The constant use of literary references, particularly in Julie’s section of the narrative, is a secret, and at times subversive, motif throughout the novel. These literary references form a secret code, echoing Maddie and Julie’s roles in secret operations, Jamie’s role as a secret pilot, and even Julie’s refusal to be defeated and betray her country to the Nazis, as Captain von Linden believes she has. Some literary references are positive and uplifting, while others are portents of death.

Peter Pan is the primary literary reference; references to the book are littered throughout the Beaufort-Stuart clan’s relationships with each other and with Maddie. These references are by far the most numerous, and they appear in both Julie’s and Maddie’s narratives. For example, the code names of the pilots in Operation Verity are all taken from Peter Pan: Michael for the head pilot, Peter for the pilot Maddie replaces, Wendy for Maddie, and John for Jamie.

Furthermore, Peter Pan has great significance for the Beaufort-Stuart clan. As a pilot, the flight references contained in that story easily translate to Jamie’s experience and expand to include Maddie’s, too. Further, Esmé Beaufort-Stuart transforms the symbolic and literal gesture of leaving her children’s bedroom windows open every night, just as Mrs.