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Women of War
A fascinating and deeply moving novel set in the chaotic early months of the First World War.
August 1914.
A world where men are deemed superior. But as World War One begins, two women will prove the world wrong.
Edie Lawrence has never been one to play by the rules. As war in Europe is declared, she disguises herself as a man with the aim of reporting the truth from the battlefields, and ultimately realise her dream of becoming a journalist.
Dr Lucinda Garland volunteers her medical services to the War Office. But her offer is met with rejection. Undeterred, alongside the French Red Cross she sets up an all-female-run hospital in Paris. As Lucinda does her best to cope with the horrific injuries that come her way, she finds herself losing her heart to someone unexpected.
And when Edie is injured and her gender revealed, the fates of these brave women, each determined to do whatever they can for their country, but also for womankind, intertwine in ways that none of them could ever have foreseen.
August 1914.
A world where men are deemed superior. But as World War One begins, two women will prove the world wrong.
Edie Lawrence has never been one to play by the rules. As war in Europe is declared, she disguises herself as a man with the aim of reporting the truth from the battlefields, and ultimately realise her dream of becoming a journalist.
Dr Lucinda Garland volunteers her medical services to the War Office. But her offer is met with rejection. Undeterred, alongside the French Red Cross she sets up an all-female-run hospital in Paris. As Lucinda does her best to cope with the horrific injuries that come her way, she finds herself losing her heart to someone unexpected.
And when Edie is injured and her gender revealed, the fates of these brave women, each determined to do whatever they can for their country, but also for womankind, intertwine in ways that none of them could ever have foreseen.
400 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2025
7 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Louise Morrish
5 books96 followersLouise Morrish is a Librarian whose debut novel won the 2019 Penguin Random House First Novel Competition. She finds inspiration for her stories in the real-life adventures of women in the past, whom history has forgotten. She lives in Hampshire with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 23, 2025
Women of War is a remarkable, impeccably researched and heart-rending story, made all the more poignant as it’s based on real women.
I devoured this book. Its depiction of the horrors of WWI felt so authentic, the sometimes visceral moments in the story left me shaken.
I particularly loved Lucinda and Edie. Their determination and courage to succeed in a man’s world is exceptional, but they are still human and flawed. There are also some wonderful secondary characters and I would say my favourite is Stanley, who was able to find humour and stay true to himself in spite of the horrors of his situation.
Even though I was aware of the real WWI Women’s Hospital in France, this book brought the story of its inception vividly and fascinatingly to life. I would recommend this profoundly moving novel to anyone who appreciates the best in historical fiction.
I devoured this book. Its depiction of the horrors of WWI felt so authentic, the sometimes visceral moments in the story left me shaken.
I particularly loved Lucinda and Edie. Their determination and courage to succeed in a man’s world is exceptional, but they are still human and flawed. There are also some wonderful secondary characters and I would say my favourite is Stanley, who was able to find humour and stay true to himself in spite of the horrors of his situation.
Even though I was aware of the real WWI Women’s Hospital in France, this book brought the story of its inception vividly and fascinatingly to life. I would recommend this profoundly moving novel to anyone who appreciates the best in historical fiction.
January 17, 2025
This is a book about ambitious and determined women in a time when women were not supposed to be so. Based on real life women this is a fictional story of what happened to them, but it's not just about ambition and determination, it's about how women were treated in a world that belonged to men, it's about love, it's about making your own destiny.
I loved this book - it's pacy, breathtaking in places and passionate. Backed up with meticulous research, Louise Morrish has come up with something even better than her fabulous debut, Operation Moonlight. One not to be missed.
I loved this book - it's pacy, breathtaking in places and passionate. Backed up with meticulous research, Louise Morrish has come up with something even better than her fabulous debut, Operation Moonlight. One not to be missed.
July 28, 2025
A beautifully written novel bringing the important, poigant and inspirational stories from the First World War to life. Didnt want it to end, wonderful.
