The Song of the Lotus Flower

Women War Reporters #1

by Lelita Baldock

An epic tale of courage, love and heroism inspired by the true stories of women working as journalists during the Vietnam War.

1967. Jude Murphy has never taken no for an answer. When her editor refuses to send her to cover Vietnam, she books her own flight to Saigon – typewriter in her luggage, borrowed camera over her shoulder, and every intention of reporting the truth of a war her country would rather sanitise.

But on arrival, she clashes with the stubborn military officer who blocks women from frontline reporting. Determined to break through every barrier, Jude fights the authorities for her right to report. Then, while waiting to join a platoon, she meets a young American soldier whose warmth and idealism starkly contrast her growing cynicism about the war, opening her eyes – and her heart – in ways she never expected.

When she’s captured behind enemy lines, Jude faces an impossible choice between protecting the people who saved her and exposing the devastating truths her reporting has uncovered.

A moving and utterly breathtaking story of loss, love and the determination of women to fight for freedom in a time of war, this unforgettable story will captivate readers of The Rose Code, The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Perfect for anyone who loves:

Strong, independent women defying the odds
Rich period atmosphere
Forbidden love in a warzone
Stories inspired by real women in history
War fiction with emotional depth and moral complexity

Genres: Historical Fiction

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2026

About the author

Lelita Baldock is an author of historical and literary fiction.

Lelita's novels focus on lesser-known aspects of history and the incredible everyday people who endure and overcome.

You can follow her on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lelit...

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Lelita Baldock’s dual-timeline historical fiction highlights the pioneers of conflict reporting and explores the vital role of women war correspondents. This story is a rich historical account spotlighting the importance of the Vietnam War for women who covered the battlefield action for the first time. Baldock honed in on the fight for freedom for all involved and showcased the determination of women such as freelance journalist Judith ‘Jude’ Murphy and the others who witnessed action on the frontlines. It’s good to be reminded that equal access was desperately fought for both on the home front and on foreign soil during wartime.

I love the title! The lotus flower is known for symbolizing enlightenment and resilience, making the title extremely fitting for the wartime setting and a determined woman.

If descriptive battlefield reporting, forbidden love in a warzone, and independent women who push boundaries appeal to you, you’ll appreciate this one.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Tylah Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this arc!

If you know me, you know I LOVE a historical fiction. Especially women related historical fiction. I enjoyed this and I absolutely adored Jude’s character. The start really drew me in and then I was left wanting more for a good duration of the book until the 80%ish mark. So it fell really flat for me during the middle.

[Naori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced reader’s copy received from NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this advanced reader’s copy of The Song of the Lotus Flower by Lelita Baldock in exchange for an honest review. My words are my own.

This fierce piece of historical fiction is emblematic of multiple battles - female access to predominantly male spaces, freedom of the press, the machines of propaganda that enable political agendas to triumph out over human rights concerns, and the personal battles of individuals fighting for far deeper issues than regional alignment. While the multiplicative meanings behind Baldock’s title is not revealed until the pinnacle of the book, her use of the lotus blossom, a flower that looks delicate but is very resilient, is a wonderful analogy for the women of this novel.

This story is initially divided into two timelines, the first beginning in 1957 with Jude, a female reporter who recently left her position at the Associated Press, of which this series of Women at War on the surface seems initially to be about. The second begins two years earlier in 1955, told through the voice of Susan, an administrative assistant at the U.S. Embassy and the organizer of the ill-fated Operation Freedom; her personal journey from staunch American supporter to active Vietnamese sympathizer echoes the way Jude’s identity is also shorn and rebuilt.

Both women are engaged in multiplicative battles - Susan in her desire to help the Northern refugees (one family in particular) while also contending with the constant underhanded, patronizing and reticent attitude of her colleagues at the Embassy. Jude, who is railing against the misogyny and outright hostility towards female reporters in Saigon, is also fighting a war against the editor of her newspaper who refuses to print any “anti-American” articles that portray soldiers in a negative light, or anything that makes it sound like she is engaging in inappropriate (read unfeminine) activities. These are the attitudes she is met with every time she uncovers something as meaningful as systemic pre-coordinated war crimes or outright genocide.

This book is part of the series, Women at War, and could be read through the surface narrative of the two women whose lives its timeline is divided between. However, I believe it is the voices of the women who surround them: for Jude, the similarly harassed female reporters, for Susan the tortured North Vietnamese refugees, that truly embody the “women at war”. Unlike other fiction on Vietnam, this novel layers the narrative with multiple definitions of what “combat” meant to women from so many perspectives in Vietnam.

One of the problems I had with this book, however, is that while it is so succulent for the last third, I was 60% into the novel and the author still had not revealed the connection between the women. The major catalyst in plot, that escalates all the tensions, doesn’t take place until more than halfway through. Then suddenly an entire, fabulous, juicy pearl-clutching novel happens all in this small window of time, after intermission. This is problematic in a few ways: as a reviewer I feel like I have less to work with without giving away key elements; as a reader I feel you must have a pre-existing reason for being interested in this book to remain completely invested. However, by the close of the book, Baldock accomplishes what you want from all writers - the feeling of having been sated by what you have just consumed, and a little room left for more…

In the words of a fellow female journalist: “Time moved on. Jude’s stories were strong, they mattered. But they are not the only truths to be uncovered in Vietnam…”(304).

