Author: Jane Healey
Genre: Historical Fiction (WWII)
Type: e-book
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
First Published: February 5, 2019
Opening Lines: "Dottie, Viv, and I stood together on the deck of the Queen Elizabeth, surrounded by a couple dozen other Red Cross workers and hundreds of US soldiers. The once-glamorous cruise ship, now painted a bland battleship gray for its current role as troop transporter, was making its final preparations for departure to Europe."
Book Description from GoodReads: A novel of love, courage, and danger unfolds as World War II's brightest heroines -- the best of friends -- take on the front lines.
1944: Fiona Denning has her entire future planned out. She’ll work in city hall, marry her fiancé when he returns from the war, and settle down in the Boston suburbs. But when her fiancé is reported missing after being shot down in Germany, Fiona’s long-held plans are shattered.
Determined to learn her fiancé’s fate, Fiona leaves Boston to volunteer overseas as a Red Cross Clubmobile girl, recruiting her two best friends to come along. There’s the outspoken Viviana, who is more than happy to quit her secretarial job for a taste of adventure. Then there’s Dottie, a shy music teacher whose melodious talents are sure to bring heart and hope to the boys on the front lines.
Chosen for their inner strength and outer charm, the trio isn’t prepared for the daunting challenges of war. But through it all come new friendships and romances, unforeseen dangers, and unexpected dreams. As the three friends begin to understand the real reasons they all came to the front, their courage and camaraderie will see them through some of the best and worst times of their lives.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
My Review: Even as an avid reader of WWII Historical Fiction I was surprised that I had never heard of the Red Cross Clubmobile girls and their influence on the war effort. This was a group of young, educated American women who were sent overseas to bring a little bit of home to the men on the front lines. While their main duties included serving donuts and coffee to the men, their morale boosting presence was what benefitted the soldiers the most.
The story is well-researched and benefited from the author's use of journals from real Clubmobile girls. While the story deals with war, The Beantown Girls is a lighter Historical Fiction read so readers who don't want too much violence and gore, and don't mind a few sweet, sentimental moments, should enjoy this book.
Through her charming characters, who go from naïve to knowledgeable to independent and brave, Healey broaches topics of sexism and gender roles in war as well as friendship and the sacrifice that so many gave to end the war. Healey's writing style had a casual feel but felt like it relied too heavily on dialogue to fill the pages. A lot of 'she said this' kind of thing which isn't my favourite style.
Overall, The Beantown Girls is an interesting read that gives readers a look at another aspect of WWII (with a clearly American perspective) that focuses on a small group of women who helped in the war effort. It's Historical Fiction, with a strong romantic focus but it's also a book about friendship, sacrifice, loss and hope in the bleakest of times.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
The story is well-researched and benefited from the author's use of journals from real Clubmobile girls. While the story deals with war, The Beantown Girls is a lighter Historical Fiction read so readers who don't want too much violence and gore, and don't mind a few sweet, sentimental moments, should enjoy this book.
Through her charming characters, who go from naïve to knowledgeable to independent and brave, Healey broaches topics of sexism and gender roles in war as well as friendship and the sacrifice that so many gave to end the war. Healey's writing style had a casual feel but felt like it relied too heavily on dialogue to fill the pages. A lot of 'she said this' kind of thing which isn't my favourite style.
Overall, The Beantown Girls is an interesting read that gives readers a look at another aspect of WWII (with a clearly American perspective) that focuses on a small group of women who helped in the war effort. It's Historical Fiction, with a strong romantic focus but it's also a book about friendship, sacrifice, loss and hope in the bleakest of times.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
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