January 31, 2025
I’m still reeling from reading this stunning book set during the First World War. The writing is literally visceral, throwing the reader into the depths of the trenches to emerge mud-spattered into a blood-drenched operating theatre. The descriptions are simply breathtaking and powerful, leaving the reader shell-shocked.
But despite the filth and gore, this is a moving story of women fighting to be seen and heard. From the opening scene in Holloway Prison, where Edie continues to defy the sadistic warders, to the final chapter in which two pioneering women doctors show they are more than equal to their male counterparts, this is a story of female courage and friendship.
But despite the filth and gore, this is a moving story of women fighting to be seen and heard. From the opening scene in Holloway Prison, where Edie continues to defy the sadistic warders, to the final chapter in which two pioneering women doctors show they are more than equal to their male counterparts, this is a story of female courage and friendship.
April 6, 2025
Subtle and mesmerising, this is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the history of women and their steadfast resolve to change the way they are perceived.
April 12, 2025
Beautifully written, gripped me from the start to the very last sentence. Cannot recommend this highly enough!
December 18, 2024
Hello! Excuse me while I explain the genesis of my novel: In the summer of 2012, I came across the fascinating memoir of a young Edwardian woman called Dorothy Lawrence. I’m drawn to ordinary women in history who achieved extraordinary things, but whom history has forgotten.
Born illegitimately in 1896, Dorothy longed to be a journalist, but her sex, background and lack of education held her back. She wasn’t going to relinquish her dream easily, though. So, in 1915 she travelled to France and managed to disguise herself as a male soldier in the British Army. Her aim was to become the first female journalist to report the truth from the battlefields.
She fought alongside the Royal Engineers for ten days, until an injury brought her true identity to light. Arrested on suspicion of being an enemy spy, Dorothy was court martialled, and finally sent home under strict orders never to return or write about her experiences.
I couldn't get Dorothy out of my mind. What sort of woman had the courage to travel to an enemy occupied country in the middle of a war, disguise herself as a man, and risk her life in battle? An interesting woman, in my opinion, and one who deserved to be remembered.
So, I began to reimagine Dorothy’s story. At the same time, I came across the incredible achievements of two female doctors. Louisa Garrett Anderson (1873 – 1943) was a surgeon, a suffragette, and the daughter of the first female doctor to qualify in Britain, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson. Flora Murray (1869 – 1923) was a Scottish anaesthetist, a suffragette, and the life partner of Louisa.
When war broke out in 1914, Louisa and Flora founded the Women's Hospital Corps (WHC), and offered their services as doctors to the War Office. They were rejected, told that women were not capable of performing military surgery. So instead, Louisa and Flora and their all-female team appealed to the French Red Cross, who gratefully accepted their offer of help.
The WHC established two military hospitals, the first in Paris, the second in Wimereux near Boulogne on the French coast. Casualties from the battlefields flooded in, filling the wards with traumatized men suffering horrific injuries, the likes of which the medical establishment had never faced before.
But the women rose to the challenge, and soon their success came to the attention of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). By providing exceptional care to wounded soldiers, Louisa and Flora and their team demonstrated that they were equal to their male counterparts.
Women of War is a work of fiction, the characters created from my imagination, but strongly inspired by Dorothy, Louisa and Flora. The locations that feature in my novel – the hotel in Paris, the chateau in Wimereux, the War Office in London - and the challenges my characters face are all taken from real places and events.
Everything else is made up.
Some might say that Louisa and Dorothy’s exploits were highly unusual, in such a patriarchal world. But the more I immerse myself in women’s history, the more stories like theirs I’m discovering.
Ordinary women in the past, who achieved extraordinary things, are not quite as uncommon as we might think.
May their inspiration live on.
I hope you enjoy reading Women of War!
Born illegitimately in 1896, Dorothy longed to be a journalist, but her sex, background and lack of education held her back. She wasn’t going to relinquish her dream easily, though. So, in 1915 she travelled to France and managed to disguise herself as a male soldier in the British Army. Her aim was to become the first female journalist to report the truth from the battlefields.
