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Women Like That
War rages but sometimes the enemy is closer than you think.
Aged 14, Mhairi is forced into adulthood. Evicted from her family home in rural Scotland, separated from her parents, she must find her own way in life. As she fights for survival in a city of strangers, she finds companionship in the most unlikely of places. And she finds love.
But Mhairi has made an enemy and he is powerful. Women like her have no place in his world.
The unthinkable happens and she loses everything again, including her freedom.
She had the best of friends and the greatest love. Now she has nothing. Will she have the strength to carry out the fight of her life?
Aged 14, Mhairi is forced into adulthood. Evicted from her family home in rural Scotland, separated from her parents, she must find her own way in life. As she fights for survival in a city of strangers, she finds companionship in the most unlikely of places. And she finds love.
But Mhairi has made an enemy and he is powerful. Women like her have no place in his world.
The unthinkable happens and she loses everything again, including her freedom.
She had the best of friends and the greatest love. Now she has nothing. Will she have the strength to carry out the fight of her life?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
349 pages, Paperback
Published January 8, 2026
10 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Curnow
2 books47 followersWinner of the Federation of Writers (Scotland) short story competition, 2023.
I am a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, I turned to the Open University where I studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. I have since written five books, four under the pen name of F J Curlew, but I have now reverted to using my given name.
I find it difficult to be content without a work in progress. That escape into a world of my own making is something very special! Before the Swallows Come Back was sparked by a meeting I had with a Tinker family many years ago, in rural Perthshire. They invited me to sit by their fire, outside their bender, and listen to stories. It was fascinating, inspirational and never left me.
The conservation of natural habitats and their wildlife is hugely important to me (yes, I am a bit of an eco-warrior!) and the Tinkers and their way of life seemed to lend themselves to carrying this theme.
I am a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, I turned to the Open University where I studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. I have since written five books, four under the pen name of F J Curlew, but I have now reverted to using my given name.
I find it difficult to be content without a work in progress. That escape into a world of my own making is something very special! Before the Swallows Come Back was sparked by a meeting I had with a Tinker family many years ago, in rural Perthshire. They invited me to sit by their fire, outside their bender, and listen to stories. It was fascinating, inspirational and never left me.
The conservation of natural habitats and their wildlife is hugely important to me (yes, I am a bit of an eco-warrior!) and the Tinkers and their way of life seemed to lend themselves to carrying this theme.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 21, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
This story is set during the period of 1914-1920, covering WWI and its aftermath.
It follows Mhairi McIntryre, whose family have been made homeless, and as she and her brother, Jamie, were the eldest, they were told to fend for themselves. Their parents told them that they will take their two younger siblings to Glasgow to try their luck in the big city.
On their way across Scotland, Jamie dies of an illness, and Mhairi is left alone. She decides to also travel to Glasgow in the hopes of reconciling with her family.
She finds a live-in position as a maid in the house of Connie Fotheringale, a daughter of a powerful MP, who keeps his daughter under lock and key. Mhairi and Connie become friends, and she encourages Connie to gain more confidence in venturing out in the world.
This allows for Mhairi to meet other women, like Lizzie and Hannah, who are a part of the demonstration group, fighting for equality for all, better working and living conditions, and social justice.
During one of the demonstrations, Mhairi meets Robbie, and they fall in love.
However, Mr Fotheringale’s reach is very far – and he is searching far and wide for his daughter. It’s not the last time that the women will hear his name….
I loved this book and its characters. I read the author’s previous work, Before the Swallows Come Back, but Women Like That is a totally different story.
It wasn’t just following Mhairi but also Connie and all of the friends and people she has met on the way. I was aware of the devastating inequality between Glasgow’s rich and poor, and in the book, we had Connie and Charlie living a lavish lifestyle, whereas Mhairi and Robbie had to share a flat with others.
This book beautifully portrays the social situation of people of Scotland, the horrific conditions of WWI, and its brutal aftermath. I felt so sorry for Andy and Robbie; I even had a degree of sympathy for Charlie.
I definitely recommend this book.
This story is set during the period of 1914-1920, covering WWI and its aftermath.
It follows Mhairi McIntryre, whose family have been made homeless, and as she and her brother, Jamie, were the eldest, they were told to fend for themselves. Their parents told them that they will take their two younger siblings to Glasgow to try their luck in the big city.
On their way across Scotland, Jamie dies of an illness, and Mhairi is left alone. She decides to also travel to Glasgow in the hopes of reconciling with her family.
She finds a live-in position as a maid in the house of Connie Fotheringale, a daughter of a powerful MP, who keeps his daughter under lock and key. Mhairi and Connie become friends, and she encourages Connie to gain more confidence in venturing out in the world.
This allows for Mhairi to meet other women, like Lizzie and Hannah, who are a part of the demonstration group, fighting for equality for all, better working and living conditions, and social justice.
During one of the demonstrations, Mhairi meets Robbie, and they fall in love.
