Enigma

Robert Harris is a British author who became world-famous for his historical thrillers such as “Munich,” “The Conclave,” “The Ghost Writer,” and others. Film adaptations of his books have become popular movies.

In March 1943, despite significant defeats suffered by Nazi Germany, the war hadn’t yet changed its course, and in the English Bletchley Park the best codebreakers are actively intercepting and deciphering radio messages from the German Navy. This was possible because the Germans believed “Enigma” was secure, even though the codes of this cipher machine have long stopped being a secret to the British.

However, the situation changes when the messages stop being readable. The enemies altered their codes, making it impossible to track German submarines—an outcome that threatens the Allies with heavy losses. The question arises: has a spy infiltrated Bletchley Park? Suspicion falls on the mysterious Clare Romilly.

In 2001, director Michael Apted made a film based on the book “Enigma.” The screenplay was written by the well-known dramatist Tom Stoppard, and the music was composed by John Barry, known for the soundtracks to James Bond films. The lead roles are played by Jeremy Northam, Kate Winslet, and Tom Hollander.