Band of Sisters is outstanding and perfect to read in March for Women's History Month. It shares the exploits of 18 women, all Smith College alumna, who left their relatively comfortable lives to voluntarily serve civilians in war-town rural France during WWI.
The novel held my attention because I was never sure what the Smith College Relief Unit would experience next. This is especially impressive as the plot is based on actual events documented in the letters members sent home to their families.
A fabulous reader's guide is available on the author's website; it contains spoilers so time your reading accordingly.
The novel held my attention because I was never sure what the Smith College Relief Unit would experience next. This is especially impressive as the plot is based on actual events documented in the letters members sent home to their families.
A fabulous reader's guide is available on the author's website; it contains spoilers so time your reading accordingly.
Based on events that took place during WWI, the characters were members of a Smith College Relief group that traveled in the summer of 1917 to France to aid villagers whose lives had been largely destroyed by the Kaiser's army. Eighteen women formed went to France to help villagers. Beginning their work in an area right behind the front lines, they focus on helping those who have little except each other.
Kate Moran, Emmie Van Alden, and Dr. Julia Pruyn are the most prominent characters. At Smith on a scholarship, Kate always felt less than most of the others whose wealthy families paid their way. Her friend, the always optimistic Emmie, believes that her own value comes from her prominent mother and wealth. Julia, who hid her family's lost wealth, is Emmie's poor cousin who is a doctor for the unit.
As the tale begins Kate is a chauffeur who learns to drive a truck that must first be uncrated and put together, the first of the many unusual challenges the group face. The author uses events from letters written by those who were there for her fictional characters to experience. Mud, cold, snow, storms, sarcastic military men blend with the tragedy of war.
This fascinating book told a story that few knew except those who were in France during WWI. Yes, their successes made the papers in New York, thanks to Emmie's mother and others, but little was made of the obstacles the women faced. One of the most fascinating parts of this book for was the evacuation of the group, the villagers, the soldiers as the Germans began their march to Paris.
Kate Moran, Emmie Van Alden, and Dr. Julia Pruyn are the most prominent characters. At Smith on a scholarship, Kate always felt less than most of the others whose wealthy families paid their way. Her friend, the always optimistic Emmie, believes that her own value comes from her prominent mother and wealth. Julia, who hid her family's lost wealth, is Emmie's poor cousin who is a doctor for the unit.
As the tale begins Kate is a chauffeur who learns to drive a truck that must first be uncrated and put together, the first of the many unusual challenges the group face. The author uses events from letters written by those who were there for her fictional characters to experience. Mud, cold, snow, storms, sarcastic military men blend with the tragedy of war.
This fascinating book told a story that few knew except those who were in France during WWI. Yes, their successes made the papers in New York, thanks to Emmie's mother and others, but little was made of the obstacles the women faced. One of the most fascinating parts of this book for was the evacuation of the group, the villagers, the soldiers as the Germans began their march to Paris.
