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Switchboard Soldiers
From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini, a bold, revelatory novel about one of the great untold stories of World War I--the women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, who broke down gender barriers in the military and battled a pandemic as they helped lead the Allies to victory.
"An eye-opening and detailed novel about remarkable female soldiers. . . Chiaverini weaves the intersecting threads of these brave women's lives together, highlighting their deep sense of pride and duty."--Kirkus Reviews
In June 1917, General John Pershing arrived in France to establish American forces in Europe. He immediately found himself unable to communicate with troops in the field. Pershing needed telephone operators who could swiftly and accurately connect multiple calls, speak fluent French and English, remain steady under fire, and be utterly discreet, since the calls often conveyed classified information.
At the time, nearly all well-trained American telephone operators were women--but women were not permitted to enlist, or even to vote in most states. Nevertheless, the U.S. Army Signal Corps promptly began recruiting them.
More than 7,600 women responded, including Grace Banker of New Jersey, a switchboard instructor with AT&T and an alumna of Barnard College; Marie Miossec, a Frenchwoman and aspiring opera singer; and Valerie DeSmedt, a twenty-year-old Pacific Telephone operator from Los Angeles, determined to strike a blow for her native Belgium.
They were among the first women sworn into the U.S. Army under the Articles of War. The male soldiers they had replaced had needed one minute to connect each call. The switchboard soldiers could do it in ten seconds.
Deployed throughout France, including near the front lines, the operators endured hardships and risked death or injury from gunfire, bombardments, and the Spanish Flu. Not all of them would survive.
The women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps served with honor and played an essential role in achieving the Allied victory. Their story has never been the focus of a novel...until now.
"An eye-opening and detailed novel about remarkable female soldiers. . . Chiaverini weaves the intersecting threads of these brave women's lives together, highlighting their deep sense of pride and duty."--Kirkus Reviews
In June 1917, General John Pershing arrived in France to establish American forces in Europe. He immediately found himself unable to communicate with troops in the field. Pershing needed telephone operators who could swiftly and accurately connect multiple calls, speak fluent French and English, remain steady under fire, and be utterly discreet, since the calls often conveyed classified information.
At the time, nearly all well-trained American telephone operators were women--but women were not permitted to enlist, or even to vote in most states. Nevertheless, the U.S. Army Signal Corps promptly began recruiting them.
More than 7,600 women responded, including Grace Banker of New Jersey, a switchboard instructor with AT&T and an alumna of Barnard College; Marie Miossec, a Frenchwoman and aspiring opera singer; and Valerie DeSmedt, a twenty-year-old Pacific Telephone operator from Los Angeles, determined to strike a blow for her native Belgium.
They were among the first women sworn into the U.S. Army under the Articles of War. The male soldiers they had replaced had needed one minute to connect each call. The switchboard soldiers could do it in ten seconds.
Deployed throughout France, including near the front lines, the operators endured hardships and risked death or injury from gunfire, bombardments, and the Spanish Flu. Not all of them would survive.
The women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps served with honor and played an essential role in achieving the Allied victory. Their story has never been the focus of a novel...until now.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2022
1333 people are currently reading
21794 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Chiaverini
78 books5,221 followersJennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three novels, including acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. She has also written seven quilt pattern books inspired by her novels. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin. About her historical fiction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes, "In addition to simply being fascinating stories, these novels go a long way in capturing the texture of life for women, rich and poor, black and white, in those perilous years."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,385 reviews
January 8, 2022
The one thing that you can say about Switchboard Soldiers is that it did not lack research. The book was thoroughly researched, but then it felt like the author was trying so hard to show her research that it felt more like a textbook than a fictional novel. There were way too many pages of description when the story would benefit from more dialogue. A war, action-based book needs dialogue to move the story forward, especially with the growing trend for readers to want show and not tell. I don't need every battle described, let the characters talk about what they read or heard or the misinformation pouring in. Let them express their emotions through conversation or diaries or forgo omnipotent narrator for 1st person narration. This was the same problem I had with her last book, The Woman's March, it's too textbook. I would love to read a nonfiction book from her, but her fiction just gets weighed down in detail.
