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Book Reviewed by:The Paris Library meets The Flight Girls in this captivating historical novel about the sacrifice and courage necessary to live a life of honor, inspired by the first female volunteer librarians during World War I and the first women accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy.
Two women. One secret. A truth worth fighting for.
1918. Timid and shy Emmaline Balakin lives more in books than her own life. That is, until an envelope crosses her desk at the Dead Letter Office bearing a name from her past, and Emmaline decides to finally embark on an adventure of her own—as a volunteer librarian on the frontlines in France. But when a romance blooms as she secretly participates in a book club for censored books, Emmaline will need to find more courage within herself than she ever thought possible in order to survive.
1976. Kathleen Carre is eager to prove to herself and to her nana that she deserves her acceptance into the first coed class at the United States Naval Academy. But not everyone wants female midshipmen at the Academy, and after tragedy strikes close to home, Kathleen becomes a target. To protect herself, Kathleen must learn to trust others even as she discovers a secret that could be her undoing.
Armstrong's story has remarkable depth. Emmaline and Kathleen are two very different individuals, but they both experience significant character growth throughout the story, due largely to the discrimination they're forced to endure. The War Librarian is a book about the power of the written word, as well as a story about following your dreams and fighting inequality in whatever way possible. Fans of strong female leads will enjoy seeing Emmaline and Kathleen overcome adversity, while lovers of historical fiction will appreciate the unique perspectives and the connection between the dual timelines...continued
Full Review
(570 words)
(Reviewed by Jordan Lynch).
The War Librarian features quiet, bookish Emmaline Balakin, who, despite the dangers of World War I, chooses to set off on an adventure by serving as a volunteer librarian to American service members. Her new position sends her overseas to a frontline hospital in France where she must contend with surly officers, German bombers and social injustices while trying to bring comfort and happiness to the men through books. Addison Armstrong's novel showcases a unique bit of WWI history that demonstrates the power of the written word.
As American service members were mobilized to fight, military leaders wanted to ensure that the soldiers had strong support systems to sustain them during their time overseas. In addition to the expected items &#...
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The War Librarian is a touching story of courage and female friendship, with two heroines who will win you over with their honesty, integrity, and resilience—I found myself cheering for them until the very last page!
