Women of Steel: The Feisty Factory Sisters Who Helped Win the War

by Michelle Rawlins

True stories of love and loss during WWII, from the tough Northern women who kept the foundry fires burning.

When war broke out, the young women of Sheffield had their carefree lives turned upside down. With their sweethearts being sent away to fight, they had no choice but to step into the men's shoes and become the backbone of the city's steel industry. Through hard toil and companionship, they vowed to keep the foundry fires burning and ensured that soldiers had the weapons, planes and ships needed to secure victory over Hitler.

When the men returned from the front in 1945, many of these women tragically found themselves discarded 'like yesterday's fish and chip wrappers'. But decades later, a grassroots campaign spearheaded by the elderly Women of Steel finally brought their remarkable story to light.

Women of Steel is the last chance to hear these unsung heroines' voices, as they share first-hand how a group of plucky young women rallied together to win the war for Britain.

Genres: Nonfiction, Historical, History, Feminism

304 pages, Paperback

Published February 8, 2022

Reviews

[Kelly Furniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous insight in to the lives of the women in Sheffield who found themselves working in the steel mills and foundries stepping up to fulfil the often dangerous jobs left as the men had gone to War.
This book is a tip of the hat in recognition to them and the huge contribution they made to the War effort holding down these jobs and then coming home to their families, chores and children.
The author has collected a real array of fascinating stories from the ladies interviewed- air raids, romances, weddings, loss & rations etc. It was a book I put down and thought about for along time after, how hard it must of been but how they all rallied together to help each other. I am so glad they have the statue now in Sheffield that remembers the sacrifices these special ladies made, it is important they are not forgotten.
My thanks go to the author, publisher and Netgalley in providing this arc in return for honest review.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read, but it didn’t exactly enthrall me, based on the lives these women led it could have been so much more interesting and detailed, but it just felt like facts and very empty to read, like just reading a bio or something. This could and should be so much more, disappointing.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Jo Stavert-dobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to learn about the local history of the Women on Sheffield and their wartime importance.

[Nicola Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a born and bred Sheffielder, Women of Steel was a must-read for me. Michelle Rawlins has delved deeply into the lives of the women of Sheffield who kept the steel industry running when the men went to war. Predominantly focusing on the Second World War, the role of women during the First World War is not overlooked.

For a non-fiction book to engage me it has to have an element of warmth, a feeling of not just giving facts but doing so with care and attention. Rawlins has achieved this with Women of Steel and many times I found tears springing to my eyes as I read of what the women and their families endured.

Feisty is the word to describe these incredible women. Some of them chose to sign up to do these jobs in an industry that was exclusively the domain of men until they were called away to war, but some of them were conscripted. Either way, each of them put their back into it and did all they were asked and more. I loved reading of the ways they proved themselves to the foremen and co-workers who didn't think they were capable of the kind of heavy-duty work that was required of them.

Rawlins has done an incredible amount of research and quite clearly enjoyed it all. She spent time with some of the women and their families to build up a real sense of camaraderie and pulling together. There is no doubt that these are the women who helped to win the war.

Whilst I rejoiced in their strength, I was also horrified at what they endured, the hardships, the terrible sights, particularly after the Sheffield blitz, and the psychological effects that their husbands came home with. Several times I had my hand over my mouth with shock.

Women of Steel is a wonderful book. It not only brings wartime in Sheffield to life, but also reminds us that many people did so much behind the scenes and made so many sacrifices. Thankfully the women finally got the recognition they deserved, some 70 years after the end of the war, and now with this book their individual stories are being heard. Michelle Rawlins has such a delightful writing style and I was so pleased to hear she has been commissioned to write a fiction series about the women of steel.

[Domnica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on true stories, this book is an incredible tribute to women’s dedication and commitment during the WWII in Sheffield. Despite their life being turned upside down in just a matter of hours, they haven’t complained a bit. They were grateful for the opportunity to contribute in the steel factories so their loved ones would have weapons, ships and planes to fight the war. They all expressed in their stories how thankful they were for having a job and earning money for the household income. In addition they found camaraderie at work which helped them during the hard times. It’s hard to believe that their efforts went unnoticed until 2009, however, I am glad that they are not forgotten.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of the women who kept the factories going during the war deserves to be told but this book is pedestrian and repetitive. Everyone is "chirpy" and "doing their bit". I longed to hear of someone a bit different.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

To say i was very disappointed in this book is an understatement,it would of been better turning it into a story of these women and what they did.

[Natalie Dodds · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard about this book, I knew that I just had to read it. I will confess, I was a little apprehensive as I don't read a lot of factual books, so I didn't know if I would find this too heavy going when reading for pleasure. I didn't though and I loved every single page.

This was so much better than if it had been turned into a story as the stories from the women interviewed were true and gritty and shocking. It hit me on so many levels, how proud I am of these women but also how disappointed in the generation we live in now when we see how these people didn't moan no matter how hard things were and just got on with it for the greater good. I think everyone should read this book, if nothing more than to realise that whilst life isn't great at the moment, compared to these ladies, we have got it good!!!

I hope that more people get involved in this and perhaps then a second book could be made. I really enjoyed hearing about wartime Sheffield, I had never realised how hard hit the city had been until I read this. Well done to the author, I loved it and will recommend to everyone.

[Chelsea Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, it seems like a long time since I have ticked off a challenge prompt, (although the books I've been reading will work if I don't manage the ones planned,) so happy to post my pick for 52 Book Club Challenge, Prompt # 8, A book in the 900s of the Dewey Decimal System (940.5342 RAW)

This book tells the stories of 20 "Women of Steel" who were so named because they worked in factories in Sheffield during WWII. The author researched through interviewing the women or their family members and put together a very interesting and emotional book. Because the stories were attributed to each woman, the book often repeated the same feelings, such as being initially hit by the noise at the factories, or not complaining and getting on with the tasks but I think the fact that these themes came up for all the women added to the book rather than deminishing it. I am very glad to have read this, especially as my Grandfather was from Sheffield and it is interesting to know what his family members would have lived through during WWII (although I'm not sure if he was still there or already in New Zealand at that time.)

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[Sho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm from Sheffield and i grew up hearing tales from the steel mills from my grandparents, My mum told me about the Sheffield-Blitz and how my grandma used to hide under the kitchen table ever after that whenever there was a thunderstorm.

This is the story of how after most of the men were drafted away from their regular work to the war effort, women stepped in to keep the steel mills working. Crane drivers, steel rollers, inspectors... they did it all - many of them alongside raising children, keeping house and worrying about their husbands, brothers, fathers and uncles away fighting the war.

There is a rather extended description of one of the women's husband and his experiences as a POW and the resulting problems arising from a lack of recognition of and treatment for PTSD which i find a little jarring in a book about the women's achievements and sacrifices. Although as it did affect his wife (and children) greatly i can understand why it was included.

This is a very important part of social history and I can thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant piece of English history,made even more so by showing how stoic as a nation we were.wether we would pull together the same now or we would find some way of getting out of it, remains to be seen.the women some mentioned here some not did a stalwart job of not only caring for a family but doing a dangerous job.even after helping unaided to recuperate their husbands back int a normal life.sime succeeded some unfortunately didn't,but when times are hard you do need women with backbone to help the men.wether the women of today would match up it's hard to say, hopefully we will never have to find out

[Carol Mageean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Michelle’s book The Steel Girls first and was then kindly gifted this book. I absolutely devoured every page - so fascinating the true life stories of these women of Sheffield and how they were so inspirational in working and pulling together in extremely tough times - Really enjoyed this and the novel The Steel gIrls and feel they complement each other perfectly. Michelle Rawlings is obviously a very talented author in the way she has written both a novel and portrayed the real life facts of these women. Highly recommend

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely tribute to a group of women who in their own words ‘just got on with it’. Insights into their lives that were changed forever when war was declared and they found themselves swapping jobs in shops, offices, or in service to go into the steel factories to help keep things going as men were sent to fight. As well as reading about the jobs they had to do, we also get to know how the war and all the changes that happened because of it impacted their lives and the lives of their family’s and friends.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! As a proud Sheffield lass myself, I’ve walked past the monument so many times in Barker’s Pool and always wanted to know more about the Women of Steel. This gorgeous book actually transported me back in time to the tea dances at the City Hall, the Garmont picture house on The Moor that got bombed in the Sheffield blitz and the long shifts in the various factories the ‘canary girls’ had to endure. It felt like a real part of my heritage and made me very proud indeed to hail from such a resilient city. Just wonderful!

[DIANA STEWART · Rating 3 out of 5]

These women, and many others during war time Britain, met the challenges life threw at them remarkably and played a vital role. Some have faced further challenges all their lives as their sweethearts returned damaged mentally or physically or both. The author has done these women of steel a great service in gathering their stories in this book. However, as a book this is not the most engaging of reads. It felt a little like a walk around a local history museum. Phrases were repeated frequently and in parts nothing new was being said.

[Marilyn Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true story of the Sheffield women who worked in the steel works during WW2. Their story had been all but forgotten until a campaign by The Sheffield Star resulted in official recognition and a statue in the city centre. A fitting tribute to this generation of women who deserve to be more widely known. Without them Britain may not have won the war, too often women's stories are either forgotten or relegated to a footnote in history.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rawlins provides an in-depth look at the role women played in keeping the heavy industries going during World War Two. The conditions they faced, including the lack of training, safety and the constant worry about the what has happened to their loved ones fighting.
They were a key to providing the necessary infrastructure for the war effort but their efforts have largely been ignored. This book certainly addresses this.

[✰matthew✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

interestingly done. a nice overview of all the women’s life as well as their work. i thought it covered a lot in a small number of pages. i was glad, at time to have the profiles in the back of the book as sometimes the narrative jumped around.

obviously these women were amazing and it’s grey we have a book all about them now !!

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was very interesting to read about life for the women during the war - which isn’t usually covered in many historical books.
My main issue was the chopping and changing between the women - I found it hard to keep up with who was who!

[Ben Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as research for something I’m working on and I was so pleasantly surprised! It tells a story that is so close to home for me. The story makes you root for each of the women in the book without hesitation. Brilliant!!!!

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

To say i was very disappointed in this book is an understatement,it would of been better turning it into a story of these women and what they did.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s made me appreciate the small things in life.

[Sarah Stocks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst this was an interesting read it was rather repetitive. Disappointing as it could have been so good with a better author.

[lisa unwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

This is a must read book for everyone. It tell the stories of the remarkable women of steel of sheffield .

[Sandie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book of what the women of Steel did for the war effort and endured through the war. Their strength and courage. Just so glad they are now recognised as they so rightly deserve.

[alice unwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

great books.shows how hard ww2 was for everyone

[Sam Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have preferred a chapter or two on each woman of steel and her background rather jumping between them all. Such hard times and such poverty it made me think that in today’s society we haven’t got it this tough. These women are truly remarkable for their relentless English spirit and survival instincts during a time when they lost so many loved ones to war

[Lisa Carlile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting to be a nocel based on a group of women who worked in the steel industry at the height of the war. What it actually is a collection of true life accounts of these women. It was very humbling to read their accounts but it wasn't what I wanted.
It appeared disjointed due to the nature of the writing.
If you are interesting in matter of fact accounts rather than a story then I would recommend it otherwise be aware before you read it. Maybe it would be easier in book form.

Thanks to #Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheffield women of steel
Very interesting read
Twenty women giving quotations based on interviews with the author. The lives of working in the steelworks and their families