Enigma (novel)

Enigma is a 1995 novel by Robert Harris, a British author known for his historical and contemporary thrillers. The story is set in March 1943, during World War II, and revolves around the breaking of the German Enigma code at Bletchley Park, the British codebreaking center.

The plot centers on Tom Jericho, a brilliant but troubled mathematician who is called back to Bletchley Park after a sudden change in the Enigma codes. Jericho is not only tasked with cracking the new code but also with investigating the disappearance of his former lover, Claire Romilly, who also works at Bletchley Park.

As Jericho and Hester Wallace, Claire's roommate, delve into both the cryptographic mystery and Claire's vanishing, they uncover a web of deceit, espionage, and potential betrayal. The novel explores the immense pressure and secrecy surrounding Bletchley Park, the psychological toll of codebreaking, and the moral complexities of wartime intelligence.

The narrative blends elements of historical fiction, thriller, and romance, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric portrayal of a crucial period in World War II. The book's historical accuracy regarding the Enigma machine and Bletchley Park operations is generally considered high, although the specific characters and plot are fictional. The novel was later adapted into a film of the same name in 2001.