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.

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

Denise Kiernan

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

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