She fought alongside the Royal Engineers for ten days, until an injury brought her true identity to light. Arrested on suspicion of being an enemy spy, Dorothy was court martialled, and finally sent home under strict orders never to return or write about her experiences.
I couldn't get Dorothy out of my mind. What sort of woman had the courage to travel to an enemy occupied country in the middle of a war, disguise herself as a man, and risk her life in battle? An interesting woman, in my opinion, and one who deserved to be remembered.
So, I began to reimagine Dorothy’s story. At the same time, I came across the incredible achievements of two female doctors. Louisa Garrett Anderson (1873 – 1943) was a surgeon, a suffragette, and the daughter of the first female doctor to qualify in Britain, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson. Flora Murray (1869 – 1923) was a Scottish anaesthetist, a suffragette, and the life partner of Louisa.
When war broke out in 1914, Louisa and Flora founded the Women's Hospital Corps (WHC), and offered their services as doctors to the War Office. They were rejected, told that women were not capable of performing military surgery. So instead, Louisa and Flora and their all-female team appealed to the French Red Cross, who gratefully accepted their offer of help.
The WHC established two military hospitals, the first in Paris, the second in Wimereux near Boulogne on the French coast. Casualties from the battlefields flooded in, filling the wards with traumatized men suffering horrific injuries, the likes of which the medical establishment had never faced before.
But the women rose to the challenge, and soon their success came to the attention of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). By providing exceptional care to wounded soldiers, Louisa and Flora and their team demonstrated that they were equal to their male counterparts.
Women of War is a work of fiction, the characters created from my imagination, but strongly inspired by Dorothy, Louisa and Flora. The locations that feature in my novel – the hotel in Paris, the chateau in Wimereux, the War Office in London - and the challenges my characters face are all taken from real places and events.
Everything else is made up.
Some might say that Louisa and Dorothy’s exploits were highly unusual, in such a patriarchal world. But the more I immerse myself in women’s history, the more stories like theirs I’m discovering.
Ordinary women in the past, who achieved extraordinary things, are not quite as uncommon as we might think.
May their inspiration live on.
I hope you enjoy reading Women of War!
March 23, 2025
My Review –
Firstly hugest thanks to Louise for dropping me off a signed copy of Women Of War, it’s wonderful having a local author!
If you have been following me for a while you will know that I read Louise’s first book, Operation Moonlight a few years ago and I absolutely adored it, in fact there are parts of the book that are still vivid in my head, which is always the sign of a talented author. So as soon as I knew Louise had written another book, I was itching to read it, and once I did I was amazed!
Women Of War starts with Edie Lawrence who in 1914 has been imprisoned because she was caught up in the Suffrage Riots, this is a visceral book that does not flinch in telling her story, the dire treatment she receives at the hands of the Prison staff will have your heart aching for Edie. But Edie Lawernce is made of stern stuff, and as we follow her story in Women Of War, we find out exactly how tough she is. After losing her cleaning job at the newspaper, she is compelled for reasons you need to read, to do something that makes her beyond courageous – she pretends to be a man and joins the British Army. I am not going to give away any of the story, as it is a compelling read. Still, I will say that the research that has gone into this novel is clear, the descriptions of scenes where Edie is in training and then scenes at the front are written so viscerally, that I felt like I was there! I was not able to tear myself away from this book, it was like watching a film in my head, so realistic were the scenes portrayed in words by Lousie Morrish.
Then we meet Lucinda who along with Florence is one of the first qualified Female surgeons in England, as the war starts in earnest Lucinda decides that they should offer their services to the British Army, who are in desperate need of trained medical staff at the front in France, however being women they are given a no by Army Seniors. But not letting themselves be put off they apply to the French Red Cross, who welcome them. They are given the task of setting up a Hospital in France. Again the attention to detail with historical fact is amazing in Women Of War, and I loved reading how these two women managed to find staff to go with them and all the equipment which needed to be transported. Underlying all this is a love story of friendship, respect, and deep love, but this is written intrinsically as part of the novel.
What you will find once you’ve read Women Of War, is that Louise Morrish has based these characters on real-life women from history, who did immense things to further women’s rights. Women Of War is an absolutely heartwarming and beautiful novel, celebrating those early pioneers of the women’s movement, the early feminists who broke the rules in such selfless ways. I adored Women Of War, it really is a brilliant novel, I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it and was so invested in Edie and Lucie and Flo, I loved all three of these main characters like they were my sisters, I was intensely interested in their outcomes.
With this, her second novel, Louise Morrish has surely set herself up to be one the most talented writers of historical fiction, Women Of War is a triumph and one that I hope wins the acclaim it truly deserves.
A stunning, breathtaking novel, 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars are not enough!
Firstly hugest thanks to Louise for dropping me off a signed copy of Women Of War, it’s wonderful having a local author!
If you have been following me for a while you will know that I read Louise’s first book, Operation Moonlight a few years ago and I absolutely adored it, in fact there are parts of the book that are still vivid in my head, which is always the sign of a talented author. So as soon as I knew Louise had written another book, I was itching to read it, and once I did I was amazed!
Women Of War starts with Edie Lawrence who in 1914 has been imprisoned because she was caught up in the Suffrage Riots, this is a visceral book that does not flinch in telling her story, the dire treatment she receives at the hands of the Prison staff will have your heart aching for Edie. But Edie Lawernce is made of stern stuff, and as we follow her story in Women Of War, we find out exactly how tough she is. After losing her cleaning job at the newspaper, she is compelled for reasons you need to read, to do something that makes her beyond courageous – she pretends to be a man and joins the British Army. I am not going to give away any of the story, as it is a compelling read. Still, I will say that the research that has gone into this novel is clear, the descriptions of scenes where Edie is in training and then scenes at the front are written so viscerally, that I felt like I was there! I was not able to tear myself away from this book, it was like watching a film in my head, so realistic were the scenes portrayed in words by Lousie Morrish.
Then we meet Lucinda who along with Florence is one of the first qualified Female surgeons in England, as the war starts in earnest Lucinda decides that they should offer their services to the British Army, who are in desperate need of trained medical staff at the front in France, however being women they are given a no by Army Seniors. But not letting themselves be put off they apply to the French Red Cross, who welcome them. They are given the task of setting up a Hospital in France. Again the attention to detail with historical fact is amazing in Women Of War, and I loved reading how these two women managed to find staff to go with them and all the equipment which needed to be transported. Underlying all this is a love story of friendship, respect, and deep love, but this is written intrinsically as part of the novel.
What you will find once you’ve read Women Of War, is that Louise Morrish has based these characters on real-life women from history, who did immense things to further women’s rights. Women Of War is an absolutely heartwarming and beautiful novel, celebrating those early pioneers of the women’s movement, the early feminists who broke the rules in such selfless ways. I adored Women Of War, it really is a brilliant novel, I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it and was so invested in Edie and Lucie and Flo, I loved all three of these main characters like they were my sisters, I was intensely interested in their outcomes.
With this, her second novel, Louise Morrish has surely set herself up to be one the most talented writers of historical fiction, Women Of War is a triumph and one that I hope wins the acclaim it truly deserves.
A stunning, breathtaking novel, 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars are not enough!
January 5, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Women of War by Louise Morrish is my first 5-star read of the year, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this arc!
This book completely captivated me from the very first page. Set in the early months of World War I, it follows the remarkable journeys of two women who challenge the norms of their time and prove that women are just as capable—if not more so—than the men around them.