We are thus tempted to not only return to earlier books in the series but possibly any texts Lelita Baldock writes subsequently.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s an impossible choice. The choice between being a journalist and a human. The divide that has always existed in the core of who I am, and who I want to be.”
The Song of the Lotus Flower is the powerful story of a woman journalist who makes it her mission to go to Vietnam to find out the truth of what’s happening and to tell the world. But the truth is far more complex than she could ever have imagined, and soon it’s hard to tell what’s right from wrong or who’s good or bad. This compelling novel doesn’t shrink from either the horrors or the muddy morality of war - it dirties everyone touched by it.
Beautifully, gut-wrenchingly written, with the passion and sincerity I’ve come to expect from Lelita Baldock, this is a heartfelt story that I know will stay with me. The sense of atmosphere is remarkable and the characters fascinating and well-crafted. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Women.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Song of the Lotus Flower by Lelita Baldock

Synopsis /

1967. Jude Murphy has never taken no for an answer. When her editor refuses to send her to cover Vietnam, she books her own flight to Saigon – typewriter in her luggage, borrowed camera over her shoulder, and every intention of reporting the truth of a war her country would rather sanitise.

But on arrival, she clashes with the stubborn military officer who blocks women from frontline reporting. Determined to break through every barrier, Jude fights the authorities for her right to report. Then, while waiting to join a platoon, she meets a young American soldier whose warmth and idealism starkly contrast her growing cynicism about the war, opening her eyes – and her heart – in ways she never expected.

When she’s captured behind enemy lines, Jude faces an impossible choice between protecting the people who saved her and exposing the devastating truths her reporting has uncovered.


My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Lelita Baldock for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

We are like the lotus flower – quietly growing, strengthening, hidden and unseen below the muddy water. But we will rise and bloom, bright and strong and shining. And, we will win.

I am a huge advocate of stories that highlight the accomplishments of female characters – in both the fiction and non-fiction categories. It is empowering to read about women who break barriers, redefine strength, and shape history. Stories of female accomplishment offer incredible inspiration across both imagined worlds and real-life achievements. So when I learned that Australian author, Lelita Baldock's latest offering - The Song of the Lotus Flower is the first book in a series which highlights Women War Reporters, it was a definite no-brainer – I was all in.

Saigon in 1967 was a city that was protected from the war that raged outside of it, a place where three million people went about their daily lives. It was the relative political and military haven of South Vietnam, though it served as the bustling command centre for allied forces. While the city avoided large-scale combat, U.S. troops launched massive operations nearby, such as Operation Cedar Falls, to eliminate the Viet Cong's Iron Triangle stronghold. However, the defining events that were to occur during that year changed the landscape (and the people) of this city forever.

One of this novel's greatest strengths is its characterisation. The 1960s were a time when female journalists "couldn't write anything but women's pages" – that's according to men. This is the story of reporter, Jude Murphy, who spent 13 months as a war correspondent in Saigon. An inexperienced war correspondent, Murphy's life and beliefs were turned upside down during the conflict in 1967. Deeply committed to covering events, and even more, to reporting the truth, Murphy took immense risks for a story – even being taken prisoner by the North Vietnamese. For Murphy, reporting is no longer just a professional challenge but a deeply personal ordeal that forces her to confront her own fears and perceptions, while witnessing the worst of what humans are capable of.

Baldock builds the suspense – not just through shocking twists, but by creating a growing sense of unease, as you come to realise, there are no (real) winners in this scenario. Baldock emphasises the idea that the past never truly disappears, no matter how much time has passed. And as a reader, you come to realise that past experiences continue to shape the present and influence our future choices.

What stood out to me most were the incredible visuals and the author hit the sweet spot balancing immense sorrow with cultural resilience. I loved that this book inspired me to learn something entirely new, leading me to do my own research into a time that I thought I knew enough about, but obviously didn't.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for August 03, 2026.

[C.R. Comacchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advance copy of this book.

Lelita Baldock has written a Vietnam War novel in which non-Vietnamese women are actively involved in documenting and assuaging the devastation. Actual eyewitness accounts made available since the war’s end uphold the simple fact that, at least for the American side, this was very much a gendered war. Combatants, officers, and those in positions of high command were all men. Women in the auxiliary services were expected to perform in the traditional roles of earlier wars, largely as secretaries, nurses, social workers etc. Yet women, as her fictional characters show, were very much involved. Judith (Jude) Murphy is the ‘modern American woman’ at the extreme end. A journalist employed by the Associated Press, she walks off the job because her editor has already posted men to Vietnam. Bold, seemingly fearless, she is willing to risk her own life to get at the truth of what was happening in the tiny divided nation, warred over by the world’s imperialist nations since the century’s beginning . Her story is set in 1967, in the days of American disintegration just before the fall of Saigon. The other perspective, that of nurse Clara Peterson, shows what was happening in the aftermath of the division of North and South in 1954. Clara arrives just as the first refugees from the North arrive in the South. After a decade working for the civil service in Washington, she is excited to be getting more satisfying work at the front.

Both women, educated, unmarried American professionals, are idealists looking to make a difference. Jude Murphy is disabused almost immediately on arrival, when she witnesses and almost dies in the American bombing of an undefended town containing only women, children and old men. Yet they were reduced to ash because they were, in fact, hiding the Viet Cong.

There are many such instances on both sides, more in Jude’s story, because she is ‘embedded’ with the American forces from the start, and also because her experience of war is much more vicious and closer to the ground than that of Nurse Clara in the 1950s. Both sides nonetheless reveal just how inconsistent was the American command, driven as it was, in light of its ongoing Korean experience, by an absolute commitment to containment of Communist forces.

The war’s effects are in no way toned down or effected ‘off the page,’ just as a warning to those who might be triggered by violence and depravity. At times the writing seems to mimic the style of contemporary men’s magazines when Jude is giving witness, with its fast, clipped, spare, ‘manly’ tone; the ugliness is still apparent in Clara’s side, but, in keeping with her persona, the voice is softer, the pace slower. Characterization is well-handled, though Jude can be a bit of the ‘shrill’ feminist stereotype at times, and Clara can seem too dependent on the men to save her as needed. For the most part, however, in their different ways, they show themselves to be brave, unafraid, and very much up to the task at hand. This is a hard-edged look at the tragedy of Vietnam that suggests much about the gendered ways of heading off the foe.

[Ivy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye-opening, raw, and haunting read about the Vietnam War!

Set in the late 50s and 60s, this well-researched and masterfully written historical fiction mainly follows Judith Murphy, a successful journalist who quits her job at the Associated Press after her ex-boyfriend Peter gets sent to Vietnam to report from Saigon instead of her. Judith packs everything she owns that will let her document her own stories and flies off to Saigon as a freelancer. She not only witnesses shocking war crimes but also experiences forbidden love on the front lines and is forced to question everything she believed to be the true motives of her own country.

There are two sides to every story, or so we have always been told. This novel is the proof of how true that is, even in situations where we feel sure we know who the "bad guys" are. While following platoons into the jungles of Vietnam in the South, Judith feels sure that the "Viet Congs" are the real bad guys who do not blink when killing their own people. However, as she is forcefully taken over to the North and gets the chance to listen to the stories of the women of a northern village, she feels her world turn upside down. Every story she unquestioningly believed, every soldier she trusted, and every person she held dear since her arrival at Saigon deals another blow to her already breaking heart.

This book also touches upon social stigmas women faced and still do in their careers, the unfathomable emotional burden the soldiers carry, and the possible, horrific results of following orders without question. Lelita Baldock does an incredible job portraying the brave women of wartime and the vulnerability of the seemingly tough and capable soldiers who risk their lives for causes they were made to believe in.

The atrocities of war are described in such a way that does not rely heavily on bloodshed and gore, but still creates vivid images of the scenes in the reader's mind. This in itself is admirable and shows the strength of Baldock's exquisite prose. She paints the lush green jungles and the blood-soaked battlefields of Vietnam with equal brilliance, bringing every scene vividly to life.

This first installment is a powerful start to a historical fiction series that is inspired by the real women who were brave enough to risk their lives to tell the truth about the war in all its honesty and roughness. I truly believe that historical fiction lovers who value emotional depth and unsung heroes who make the biggest changes will want to have this book on their shelves.

Big thanks to Storm Publishing, author Lelita Baldock, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Anisha Choudhury | A Literary Autopsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of The Song of the Lotus Flower by Lelita Baldock via Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

The Song of the Lotus Flower by Lelita Baldock, the first book in the Women War Reporters series, is an epic tale of courage, love, and heroism inspired by the true stories of women journalists during the Vietnam War. Told across dual timelines—following Jude from 1967 onward as she navigates the front lines, and Susan in 1950s—the narrative builds a powerful foundation of history and resilience. In 1967, Jude Murphy is a fiercely determined woman who refuses to take no for an answer. When her editor blocks her assignment to Vietnam, she books her own flight to Saigon with a typewriter and a borrowed camera, ready to expose the raw truth of a war her country would rather sanitize.

Upon arrival, Jude immediately clashes with stubborn military officers trying to ban women from frontline reporting. While fighting for her right to report and waiting to join a platoon, she encounters a young American soldier whose warmth and idealism challenge her growing cynicism. When she is eventually captured behind enemy lines, Jude faces a harrowing, impossible choice between protecting the people who saved her and exposing the devastating truths she has uncovered. Perfect for fans of The Rose Code and The Nightingale, this novel delivers profound emotional depth and moral complexity.

Lelita Baldock has crafted a unique, painful, and deeply enlightening reading experience. The dual-timeline structure enriches the narrative, allowing the multi-layered plot to unflinchingly examine the horrors of the Vietnam War and illustrate how innocence was ripped from both the Vietnamese people and young American conscripts fed lies by their government. The book masterfully explores how war and collateral damage go hand in hand, alongside the horrendous misogyny and bigotry faced by women reporters trying to tell the unvarnished truth. It asks difficult questions about how far people are willing to go to stand by national falsehoods, ensuring it lingers long after the final page.

The Song of the Lotus Flower is a breathtaking and unforgettable story. If you love rich period atmospheres, multi-timeline storytelling, strong independent women defying the odds, and deeply moving historical fiction, this is an absolute must-read that will make this series an instant favorite.

[Kátia]

4.5⭐

When I discovered Lelita Baldock earlier this year, I genuinely didn't expect to fall quite so hard into her stoies. One book somehow became almost her entire backlist, and along the way, she earned herself auto-buy status on my shelves. So when whispers of a new trilogy set during the Vietnam War began floating around, there really wasn't going to be a need for much convincing… I was all in.

The Song of the Lotus Flower follows Jude Murphy, a spunky American journalist determined to report the Vietnam War as it truly is, even when the world around her seems intent on deciding what stories a woman should and shouldn't be allowed to tell. Woven alongside Jude's journey is another timeline the reveals itself with patience, adding layer after later until the full picture clicks into place.

I'll leave the story there because this is one I think deserves to be discovered rather than explained…

What I will say is this… If you've read Lelita Baldock before, you'll recognize her signature heart immediately as you read forward. The meticulous research is there. The emotional honesty is there. The characters that settle beside you refusing to leave your side are all there.

But nevertheless, there's something very different drying with the ink that's a little more fire, a little more bite, and it suits Vietnam; it suits Jude. And it definitely makes for one incredibly compelling read.

I absolutely adored Jude. I sincerely admired Susan—who I wish I'd gotten to know more—in entirely different ways. Leo is every bit the force of nature I'd hope she'd be. And then there's B Company—there's James, Wes, Patrick, Alex, Simon…

I won't say another word—I already sent I wouldn't give anything away for readers still waiting for this story’s publication. But, I will quickly say that B Company genuinely brought forth the aspect that historical ficiton is far more than just about wars, or historical events, or even time, place and setting. Ultimately, one of the greatest components about historical fiction is in fact the people…

This is by no means an easy novel—nor should it be. Baldock doesn't soften the realities of war, but she also never really lets brutality become a spectacle amongst the circumstances. Instead, she tells a deeply human story about courage, conviction, impossible choices, and the women who refused to stand quietly on the sidelines of history.

I already know this series is going to stay with me—and that it will be a successful addition to Baldock's repertoire. And I am ever-so-eagerly, once again, counting the days until October and the second instalment of this captivating plot continues.

((Also—keep an eye out on publication day. I'll be welcoming Lelita on another Between the Pages adventure on Substack [WanderingPagesAndPlaces] for a feature celebrating The Song of the Lotus Flower, and we've been putting together a few special surprises that I cannot wait to share with some lucky winners!))

Until then… read this one. Truly. You'll not be disappointed. The Song of the Lotus Flower is, without question, a powerful, compassionate, beautifully written and researched, and profoundly human historical fiction novel, that could quite easily be one of my favourite reads of the year. I already miss the characters—particularly, the fiery Leo—and cannot wait for the next upcoming segment of this series.


A few quick notes to readers…
1. This is not a light historical fiction. At all. Baldock writes honestly about the brutality and trauma of war,
2. The novel contains some period-appropriate strong language used to reflect the setting authentically.
3. As the first book in a planned trilogy, the ending leaves reader eager for the next instalment, rather than trying to try every thread neatly together. Some readers may find it unsatisfying—it's not necessarily meant to.

A heartfelt thank you to Lelita Baldock, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of this eagerly awaited story in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am emotionally spent after reading The Song of Lotus Flower. Grab some tissues before you open The Song of the Lotus Flower. I didn't think I would need that many tissues, so many tissues. I grew up in the time of the Vietnam war. I was part of a choir that welcomed the last of the POWs home. Until now, I truely did not understand what happened. I know this is historical fiction, but the story feels so real. I will be spending days learning how deeply I was sheltered as a teen.

Judith has been denied access to the Vietnam and the war by her editor. Instead of accepting his decision she braves reporting on her own. She hops on a commercial flight. She acquires her own lodging. She gets her own press pass. It should be smooth sailing from thre. Nothing could be further from the truth.

According to many a woman doesn't not belong in a war zone. That won't stop her. Her bravery takes the reader deep into all sides of the war. There is detailed cruelty as she follows soldiers deep into the forests. The struggles are many. There will be no comforts from home. There will be hours tracking through the jungles, never knowing if the next step is the last as she walks with US soldiers.

Judith gives the reader a different side of the story after she is taken to North Vietnam. I really needed the tissues during her time in North Vietnam. She is told stories that I never heard. She witnesses the strength of the women determined to have a better life. Judith has the story of her life, but will anyone listen.

After being returned to Saigon; she is determined to print the story, their story. She just needs supporting evidence. As she writes more stories are coming in. Are US soldiers committing war crimes? Are blanket missions being issued? The world around her is crumbling. Horror stories are everywhere. Evidence is piling up. Military actions cannot be exposed. My fear for Judith grew with each passing page. Waiting to see what would happen was intense.

I really, really need to read more books like The Song of the Lotus Flower. I need to learn more. The class on the Vietnam War I took was serious lacking. We all need to read books like this to understand what happened there, what happened why soldiers had issues when they returned and why they still struggle.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Storm Publishing for the early ARC of this book.
Blurb.
1967. Jude Murphy has never taken no for an answer. When the Associated Press refuses to send her to cover Vietnam, she books her own flight to Saigon – typewriter in her luggage, borrowed camera over her shoulder, and every intention of reporting the truth of a war her country would rather sanitise.

But on arrival, she clashes with the stubborn military officer who blocks women from frontline reporting. When she does manage to break through, she is captured.

This story is about two women and is set in different timelines, exceptionally well written like this. Until later in the book, when we stick with one timeline.

My thoughts.
This book was highly emotional, bittersweet, and left me staring at the wall for days after reading it. I couldn't handle the deep-seated pain of the women during the war they were experiencing firsthand in Vietnam, and knowing that this story is based on the real events of such a horror.

Jude is a journalist, and the story focuses mainly on her journey, based on facts about female journalists who went to report in Vietnam. They were still disregarded because of their gender. And this woman shot that all to pieces.
I can't say too much about what happens as I don't want to include spoilers in my book.
I cried. I smiled. And I felt so proud of the woman she was and of the other women in this book who waded into a war zone, putting their own lives at risk. The horrors they witnessed filled my heart with deep sadness, and even today, a week after finishing the book, it has stuck with me.

Lelita Baldock is a new author to me, and I am so pleased to have discovered her work via Storm Publishing. Honestly, you need to read this historical romance. The capturing of the war in Vietnam is powerful. Baldock's writing style leaves you no choice but to read more and more of this one woman's journey and the people she meets along the way, forming a bond with them.

Kerry Kennedy Author

[Amanda Bennett at passionforprose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite its heavy subject matter, this was a quick, compelling read.

Inspired by the true stories of female reporters in Vietnam, The Song of the Lotus Flower follows Jude Murphy, who leaves her job with the Associated Press in New York to freelance after once again being passed over for an assignment because of her gender.

When she arrives in Saigon, she encounters the same barriers as military officials attempt to keep her from frontline reporting simply because she is a woman. Aware that the military is carefully controlling what journalists are permitted to cover, Jude is determined to witness the realities of the war for herself.

Eventually, she finds her way into a platoon, where the young soldiers gradually welcome her into their ranks. As they travel together through the jungle, Jude forms genuine connections with the men, especially the youngest soldier, whose youthful optimism is slowly eroded by the harsh realities of war. When she is captured in the North, Jude faces an impossible dilemma: report truths that could damage America's image or remain silent to preserve her ability to continue reporting.

Jude's journey feels authentic and emotionally resonant, and Baldock skillfully captures the deep divisions this controversial war created both on the battlefield and back home. She doesn't shy away from the brutality of combat or its devastating impact on innocent civilians, yet she also highlights the profound camaraderie that develops among people forced to rely on one another in extraordinary circumstances.

This first installment in Lelita Baldock's planned historical fiction series about female war correspondents is a captivating start, and one historical fiction fans won't want to miss.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Lelita Baldock for the advanced copy of the book. The Song of the Lotus Flower is out on August 3rd. All opinions are my own.

http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of “The Song of the Lotus Flower” in exchange for my honest review.

One of the reasons I love historical fiction is that I always learn something new, and “The Song of the Lotus Flower “ reminded me exactly why this genre holds such a special place in my heart.

The story follows Judith “Jude” Murphy, a determined freelance journalist who travels to Vietnam in 1967 to report on the war.

Alongside Susan and the other well-developed characters, I get to read about the expectations placed upon women during the 1950s and 1960s .

Beyond the dangers of the battlefield, Jude also faces the prejudice of working in a profession dominated by men. Her courage and determination made her such an inspiring character to follow.

Lelita Baldock’s writing is beautifully immersive. I could almost feel the oppressive climate, and experience the uncertainty that surrounded both soldiers and civilians. The historical details are thoughtfully woven into the story, giving readers a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War without ever feeling overwhelming.

I will always gravitate toward stories that celebrate extraordinary women. When those stories also highlights overlooked moments in history, they become even more powerful. This novel is a moving reminder that courage often takes in the form of simply refusing to look away and continuing to tell the truth.


As someone who loves reading about strong female characters, Jude’s journey is a win for me.

I may not remember every historical detail , but I’ll always remember how this book made me feel: heartbroken, hopeful and inspired.

If you enjoy historical fiction with rich storytelling, fascinating history, and a remarkable female protagonist, this is one I highly recommend.

[Whatithinkaboutthisbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Song of the Lotus Flower by Lelita Baldock

This is book one in the Women War Reporters series.

The novel follows two women in different timelines whose stories eventually converge. Jude, a reporter, has quit her job to travel to Vietnam as a freelance correspondent after her newspaper assigns a male reporter to cover the war instead of her. Susan is a civil servant responsible for creating new homesteads for Vietnamese families fleeing the North in search of safety and shelter.

Although the book begins slowly, it gathers momentum once the two storylines intersect, with the intensity dramatically increasing. Through the experiences of Susan and Jude, their relationships with Vietnamese families and the soldiers who are conscripted into a war they don’t fully understand Baldock conveys the complexities and human cost of war.