However, Mr Fotheringale’s reach is very far – and he is searching far and wide for his daughter. It’s not the last time that the women will hear his name….
I loved this book and its characters. I read the author’s previous work, Before the Swallows Come Back, but Women Like That is a totally different story.
It wasn’t just following Mhairi but also Connie and all of the friends and people she has met on the way. I was aware of the devastating inequality between Glasgow’s rich and poor, and in the book, we had Connie and Charlie living a lavish lifestyle, whereas Mhairi and Robbie had to share a flat with others.
This book beautifully portrays the social situation of people of Scotland, the horrific conditions of WWI, and its brutal aftermath. I felt so sorry for Andy and Robbie; I even had a degree of sympathy for Charlie.
I definitely recommend this book.
January 8, 2026
Mhairi has a difficult start in her teenage years, essentially abandoned by her parents to make a life and a living with her brother Jamie who dies soon afterwards. Life is tough in Scotland in the early part of the 20th century. Mhairi heads to Glasgow and works for Mr Fotheringale, an unkind man with a wonderful daughter, Connie, who she bonds with. In this period of political turmoil, activism and war Mhairi finds a way to survive with the friends she has made.
This plot really captivated me. Early one morning when I couldn’t sleep I was so absorbed in the storyline when I stopped reading I realised I was freezing cold and I hadn’t noticed! I was warmed by the character of Connie who I took to immediately with her tragedy and difficulties in early life. I loved Lizzie and Hannah too. I was horrified at the treatment of women during the period - the use of asylums and restraining equipment without just cause and the power men had over women. Whilst less than 350 pages this book reads like a saga with an overall plot and various sub plots which I loved. If you enjoy historical fiction try this book.
This plot really captivated me. Early one morning when I couldn’t sleep I was so absorbed in the storyline when I stopped reading I realised I was freezing cold and I hadn’t noticed! I was warmed by the character of Connie who I took to immediately with her tragedy and difficulties in early life. I loved Lizzie and Hannah too. I was horrified at the treatment of women during the period - the use of asylums and restraining equipment without just cause and the power men had over women. Whilst less than 350 pages this book reads like a saga with an overall plot and various sub plots which I loved. If you enjoy historical fiction try this book.
January 19, 2026
Historical fiction that packs a punch. Reading about Mhairi's dire plight really brings home the fact that poverty in those years was something that would make even the very poorest of people today shudder.
The writing totally immersed me in Mhairi's world - transporting me to a Scotland that was not for the faint of heart. The descriptions were vividly rendered, and the characters authentically portrayed. It is obvious that the author did her research into the time period.
Scotland, during the years surrounding WWI, the society was misogynistic and grossly unfair to women. The class disparity, social injustices, traumas surrounding the war, illness and suffering, all made an impact. Mhairi's fortitude, resilience, and strength served her well. It was not all dour and bleak. The friendships that Mhairi forged added some uplifting segments to the book.
Recommended to readers who cherish raw authenticity in their historical novels. I am now eager to read her previous novel, "Before The Swallows Come Back".
The writing totally immersed me in Mhairi's world - transporting me to a Scotland that was not for the faint of heart. The descriptions were vividly rendered, and the characters authentically portrayed. It is obvious that the author did her research into the time period.
Scotland, during the years surrounding WWI, the society was misogynistic and grossly unfair to women. The class disparity, social injustices, traumas surrounding the war, illness and suffering, all made an impact. Mhairi's fortitude, resilience, and strength served her well. It was not all dour and bleak. The friendships that Mhairi forged added some uplifting segments to the book.
Recommended to readers who cherish raw authenticity in their historical novels. I am now eager to read her previous novel, "Before The Swallows Come Back".
January 10, 2026
Women Like That – Fiona Curnow – 26th Dec 2025
Thank you to Random Things Tours and Fiona Curno for my copy to read and review.
I loved this book. I’m a big fan of historical fiction but Glasgow during and after WW1 was a new time and location for me.
Set in a time of much turmoil. Scottish rural communities evicted from their homes; WW1, Spanish Flu – time for revolution.
Mhairi is a strong young lady. She has already left her home, lost her family and must find her own way in life. Along the way she makes wonderful and unlikely friendships and soon a band of young women, determined to stand by each other and make a difference in the world, become good friends, But the world is tough and the war and revenge make life hard for Mhairi and her friends.
The women in this book are fantastic. Coming from a range of backgrounds and experiences, I was desperate to see them all overcome their obstacles and find their way in life. The men too all have different experiences, and it is devastating to see the impact of the war on them all. There is much heart break, death, missing families, ‘the terrors’ of WW1, revenge, politics and illness and this story shows the value of community and friendship.
I feel that I learnt something new in this book. I didn’t know about the rural clearances of land in Scotland during the early 19th century. And somehow you feel that Glasgow so far from Europe – is less affected by war. But this shows how the war touched everyone – not just the more obvious historical fiction locations of Berlin, London, Paris etc. We know this – but we need reminding. I love all historical fictions – from all locations and this was no exception. It is the stories of the people affected that really tell the impact on the world.