Despite that, I did like the characters, especially Marie because she had the most dialogue. I did find myself skimming Grace's chapters because they had the most description and less dialogue. I was really rooting for Marie and Giovanni to find each other at the end of the war, and I felt that I could relate to her character best. I think that people who love detailed historical novels will love this book, but I personally want more active action in my war novels.
Despite that, I did like the characters, especially Marie because she had the most dialogue. I did find myself skimming Grace's chapters because they had the most description and less dialogue. I was really rooting for Marie and Giovanni to find each other at the end of the war, and I felt that I could relate to her character best. I think that people who love detailed historical novels will love this book, but I personally want more active action in my war novels.
April 9, 2024
The Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini was a well written historical fiction novel about a group of brave and intelligent women that played a big part in helping the Allies win World War I. Before reading Switchboard Soldiers, I was not aware that women telephone operators were recruited and trained to serve the United States Army in The Great War. Jennifer Chiaverini’s research that she conducted in order to write Switchboard Soldiers was impeccable. She based much of the book on real people and actual occurrences. Switchboard Soldiers told the story of the United States Army Signal Corps that paved the way for future women to become soldiers in the U. S. military. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. She is one of my favorite narrators and she did not disappoint in her performance of this book.
At the onset of World War I, male soldiers were being used to build communication lines throughout France and to be switchboard operators. Unfortunately, the male soldiers that were performing the duty of switchboard operators were both slow and often became quite frazzled by the enormous amount of incoming calls and their role in promoting communication. When General John Pershing arrived in France in June 1917, he was frustrated by his inability to be able to converse quickly and efficiently with his troops that were stationed throughout France. It was General John Pershing’s idea to recruit women telephone operators to take the place of the men that were performing this role, but not to his satisfaction. Many women wanted to do their part to help the Allies win the war but their choices were limited. General John Pershing was looking for women that were fluent in both French and English, that did not fluster easily, had experience as telephone operators, that were capable of connecting many calls quickly, easily and correctly and that knew how to be discreet since they might become privy to information that was quite sensitive. Women, up to this point in the history of the United States, had not been awarded the right to vote, not to mention, the right to enlist in the services of the military. Under General Pershing’s influence, the U.S. Army Signal Corps began a campaign to recruit and train women telephone operators to serve in the capacity of soldiers. There were over 7,600 women that applied to become soldiers. These women were from all over the United States and differed greatly in their backgrounds and their socioeconomic circumstances. The one thing that these women had in common was their desire to serve their country. Switchboard Soldiers told the story of three brave, skilled and determined young women.
Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini described in detail the training these elite women underwent, their treacherous voyage by ship to France where they were exposed to both the deadly Spanish Flu pandemic and the risk of German bombs and countless air raids when they arrived in France. These brave women became known as the “Hello Girls” and were welcomed open heartedly by most of the soldiers that were serving in France. Of course, there were a few male soldiers who resented these brave women and believed that they did not belong there. It was recorded and made public that the “Hello Girls” played an essential role in helping the Allies win the war. The switchboard soldiers were deployed all over France, even to the dangerous front lines. They were always eager to do their part in helping even if it put them in harm’s way.
When the women switchboard operators of the U.S. Army Signal Corps arrived home after the war was won, their reception and recognition for their valiant work was hardly if at all commended. They were not given any credit for their service or bravery. The women who served as soldiers in the U.S. Army Signal Corps were excluded from parades that were held to commemorate and celebrate the soldiers who served during World War I, from receiving any type of benefits that soldiers were entitled to and any acknowledgement of their sacrifices and service in the war. It took until 1977 for these brave and much needed women to be granted the recognition they so rightly deserved. By that time, however, several of these women had already died. How sad! When will women finally earn the respect and recognition they deserve? Women have come far since then but numerous challenges still remain. I enjoyed listening to Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini and recommend it highly.
At the onset of World War I, male soldiers were being used to build communication lines throughout France and to be switchboard operators. Unfortunately, the male soldiers that were performing the duty of switchboard operators were both slow and often became quite frazzled by the enormous amount of incoming calls and their role in promoting communication. When General John Pershing arrived in France in June 1917, he was frustrated by his inability to be able to converse quickly and efficiently with his troops that were stationed throughout France. It was General John Pershing’s idea to recruit women telephone operators to take the place of the men that were performing this role, but not to his satisfaction. Many women wanted to do their part to help the Allies win the war but their choices were limited. General John Pershing was looking for women that were fluent in both French and English, that did not fluster easily, had experience as telephone operators, that were capable of connecting many calls quickly, easily and correctly and that knew how to be discreet since they might become privy to information that was quite sensitive. Women, up to this point in the history of the United States, had not been awarded the right to vote, not to mention, the right to enlist in the services of the military. Under General Pershing’s influence, the U.S. Army Signal Corps began a campaign to recruit and train women telephone operators to serve in the capacity of soldiers. There were over 7,600 women that applied to become soldiers. These women were from all over the United States and differed greatly in their backgrounds and their socioeconomic circumstances. The one thing that these women had in common was their desire to serve their country. Switchboard Soldiers told the story of three brave, skilled and determined young women.
Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini described in detail the training these elite women underwent, their treacherous voyage by ship to France where they were exposed to both the deadly Spanish Flu pandemic and the risk of German bombs and countless air raids when they arrived in France. These brave women became known as the “Hello Girls” and were welcomed open heartedly by most of the soldiers that were serving in France. Of course, there were a few male soldiers who resented these brave women and believed that they did not belong there. It was recorded and made public that the “Hello Girls” played an essential role in helping the Allies win the war. The switchboard soldiers were deployed all over France, even to the dangerous front lines. They were always eager to do their part in helping even if it put them in harm’s way.
When the women switchboard operators of the U.S. Army Signal Corps arrived home after the war was won, their reception and recognition for their valiant work was hardly if at all commended. They were not given any credit for their service or bravery. The women who served as soldiers in the U.S. Army Signal Corps were excluded from parades that were held to commemorate and celebrate the soldiers who served during World War I, from receiving any type of benefits that soldiers were entitled to and any acknowledgement of their sacrifices and service in the war. It took until 1977 for these brave and much needed women to be granted the recognition they so rightly deserved. By that time, however, several of these women had already died. How sad! When will women finally earn the respect and recognition they deserve? Women have come far since then but numerous challenges still remain. I enjoyed listening to Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini and recommend it highly.
January 26, 2023
Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini takes place in 1917/1918 during WW1. Women were allowed to be a part of the war communications. As always Jennifer Chiaverini has well researched, well developed story
line and characters. Strong female roles. A subject that most knew little if anything about
line and characters. Strong female roles. A subject that most knew little if anything about
August 4, 2022
Covers some interesting history but the pacing and organization were flawed. There are multiple characters, but they are mostly indistinguishable, resulting in basically the same events being repeated over and over. The operators don't get to France until halfway through the book, so the first half is fairly dull set-up and background. The pace of the story does improve in the second half.
Writing style is fairly bland.
Writing style is fairly bland.
March 15, 2022
The novel follows three young women who are employed as telephone operators in 1918. When they learn that the Army Signal Corps is recruiting experienced phone operators who speak French, they are eager to assist with the war effort. We meet each individually: Grace, who studied French in college, is from New Jersey; Marie is from a French family residing in Cincinnati; and Valerie’s family migrated from Belgium to California. We follow them through their training, their voyage to France, through bombardments and air raids, and even some romance. I had never heard of this group, the “Hello Girls” as they were often called. I enjoyed this wonderful novel which encompassed everything I look for in the best historical fiction: well-developed characters I cared about, a compelling and exciting plot, and obviously thorough historical research. I’m grateful that the publisher and Netgalley provided me with an advance copy to review.
March 10, 2023
During World War I, female telephone operators who were fluent in French and English were recruited by the US Army Signal Corps to work in France. The operators had to manually connect the callers with cables and plugs on large switchboards. The women had to translate messages as General Pershing's American Army communicated with the French Army. They also had to translate so the Army could obtain supplies from French merchants. This was a demanding detail-oriented job that was performed much faster by the women switchboard soldiers than the men they had replaced.
