky

Posted on August 2, 2021 by Mary

While camping in Montana, my husband and I happened to stop in the town of Seeley Lake at a small general store with a big book selection. I couldn’t resist This House of Sky: Landscapes of a Western Mind by Montana native Ivan Doig (1939 – 2015). Reading this excellent memoir was the perfect book, both for enjoying the story itself and for being surrounded by the rugged Montana landscape which Doig so aptly describes.

Ivan’s mother died of her life-long struggle with asthma, leaving his father to care for his six-year-old son while working in various jobs as a top hand on cattle ranches, or herding sheep in hilly, harsh country. After a while Ivan’s maternal grandmother came to live with them and help take care of the little boy. Although the two–father and grandmother–were often at odds, together they pooled their resources to eke out a living. They often lived in cramped, rough housing under difficult circumstances including harsh weather and grueling terrain, all while trying to tolerate one another. They did it for Ivan, to make a home for him.

I love Doig’s droll humor. His admiration for his father and grandmother shines through as they struggle for survival. Even through the tough times and sometimes harsh words, their sense of family is evident. The author’s lyrical language as he describes their hard-scrabble life kept me enthralled. I’ve read other works by this fine author and he continues to be a writer I hold in high esteem.

Book Review: Libbie

Posted on July 12, 2021 by Mary

Libbie: A Novel by Judy Alter, is an insightful, fascinating re-creation of the life of Elizabeth Bacon Custer, wife of legendary George Armstrong Custer. The author brings life to the page with vivid descriptions of the story’s characters and their surroundings. Although a work of fiction, it closely follows documented history, letters and other writings.

Libbie, an only child, came from a family of wealth. Her father, a judge, took a dim view of “that Custer boy.” George came from a large, boisterous farming family. The two of them couldn’t have had more different backgrounds, yet they were drawn to one another. As a boy, George declared that one day Libbie would be a general’s wife.

When Custer graduated from West Point, he sought Libbie’s hand in marriage. Even Libbie’s father admitted admiration for Custer’s Civil War military achievement. At age 23, Custer was the youngest brigadier general in the U. S. Army. And Custer was right—Libbie did marry a general. The “boy general” was astute in military matters, but vain and impulsive in his personal life. Nevertheless, when together their life was passionate, their love unwavering.

Libbie became a camp follower. Although she was the General’s wife, she endured hardships with inclement weather, isolation, and difficult traveling conditions. Still, she loved Army life and made her own contribution toward the comfort of others.

When the Civil War ended, Custer continued his military career as an Indian fighter, again winning honors. They traveled to various military forts, but it was in 1867 at Fort Lincoln, Dakota Territory, that Libbie waited for her beloved husband of twelve years while he fought the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Book Review: Reach for the Sky

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Mary

Reach for the Sky, a fast-paced novel by James Scott, covers a fascinating period of our nation’s history from 1929 to just beyond 1942.

When Shannon Donnelly, fifteen, buries her parents she’s not only left an orphan, she’s on the run from the McClarys, the result of a long-standing feud between the two families. Shannon finds refuge with a young pilot, Drew Patterson. While at his hanger, she is introduced to the world of flight which sets the tone for the rest of her life.

After some rough experiences, Shannon is taken in by the loving Pearson family. She thrives on their care and security, but never forgets her early exposure and fascination of airplanes. While still in her teens she qualifies for a student pilot license.

In the meantime, the country is in the midst of the raging Great Depression. Times are tough, but undeterred, Shannon continues to pursue her dream of flying and acquires her unrestricted pilot’s license. Together with a friend, they embark on an air-delivery service. Along the way, two men vie for Shannon’s love. She’s torn by her affection for them, but still it’s the freedom of flying that is foremost in her life.

World War II offers additional flying challenges when Shannon is accepted into the U.S. Army Air Force Ferrying Command, which also brings extreme danger involving a daring rescue mission.

Reach for the Sky is a well-developed story filled with fascinating aviation history. Women pilots were essential in the war effort, but they often suffered resentment from male pilots, at times in the form of vandalism and sabotage. Scott’s characters bring life to the page and his knowledge of aviation is impressive. At the end of the novel, the “Author’s Notes” adds additional information about the history of women aviators and the vital role they played in World War II.

Book Review: Animal Dreams

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Mary

Animal Dreams: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver, reaffirms my high regard for this acclaimed author. The contemporary story takes place in America’s Southwest.

Codi Noline returns to her childhood home in Grace, Arizona when she learns her father, the small town’s only physician, is dying of a brain disease. When Codi was three years old, her mother died giving birth to her sister, Hallie. Growing up, the two girls were inseparable, but they had a difficult, distant relationship with their father.

Codi can’t bear the thought of living in her father’s house, but is invited to use the guesthouse of a high school friend who is married with five children.

Codi’s sister Hallie, who has a degree in integrated pest management, leaves for Nicaragua to share her knowledge of growing crops. Codi receives periodic letters from Hallie telling of her experiences and fears while in Central America. Codi considers Hallie “a cross between Johnny Appleseed and a freedom fighter.”

Although Codi considers herself a medical school drop-out, a well-trained bag lady, she is highly educated and is temporarily hired by the school district to teach high school biology. The Grace area has had deteriorating agriculture due to local mining operations. Codi takes her students on a field trip to test the soil and water. Together they confirm recent studies claiming the soil is so damaged it has the approximate pH of battery acid.

While at a social gathering, Codi sees an old high school boyfriend, handsome Apache Loyd Peregrina, whose gentle humor and wise perception fill an emptiness Codi has carried for years. Together, they visit places of his youth and she learns of the Southwest’s rich history.

Animal Dreams is a passionate, complex novel of love, forgiveness and one woman’s struggle to learn what “home” means. It’s full of warmth and wisdom, especially from Loyd: “It’s one thing to carry your life wherever you go. Another thing to always go looking for it somewhere else.”

Book Review: Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Mary

Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters, a collective biography that covers more than 75 years, opened my eyes to many English traditions and customs, especially relating to royalty.

Elizabeth, born in 1926 was four years older than her sister, Margaret. As a young child, Elizabeth was very aware she was in line of succession to the throne. In 1936, when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated to marry a divorced woman, her father became king. Now Elizabeth, at the age of ten, was heir presumptive to the throne.

King George VI was a reluctant king, had a well-known stammer and other disabilities, but out of duty accepted the position thrust upon him. He was a loving father, happiest when with his family. Their mother was fiercely protective of her husband and children, always striving to keep a happy home.

Elizabeth and Margaret’s childhood alternated between great attention and great isolation. Their education was conducted at home, usually at Buckingham Palace, a structure of 775 rooms with a staff of more than 700. Their lives were strictly protected and governed by royal tradition. The two girls rarely played with other children, but the sisters were very close. Elizabeth was a serious child, acutely aware that one day she would be Queen of the United Kingdom. Margaret was affectionate, pretty, playful and had the ability to play off one parent against the other.

When King George VI died in 1952, Elizabeth became Queen at the age of 26. However, by then she was a married woman and the mother of two children.

This biography of the two sisters shows their closeness and fierce protection of one another. Elizabeth was sedate, methodical, and always strove to conduct herself as befitting a queen. She loved horses and dogs and had high regard for the people who cared for them.

On the other hand, as an adult Margaret was a party-goer, flamboyant, and often an embarrassment to her sister. She had affairs with married men and had an unhappy marriage. However, the two sisters remained loyal to one another, talking on the phone nearly every day.

Elizabeth’s husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, plays an important role in this collective biography, but the book mostly concentrates on Elizabeth and Margaret and their relationship to one another.

I very much enjoyed Elizabeth & Margaret. It gave me a clearer understanding of British royalty, and an awareness of the courage it takes to live up to the expectations of their preeminent positions.

Book Review: Harry’s Trees

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Mary

Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen is an inspirational, sad, and sometimes funny novel about shattered lives, unbearable grief, and redemption.

Harry Crane, grief stricken over the sudden death of his wife, harbors guilt. If only he hadn’t left her for just that moment to buy a stupid lottery ticket. But he did, and now she’s been killed by a wayward wrecking crane and he’s riddled with guilt. He leaves his office job with the U.S. Forest Service and heads for the only place he can find solace—a forest in the Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Harry is at home with trees. His grief is so overwhelming that he can’t imagine life without his beloved Beth.

While in the forest, he meets Amanda Jeffers, an ER nurse, and her ten-year-old daughter, Oriana. They’re both grieving for Dean, their bigger-than-life husband and father who, without warning, died suddenly a year before. Harry can’t bear to go home. Amanda and Oriana offer him the use of a magnificent tree house that Dean built, just a half-mile from their home.

Wolf, Harry’s older, over-bearing brother, can see that profit can be made from Harry’s tragedy. Wolf instigates a law suit against the wrecking-crane company that killed his sister-in-law, thinking of course that he’s entitled to his share of what promises to be a large settlement.

Oriana, wise and mature beyond her years, learned the ways of the forest from her outdoorsman father. She and Harry can talk trees for hours, call them by their Latin name, know their seasons, their growing patterns, their friends, their enemies. Oriana is an avid reader and, still a child after all, fantasizes that her father will return.

Harry’s Trees touched my heart. The down-to-earth characters, even the ill-intentioned scoundrels, are well crafted. The author knows his trees, and his descriptions bring nature’s life to the page. I highly recommend this engaging story of unbearable loss, the strength of the human spirit, and the comfort found in nature.