I will definitely be reading more by Fiona Curnow.
Thank you to Random Things Tours and Fiona Curno for my copy to read and review.
I loved this book. I’m a big fan of historical fiction but Glasgow during and after WW1 was a new time and location for me.
Set in a time of much turmoil. Scottish rural communities evicted from their homes; WW1, Spanish Flu – time for revolution.
Mhairi is a strong young lady. She has already left her home, lost her family and must find her own way in life. Along the way she makes wonderful and unlikely friendships and soon a band of young women, determined to stand by each other and make a difference in the world, become good friends, But the world is tough and the war and revenge make life hard for Mhairi and her friends.
The women in this book are fantastic. Coming from a range of backgrounds and experiences, I was desperate to see them all overcome their obstacles and find their way in life. The men too all have different experiences, and it is devastating to see the impact of the war on them all. There is much heart break, death, missing families, ‘the terrors’ of WW1, revenge, politics and illness and this story shows the value of community and friendship.
I feel that I learnt something new in this book. I didn’t know about the rural clearances of land in Scotland during the early 19th century. And somehow you feel that Glasgow so far from Europe – is less affected by war. But this shows how the war touched everyone – not just the more obvious historical fiction locations of Berlin, London, Paris etc. We know this – but we need reminding. I love all historical fictions – from all locations and this was no exception. It is the stories of the people affected that really tell the impact on the world.
I will definitely be reading more by Fiona Curnow.
January 13, 2026
Another gem from Fiona Curnow, totally engrossing from the first page to the last. As always, her characters are so well formed that they carry you with them on their journeys...you feel what they feel and their stories are so authentic,you are transported into their world. If you haven't read her previous works you should do so asap. Can't wait for the next one...Just love her writing ❤
January 29, 2026
I am a huge historical fiction fan, it’s one of my top favourite genres to read & this book was different from my previous reads.
Set in Scotland, during & after WWI, there was a lot happening in this book, the onslaught of the Spanish flu & its devastating consequences, families evicted from their homes in rural areas and the rise of revolutionaries.
Mhairi’s story is heartbreaking, having left to fend for herself at 14, she eventually finds her way into Glasgow, and eventually employment. Her strength & resilience in such times of turmoil was commendable and admirable. The unlikely friendships with the women were a consequence of shared circumstances, though with different backgrounds, was heartwarming to see.
The supporting characters were strong in their own right, adding the right depth and emotion to the plot. The bleak atmosphere with post war trauma, missing people, abuse of power by the affluent, and illness was heartbreaking; but it also highlighted the importance of community & unlikely friendships.
The Glasgow setting was new for me with regard to WW fiction, the rural communities’ eviction shows how far off the effects of the war reached. This is a book about resilience, friendship & the unnatural strength shown by women in times of extreme adversity.
A good pick for any historical fiction fan!
Set in Scotland, during & after WWI, there was a lot happening in this book, the onslaught of the Spanish flu & its devastating consequences, families evicted from their homes in rural areas and the rise of revolutionaries.
Mhairi’s story is heartbreaking, having left to fend for herself at 14, she eventually finds her way into Glasgow, and eventually employment. Her strength & resilience in such times of turmoil was commendable and admirable. The unlikely friendships with the women were a consequence of shared circumstances, though with different backgrounds, was heartwarming to see.
The supporting characters were strong in their own right, adding the right depth and emotion to the plot. The bleak atmosphere with post war trauma, missing people, abuse of power by the affluent, and illness was heartbreaking; but it also highlighted the importance of community & unlikely friendships.
The Glasgow setting was new for me with regard to WW fiction, the rural communities’ eviction shows how far off the effects of the war reached. This is a book about resilience, friendship & the unnatural strength shown by women in times of extreme adversity.
A good pick for any historical fiction fan!
January 15, 2026
This is a book filled with sorrow and hurt, but also shares passion and strength. It is particularly needed at the moment, when the rights of women seems to be headed backward.
As we get to know Mhairi we can see that she was setup up to fail in life, with such a hard start, but she is quite the fighter and made the best of what she could. As she discovered her voice and her inner power she also found just how much men wanted to make sure she had neither, and the lengths they would go to in order to have their way.
It is a very engrossing book, and keeps you completely locked in. I think the sad part is I am locked in, learning about what the past was like for women and also thinking about how horrible the future could be, if thing can continue to deteriorate. I really thought this book was written perfectly.
As we get to know Mhairi we can see that she was setup up to fail in life, with such a hard start, but she is quite the fighter and made the best of what she could. As she discovered her voice and her inner power she also found just how much men wanted to make sure she had neither, and the lengths they would go to in order to have their way.
It is a very engrossing book, and keeps you completely locked in. I think the sad part is I am locked in, learning about what the past was like for women and also thinking about how horrible the future could be, if thing can continue to deteriorate. I really thought this book was written perfectly.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews