41 pages • 1 hour read
Denise KiernanThe Girls of Atomic City
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read The Girls of Atomic City?
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.