Edie Lawrence, a fearless and determined woman, disguises herself as a man to report from the battlefields and pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Her courage and resolve are nothing short of inspiring. On the other side of the war, we have Dr. Lucinda Garland, who, after being rejected by the War Office, sets up an all-female-run hospital in Paris alongside the French Red Cross. Her story is equally powerful as she navigates the harrowing realities of war while also discovering love in the most unexpected of places.
What I loved most about this novel was how real and tangible these women felt. The fact that they were based on actual heroines from history made the story even more moving. The writing is rich and immersive, and Morrish does a fantastic job of making you feel the emotional weight of the characters' experiences. Their determination, compassion, and resilience shine through in every page.
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a beautiful, emotional, and inspiring historical fiction novel that I will be thinking about for a long time. If you’re a fan of strong female characters, historical fiction, or just looking for a story that will stay with you long after you finish it, this is an absolute must-read! ✨📚
Women of War by Louise Morrish is my first 5-star read of the year, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this arc!
This book completely captivated me from the very first page. Set in the early months of World War I, it follows the remarkable journeys of two women who challenge the norms of their time and prove that women are just as capable—if not more so—than the men around them.
Edie Lawrence, a fearless and determined woman, disguises herself as a man to report from the battlefields and pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Her courage and resolve are nothing short of inspiring. On the other side of the war, we have Dr. Lucinda Garland, who, after being rejected by the War Office, sets up an all-female-run hospital in Paris alongside the French Red Cross. Her story is equally powerful as she navigates the harrowing realities of war while also discovering love in the most unexpected of places.
What I loved most about this novel was how real and tangible these women felt. The fact that they were based on actual heroines from history made the story even more moving. The writing is rich and immersive, and Morrish does a fantastic job of making you feel the emotional weight of the characters' experiences. Their determination, compassion, and resilience shine through in every page.
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a beautiful, emotional, and inspiring historical fiction novel that I will be thinking about for a long time. If you’re a fan of strong female characters, historical fiction, or just looking for a story that will stay with you long after you finish it, this is an absolute must-read! ✨📚
February 13, 2025
Women of War by Louise Morrish is impeccably researched, brilliantly written, and shines a light on forgotten stories from the past.
It follows Edie and Lucinda's separate and contrasting struggles to make their voices heard in a man's world. Whilst Lucinda is educated and encouraged by her family, Edie has battled her way through life after being brought up in a workhouse. Yet both women face the limitations of their era and are determined to overcome them.
The author's writing perfectly captures the times, with wartime London and Paris brought to life in evocative descriptions and minutely observed details. I was gripped by the accounts of Edie's gruelling army training and the heart-breaking scenes on the battlefield. I was also moved by the unspoken love that Lucinda feels for one of her colleagues and how that develops.
I admired the fortitude of both the main characters and kept turning the pages to find out how their different experiences of life and the war would intertwine. I loved how we learned about Edie and Lucinda's personal ambitions as well as their desire to help their country. The courageous acts of both women were inspiring.
After I finished the book, I stepped away all the richer for having met these unique characters inspired by real-life heroines.
It follows Edie and Lucinda's separate and contrasting struggles to make their voices heard in a man's world. Whilst Lucinda is educated and encouraged by her family, Edie has battled her way through life after being brought up in a workhouse. Yet both women face the limitations of their era and are determined to overcome them.
The author's writing perfectly captures the times, with wartime London and Paris brought to life in evocative descriptions and minutely observed details. I was gripped by the accounts of Edie's gruelling army training and the heart-breaking scenes on the battlefield. I was also moved by the unspoken love that Lucinda feels for one of her colleagues and how that develops.
I admired the fortitude of both the main characters and kept turning the pages to find out how their different experiences of life and the war would intertwine. I loved how we learned about Edie and Lucinda's personal ambitions as well as their desire to help their country. The courageous acts of both women were inspiring.
After I finished the book, I stepped away all the richer for having met these unique characters inspired by real-life heroines.
May 5, 2025
After enjoying Louise's first novel, I was looking forward to reading her second and my goodness, it didn't disappoint. Set in the first world war and inspired by real women from history, Louise's words powerfully describe the utter horror and hardship of that time. She has such a way of creating on the page the world she has so thoroughly researched, weaving in the story and making us care very much about the characters. I am humbled that these heroic women the fiction is based on were part of a movement that ultimately secured more rights (and votes) for women and the sacrifice many men and women made then for our freedom now is mind-blowing. This book totally transported me to London and France in 1914 and my head and heart are still there, thinking about these characters. If you love historical fiction set in this period, I would encourage you to read this author.
January 3, 2025
An enjoyable read although I did find some parts of Edie's story far fetched. I know the story was based on Dorothy Lawrence but Dorothy revealed herself to be female soon after her arrival in France. I found it hard to believe Edie would not have been discovered when not shaving, going to the toilet, washing etc.
The storyline of women doctors on the front line was far more enjoyable and believable although I wasn't sure their sexuality preference mattered or added to the story.
The book did leave some unanswered questions like who did report Edie? What did happen to Stanley if his name was not mentioned in the lists of the dead?
I'd look for more by the author as it was enjoyable in parts and easy to read.
The storyline of women doctors on the front line was far more enjoyable and believable although I wasn't sure their sexuality preference mattered or added to the story.
The book did leave some unanswered questions like who did report Edie? What did happen to Stanley if his name was not mentioned in the lists of the dead?
I'd look for more by the author as it was enjoyable in parts and easy to read.
January 16, 2025
‘Women of War’ is a beautiful novel: written in pitch-perfect prose and meticulously researched, it’s a fascinating tribute to three real life women from world war one. In Louise Morrish’s story, Edie, Lucinda and Florence emerge as characters of tremendous courage and stoicism, reminding us of the quiet heroism of so many in the darkest of times. The novel is rich in sensuous and historical detail, powerfully plunging us into the world of 1914. Morrish unwinds her narrative skilfully, drawing us into the characters’ lives, their loves, ambitions and dilemmas until reading becomes an immersive and compelling experience. A masterclass in writing, and a wonderful heart-warming story. I thoroughly recommend it.
March 14, 2025
The premise of this book immediately drew me in, especially since I typically read WWII historical fiction. I was eager to explore something different, and this story didn’t disappoint.
The plot was engaging and easy to follow, with two distinct points of view that ran parallel to each other. Despite the characters being in separate places, you could sense their paths would eventually intertwine, adding a layer of anticipation to the narrative.
It’s a slow-paced yet empowering read, following the main characters as they bravely pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.
The ending leaves you with lingering questions, making me eager for a sequel — both to find those answers and to see where the characters' journeys lead next.
The plot was engaging and easy to follow, with two distinct points of view that ran parallel to each other. Despite the characters being in separate places, you could sense their paths would eventually intertwine, adding a layer of anticipation to the narrative.
It’s a slow-paced yet empowering read, following the main characters as they bravely pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.
The ending leaves you with lingering questions, making me eager for a sequel — both to find those answers and to see where the characters' journeys lead next.
April 2, 2025
I really loved this book. Historical fiction is probably my favourite genre and this book is really a perfect example of it. The story is so well thought out and engaging and is so impactful. I love a story about strong women and sisterhood and so this ticked lots of boxes for me. I loved the writing style and short chapters from alternating perspectives and I loved the main characters.
There were a few points that I wish had been closed of a little neater for me just so that I felt like the story gave closure, but I guess to some end that is the point!
There were a few points that I wish had been closed of a little neater for me just so that I felt like the story gave closure, but I guess to some end that is the point!
February 23, 2025
Women Of War shines a fascinating new light on women’s roles during the conflict. Inspired by real women, Lucinda is a pioneering surgeon treating casualties from the front, while Edie disguises herself as a man and enlists with ambitions to be the first female war correspondent. Their stories are utterly gripping, so much so that I was holding my breath between chapters! A moving and intricately researched tale.
March 12, 2025
Would you disguise yourself as a man to fight for your country? Edie Lawrence did just that. Reporting to the battlefield Edie hopes to seek out her beloved Nate who is already fighting on the front line whilst at the same time Edie wants to become the first female journalist to report the horrors of war. When Edie is injured she finds herself in the care of Lucinda, another brave woman who pioneers a field hospital. Well researched this remarkable story had me gripped.
June 7, 2025
Historical fiction at its best. Louise is a master at taking a real life historical figure and weaving an imagined fiction around them. In this book there are three such figures, Dorothy Lawrence who disguised herself as a male soldier in order to get to the front during the first world war to achieve her ambition of becoming the first female journalist to report from the battlefields and secondly a pair of doctors Louisa Garrett Anderson and Flora Murray who set up the Women's Hospital Corps in 1914. I was completely absorbed in the fascinating stories of these amazing women and I've got to mention that there was a scene in the middle of the book when a soldier is being treated for a horrendous head wound which was almost unbearably tense and emotionally devastating. Really powerful writing. Read it.
March 16, 2025
This is an wonderful book. I loved reading Edie and Lucinda storys.Set in 1914 it tells the tale of their actions in the first months of the war in France. These 2 characters are both based on real women so it gives the reader an amazing insight into what some women achieved.
April 25, 2025
Absolutely brilliant l really enjoyed this book the author wrote a excellent account of what happened in that time period especially around the suffragette moment and the way she brought the First World War to life was excellent
July 25, 2025
I finished it but nowhere near as good as Operation Mooonlight.
October 20, 2025
ugh this concept had so much potential
November 3, 2025
Women of War tells the story of two remarkable women and their experiences in WWI. Edie Lawrence is a young suffragette and when war breaks out and she finds herself left with nothing, she decides to pursue her dream of being a journalist by dressing as a man and joining up as a soldier. When she is injured she is sent to a hospital set up by Dr Lucinda Garland who is in charge of a mostly female team. After her plans to set up a hospital in London were rejected by men who couldn’t countenance the idea of a female doctor, she works with the Red Cross in France to offer her invaluable services there instead.
From beginning to end this is a story of plucky women metaphorically sticking two fingers up to anyone (any man) that says they can’t do something. The action all takes place over a few short months between August and December 1914 and portrays in all its horrors the hell of the First World War. Edie’s war is devastating - as soldiers returning from the front say to her, it’s basically a massacre. Lucinda and her colleagues deal with the fallout and the shocking injuries which are like nothing they have seen before.
The leading female characters are based on real women and their courageous feats. Louise Morrish brings them to life in Women of War in alternating chapters from both Edie and Lucinda’s points of view. I found this to be an extremely engaging, heart-rending work of historical fiction, impeccably researched and so well-written.
From beginning to end this is a story of plucky women metaphorically sticking two fingers up to anyone (any man) that says they can’t do something. The action all takes place over a few short months between August and December 1914 and portrays in all its horrors the hell of the First World War. Edie’s war is devastating - as soldiers returning from the front say to her, it’s basically a massacre. Lucinda and her colleagues deal with the fallout and the shocking injuries which are like nothing they have seen before.
The leading female characters are based on real women and their courageous feats. Louise Morrish brings them to life in Women of War in alternating chapters from both Edie and Lucinda’s points of view. I found this to be an extremely engaging, heart-rending work of historical fiction, impeccably researched and so well-written.
November 6, 2025
Told from a different perspective
Harrowing in places, unbelievable bravery and absolute determination to 'do something'
Harrowing in places, unbelievable bravery and absolute determination to 'do something'
April 4, 2025
A beautiful heartfelt story that I absolutely adored. I never thought I'd be someone that would enjoy historical fiction but wow this really hit all the emotions for me. The story of Edie and Lucinda is crafted beautifully, expertly woven together to create a story that will memorise you.
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