Baldock presents a balanced account of the horrors of this war, depicting atrocities committed by both the North Vietnamese and American forces. KUltimately, the true victims are the civilians of Vietnam, people living in the North and South who simply long for safety, peace and freedom. Baldock powerfully illustrates how the environment of war can erode a soldier’s moral compass making unimaginable acts possible. Equally compelling is her exploration of the pressures faced by war correspondents to present a one sided narrative and the ethical dilemmas they confront when reporting the truth will mark the soldiers with shame and have lasting consequences to the soldiers involved.

By the end, I found myself grieving for a country torn apart by war but also for the soldiers who have witnessed and participated in atrocities that will leave deep scars and permanently change them. It is a moving and thought provoking novel that highlights the devastating human cost of war from multiple perspectives.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had all of the right pieces to be something great, but for me, it didn't work worked. Here are some of the reasons why this was a miss for me.

This book is supposedly a dual timeline but we don't get timeline/character two until about 20% in. While the two story lines eventually coincide, there was no need for the two to exist. The chapters in the past were few and far between could easily have been told in the present day timeline/story.

This book was 99% telling, not showing, making it very hard for anything to have an emotional impact. There is important content in this book - the historical events, women's equality, righting wrongs - yet all of these fell flat due to the lack of character development and depth. For me, it was surface level for the entire book including dialogue, characters, emotions, and everything surrounding it. I think that in trying to make a very complicated history easily understood by a modern audience the substance was left behind.

Finally - the ending. There was no resolution for the main character or the story. While nothing in life actually wraps up nicely, I don't feel like that's why this ending was written as it was. There is very clearly going to be a second book so instead of writing a decent ending, it was a hook to read the next book.

I do think the author did a lot of research and I commend that. I know there are a lot of people who will really enjoy this book, especially those new to the subject matter. However, I think you can find a better book out there dealing with the same content.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book - all opinions are my own.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully crafted and emotionally charged novel, The Song of the Lotus Flower immediately draws you into Jude Murphy’s world with its vivid atmosphere and striking sense of purpose.

Lelita Baldock brings 1967 Vietnam to life with heat, tension, and humanity, anchoring the story in the fierce determination of a heroine who refuses to be sidelined. Jude is bold, stubborn, and wonderfully complex, and her fight to report the truth in a war shaped by censorship and control is both inspiring and deeply moving.

The balance between the grit of frontline journalism and the tenderness of unexpected connection is handled with real finesse. Jude’s relationship with the young soldier she meets in Saigon adds warmth and emotional depth without ever overshadowing the moral weight of the story. Their bond feels authentic, fragile, and perfectly placed amid the chaos around them.

The scenes behind enemy lines are gripping and heartbreaking, and Baldock doesn’t shy away from the ethical dilemmas Jude faces. It’s a story about courage, but also about the cost of truth — and the women who risked everything to ensure it was heard.

Perfect for readers who love dual‑timeline historical fiction, strong women defying expectations, and war stories rich with emotional complexity. Fans of The Nightingale, The Rose Code, and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will find much to admire here.

A moving, immersive, and unforgettable read.

With thanks to Lelita Baldock, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Jill Wuellner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Song of the Lotus Flower follows Judith "Jude" Murphy from her entrance into Vietnam in 1967 as she covers the war as a freelance reporter and faces the continued reality of misogyny from the US to Vietnam. The author explores the history of the Vietnam war, as well as the horrific reality on both sides of the war.

I found Lelita Baldock's writing to to be expressive, colorful, and rich in detail. She easily brings the reader into Jude's experiences, emotions, and conflicts and allows you to ruminate there as Jude becomes familiar with her surroundings. The characters of Jude and Susan are full and are used to give insight into the culture of the 1950's and 60's. I also appreciated the history given as to the political manipulation that was happening prior to the war. As I was a toddler when all this was taking place, I fully enjoyed the history lesson!

While I found the writing excellent, overall I did not enjoy the character of Jude. I appreciated her drive and desire for truth and equality, but got tired of hearing how men are bad, the US government is bad, the North Vietnamese are bad, the South Vietnamese are bad. Basically, everyone who wasn't a woman or a pure, unblemished soul was suspect and not to be trusted. I was hoping this would be similar to Kristen Hannah's The Women, which was an amazing book chronicling the experience of a female nurse in the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as I did The Women, and much of that was due to Jude's character.

The book clearly ends with a set up for another book following another female reporter. Will I read it? I would love to read another book by this author, but not if it follows in the same vein as this one.

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Song of the Lotus Flower is clearly a beautifully written and meticulously researched historical novel, even though I ultimately realized it wasn't the right book for me.

I made the difficult decision to stop reading at around 12%, but not because of the quality of the writing. In fact, Lelita Baldock's prose is incredibly immersive. I felt as though I was right there beside Jude in Vietnam, experiencing the sights, sounds, and emotions alongside her. Jude immediately came across as a determined, compelling protagonist, and I was invested in her mission to tell the truth about the Vietnam War despite the obstacles placed in her path.

