Six Triple Eight

by Mary McCallum

In the midst of World War II, four extraordinary Black women find their paths converging in the groundbreaking 6888th Central Postal Battalion - the first all-Black, all-female unit to serve overseas. Sadie Lewis joins the WACs haunted by visions and the loss of her beloved husband Andrew, her gift of second sight both a blessing and a curse. Vibrant country girl Sammy Love Bonnet seeks adventure far from her Alabama farm, only to find unexpected love in a complicated situation. Single mother Paige Thomas enlists hoping to secure a better future for her teenage son, while former Broadway actress Cleopatra Laurier dreams of proving herself in a world that refuses to see past the color of her skin.

Under the inspiring leadership of Major Clarissa Dixon, these women unite to tackle an impossible processing millions of pieces of backlogged mail in war-torn Britain. But as they confront discrimination, personal losses, and the horrors of war, they discover something more powerful than prejudice - an unshakeable bond of sisterhood that will change their lives forever.

This novel weaves together themes of love, loss, friendship, and courage, offering an intimate glimpse into one of World War II's most overlooked yet remarkable units. Through sacrifice, determination, and unwavering faith in each other, these pioneering women prove that they are not just equal to the task - they are essential to the war effort and the future they dare to dream of building.

Genres: Historical Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2025

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a personal connection with this book, which is based on the award-winning stage play by Mary McCallum, which I acted in, beginning in 2014 in Nashville, and then later in various cities throughout the country. She has also written a screenplay, which pre-dates the Tyler Perry film, and, in my opinion, is superior, but I think the more that is written, staged, and/or filmed about these "lesser known" histories that we were not taught in school, the better. And there is definitely room for more stories about the women who made up the first Black female battalion in WW2 and served overseas. McCallum's play and screenplay tell the stories of five different women, brought together under these circumstances, and in this novel, we are able to follow their paths more deeply. The characters Mary McCallum has created are realistic, lovable and fascinating; the book is and absolutely compelling. It's currently on Amazon unlimited, so if you are a member, you can check it out for free (or purchase if not a member). It is a fast read that is suitable for both adult and YA audiences.

[Booknblues · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently saw something about a new series by Tyler Perry called the Six Triple Eight and did a search. I found Six Triple Eight by Mary McCallum on Unlimited and decided to read it.

The story of the Six Triple Eight is one of those amazing ones that many of us have never heard of and they are well worth a series and a novel.

The McCallum book should not be confused with Tyler Perry's version. While it is historically accurate, it is a dime store version.

[Kelsey Carlson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt very meh about this book. I was intrigued by the subject but I don’t think the book was well written and a lot of jumping from one person to the next. I think some chapter weren’t necessary to the storyline either.

[Michelle Strommen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by the women in my book club. I very much enjoyed this book. The stories of these women broke my heart but made me cheer for them. I’m so glad I read it.

[Holly Morey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not the book I expected it to be. I wanted more history on the Six Triple Eight and les historical fiction. This is the story of the Black women's WAC unit in WWII. It centers around 4 women in the unit and their struggles and triumphs, especially the racial discrimination before and during their service. The book was interesting, but I would have liked to read more on the actual work that this unit did during the war. Again, this is another story from WWII that has been lost to history