What led me to set the book aside was the vivid depiction of the realities of war. The scenes of violence, death, and human suffering were so powerfully written that I realized I wasn't in the right headspace for such an emotionally intense read. The fact that these scenes affected me so deeply is a testament to the author's skill in bringing history to life.

I would absolutely recommend this book to readers who enjoy immersive historical fiction and don't mind unflinching portrayals of war. If you're looking for a powerful story about courageous women, frontline journalism, and the human cost of conflict, this will likely be an unforgettable read.

Content warnings: war violence, graphic death, self-immolation.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Samantha Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC of The Song of the Lotus Flower

This is my first read by Baldock and I’ll certainly be interested to read the other books in this trilogy. It’s giving similar vibes to Kristin Hannah (especially The Women) and Kristen Harmel, centering strong female characters and sharing little known stories that often get overlooked by history.

I appreciated that Baldock focused a good portion of the story on challenging the most commonly cited perceptions of the Vietnam War, particularly the good guys vs bad guys, asking “Can there be such clear distinctions in war?” and showcasing the cognitive dissonance of having to grapple with this.

The story unfolds as a dual perspective, dual-timeline featuring Jude (the FMC) and Susan, whose paths eventually cross, but not in a way I was first expecting - so I thought Baldock did a good job in weaving that together.

Jude also showcases the misogyny faced in the 60s as she fights, among male journalists for a place in front line journalism. At times I did get a bit frustrated with Jude, as I thought a couple times throughout her “tough woman”
Persona got a little grating, but not enough to distract me from the story.

Overall this was a good read. I always appreciate learning about little known aspects of history. And I’m curious to see how the remaining stories of the trilogy play out.

Also - definitely be aware that some of the depictions of war/casualties/war crimes were tough to read- so check triggers!

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Song of the Lotus Flower tackles the heart wrenching truth of the Vietnam war head on, and it’s done brilliantly.

This is a dual time line, following the POV of two women, Jude who arrived in nam,in the 1960’s to report on the war, and Susan, who arrived in the 1950’s.
Both women are strong and resilient, and I like how they eventually came together.

There is a fair few graphic scenes that could have been much harder to read, had Lelita not handled the subject with such care. You can really tell that everything has been well researched, even down to the language used. The atmosphere was palpable and emotionally driven.

As Jude began to uncover the harsh truth behind this war, her internal conflict was heartbreaking, and caused me to question everything as well.
I can appreciate the course her emotions took and I loved her honest approach to journalism and her need for the truth regardless of how it was perceived.
She showed courage and strength, and her character development towards the end of her time in Vietnam felt so real and hopeful, albeit heart breaking.

I can’t wait to see where this series goes from here, especially after that ending!

Thanks so much Net Galley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna Satterlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of Vietnam both 1967 and prior to entry into the war in 1950's. Jude is a strong-minded journalist determined to tell the "real" story of the Vietnam war; however, being the time frame women were not allowed in warzones. This does not stop her, and she goes to Vietnam on her own and gets her press pass and joins a platoon on several missions before she is captured.

The second story is of Susan, a secretary for the military stationed in Vietnam in the early 1950's. Although both stories were powerful and heart-wrenching, I found the information of the pre-war years extremely interesting. As a child of the 60's and reader of many novels about Vietnam I was aware of the horrible atrocities the people of Vietnam were subjected to. This author's research and description of the subject matter was a little difficult to read but definitely a well written story.

My one disappointment was the ending as I felt all was for naught reading the last pages and the conclusion of Jade and Susan's story. Although this is the first in the series of books, I have read that the next book addresses another timeframe and does not pick up with Susan and Jade so will never know what became of them.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story, compelling; characters strong and complex, independent; setting vivid and visual; ending cold and left me flat.
Throughout this book I found myself reliving the images on the nightly news of my late teens and early twenties. The author paints the pictures I saw on the television screen every night and reminds me of the stories that came to us from Vietnam. I experienced much while reading this book that took me back to a time that was difficult but full of energy and action. Sadly the ending left me empty.
Jude Murphy was one determined reporter. No editor was going to stop her from reporting the truth of what was happening in Vietnam. She went as a freelancer and experienced much much more that she ever imagined. After 13 months in-country she now had to decide what was the truth and what was the cost of sharing it with the American public. It would be nice to know what she truly finally decided to do.
I truly was ready to give this book 5 stars until the last page or two, so please know it is an excellent and deeply compelling story of a complex and conflicted moral time. I simply needed a stronger ending.
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Fiction Fellowship · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude is a freelance American journalist reporting in Vietnam in hopes of learning more about the Army soldiers’ stories and what they are fighting for. She starts to talk with a small group of men and she goes along with them to the base and sees a horrific scene of self-immolation as protesting, for the rights of the South Vietnamese. As she follows along with the men, she witnesses more horrific images. She’s watching history unfold and she’s terrified. She finds herself captured behind enemy lines and fights to survive the grueling ordeal. Jude is determined to tell the stories of what she’s witnessed but is torn because she would also be exposing disastrous truths.

This is a powerful, well-researched story that is rich in detail. It’s inspired by the true stories of women working as journalists during the Vietnam War. Lelita writes with incredible visuals throughout the story. I really enjoyed the book but Jude’s character was a bit too much of “I am woman” for me. Content warning: strong war language and some bedroom scenes.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read about, heard about and watched information about the Vietnam War I was ready for what might unfold in this book. The stories of war and the appalling things that happened are described in detail here and can be disturbing so please do check any warnings given before delving into this book. That said, it’s almost necessary for the detail to understand how the war unfolded and the need for journalists to be there to record first hand what happened as it happened, and the struggle for female journalists trying to report this. I wasn’t immediately drawn to Jude’s character, although I was to Susan who seemed to be doing what she was for no particular gain other than to just be, that resonated. The story overall is good and is fast paced, lots of whiskey is drunk, and there are different perspectives given - the female journalists, the Vietnamese women and the soldiers. If you are interested in the female reporters of the Vietnam War and the struggle they had in reporting from there during that time you will like this book. It’s a sensitive subject, portrayed sensitively and openly. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance.

[R Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent, at times harrowing but well informed read. Set during the Vietnam conflict, the story follows a female journalist who is trying to reach the top of her profession despite the prejudice that exists against career minded women. She goes freelance and travels to Vietnam where she follows a platoon as they patrol the local area. She is caught up in the Tet offensive yet despite being close to death finds an opportunity to hear the stories of Vietnamese women which she wants to publish. The book tracks the history of the conflict effectively from the end of WW2 when there was a fight for independence from French colonial rulers, something that is often forgotten as the USA took over the job of policing Vietnam to prevent it becoming a communist state. The book explores some of the atrocities that took place in this conflict and how it impacted people, be they civilian or military. The book is a learning experience as well as one that pulls on the heartstrings frequently. A thoroughly worthwhile read.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story by Lelita Baldock is told from the POV of two American women in Vietnam. Susan who was first in Vietnam in the 1950s and Jude who went to report on the war in 1967. Their experiences are very different but both extremely heart-rending. The descriptions of the war in the book are quite graphic and may upset some readers but there is no escaping the fact these atrocities occured and are a matter of record. I felt the book was obviously well researched and the subject matter approached with care. I can't say I enjoyed reading The Song of the Lotus Flower, it's not that kind of book. However, I certainly felt at times I was there in Vietnam with Jude and Susan and felt their frustration, horror and sorrow and that's all I ask from a book. I'm very glad to have had the opportunity to read this book and will be happy to recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Debbie Keeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical fiction novel written by Lelita Baldock follows a journalist who risk everything to cover the Vietnam War in 1967. Jude Murphy arrives in Saigon with a borrowed camera, typewriter and a determination to report only the truth. She continually clashes with military officers who want to ban females from the frontlines, causing her to have to fight for the ability to do her job. While finding her truth, she joins a platoon, falling in love with one of the American soldiers. She then gets captured! While with the women who saved her, she gathers lots of information that creates a tough decision for Jude.

Ms. Baldock has well researched the information for this book and explained the details so that I felt I was there with the characters. The subject matter was difficult; however, the author handled it with care.

Thank you NetGallery and Storm Publishing for access to the ARC.
#NetGallery

[Kate Schrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The depictions of Vietnam in this novel were top-tier. The lushness and depth of the jungle came through so vividly. The story of reporters in Vietnam was one that I personally hadn’t read book before. It’s true that they had more access to the military, the front lines, the battles, etc., than any war previously. Judith‘s in experience was shown clearly as well as how quickly she had to figure things out and get up to speed, but it also didn’t feel like you were being beat over the head with it. The shift in American public opinion of the war was depicted well including the reasons for it.
My main complaint is the ending, or lack thereof. The last page of the book shifts focus and point of view to a minor character. I was confused if there was a sequel coming or some other continuation of that person’s story. The shift in focus was startling, unexpected, and a bit unwelcome. It also left several questions unanswered, one of which I felt was a huge lapse in narrative.

[Mark Porton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fascinating read we follow journalist Jude Murhpy, armed with a press pass, as she covers the Vietnam War in situ.

This is a well-written and often harrowing story of her experiences being attached to a squad of US servicemen as they scour villages for Viet Cong and NVA infiltrators. She also spends time north of the border (I won’t tell you how) as she bears witness to testimonies of survivors, mostly women, above the seventeenth parallel.

The main takeaway for me regarding this book is the opacity in determining ‘who is good and who is bad.’ It’s quite clear from this account that atrocities were committed by both sides. As is the case in all wars no doubt.

A powerful story, the author really made me feel like I was in the jungle and was observing the action at times.

Highly recommended.

5 Stars

Man thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. This was a hard one to get through, and will linger with me for a while. Not difficult due to the writing, but the subject matter and the graphic details. I am aware of the Vietnam war, and of the controversy surrounding that war, but I did not know the details of the atrocities or of the female journalists who covered the combat during the war. Facing sexism, bans, harassment, these women wanted the truth to get out there and were determined to see it through. This book tells the story of two of those brave women, in two different timelines, both finding their way during and after the war. Very well written and researched. A trigger warning, that there are graphic details involving both military and civilian casualties.