The book focuses on three women and their friends. Grace Bankers, who kept a wartime diary, was an actual telephone operator and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal. Marie Miossec, a talented vocalist, and Valerie DeSmedt were fictional main characters. The women were often in danger -- from German U boats as they crossed the Atlantic, from shelling, and from the Spanish Flu. The book alternates chapters devoted to Grace, Marie, and Valerie.
The book was heavy on historical detail, and picked up after a slow start. Some of the women were moved near the front lines, and were very involved in translating during important military battles. The camaraderie among the operators was important since they were working under pressure and living in primitive housing.
After the war, the telephone operators were denied the benefits that the men in the Signal Corps received. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter signed a bill officially recognizing them as military veterans, but the majority of the women were no longer alive. I enjoyed reading about the women operators in the Signal Corps, a group of talented people that I never heard of before reading this historical novel.
The book focuses on three women and their friends. Grace Bankers, who kept a wartime diary, was an actual telephone operator and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal. Marie Miossec, a talented vocalist, and Valerie DeSmedt were fictional main characters. The women were often in danger -- from German U boats as they crossed the Atlantic, from shelling, and from the Spanish Flu. The book alternates chapters devoted to Grace, Marie, and Valerie.
The book was heavy on historical detail, and picked up after a slow start. Some of the women were moved near the front lines, and were very involved in translating during important military battles. The camaraderie among the operators was important since they were working under pressure and living in primitive housing.
After the war, the telephone operators were denied the benefits that the men in the Signal Corps received. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter signed a bill officially recognizing them as military veterans, but the majority of the women were no longer alive. I enjoyed reading about the women operators in the Signal Corps, a group of talented people that I never heard of before reading this historical novel.
June 29, 2022
Switchboard Soldiers, a historical fiction novel set during World War I, is the story of the brave, adventure-seeking, and talented young women who served in the U. S. Army Signal Corps. In a time when most females aided the war effort by sewing or entertaining, these Hello Girls traveled Over There to the front lines of action to work as telephone operators. Jennifer Chiaverni was thorough in her research, and this novel is an education in itself. Other reviewers have criticized the amount of history in the book. Welcome to the world of historical fiction!
The groundwork and detail are so complete that I will long remember this story. The descriptions of their daily work and of the circumstances in which they lived represent the true experience of all of the soldiers who served in that war. Mention was made of the Mersey River, and I hummed the Beatles’ “Ferry Cross the Mersey” for the next few chapters. I also found it interesting that the women wore masks to protect against influenza. One of the characters said that she hoped she’d never need to wear a mask again. (Me, too!) I easily identified with each of the women who were the main characters. And don’t worry, there is that necessary touch of romance that most readers want. This is a well-told and informative story.
The groundwork and detail are so complete that I will long remember this story. The descriptions of their daily work and of the circumstances in which they lived represent the true experience of all of the soldiers who served in that war. Mention was made of the Mersey River, and I hummed the Beatles’ “Ferry Cross the Mersey” for the next few chapters. I also found it interesting that the women wore masks to protect against influenza. One of the characters said that she hoped she’d never need to wear a mask again. (Me, too!) I easily identified with each of the women who were the main characters. And don’t worry, there is that necessary touch of romance that most readers want. This is a well-told and informative story.
March 5, 2025
4.5 stars
There’s a couple reasons I was drawn to this historical fiction novel about female telephone operators recruited by the US Army during WWI. I’ve long held an interest in learning more about women’s wartime contributions as it’s often an overlooked part of history. I also wanted to check this book out because the women served in the US Army Signal Corps as did my husband when he was in the military. That small connection was appealing.
Telephone Operators did not have an easy job as it required concentration and the ability to multitask. These switchboard soldiers had it even tougher as they were sent overseas, needed to speak fluent French, and be discreet as they fielded classified info. Oh, and a pesky pandemic was about to rear its ugly head.
While I enjoyed reading this book I had one tiny criticism. At times, 2 of the 3 characters kinda blended together and it was difficult keeping track of who was who. Given you can use some creative license in this genre, it would have been nice to have 3 standout characters that stood apart from each other. Still a terrific read though and I’m thankful the author saw the value in writing about this fascinating part of WW1 history.
There’s a couple reasons I was drawn to this historical fiction novel about female telephone operators recruited by the US Army during WWI. I’ve long held an interest in learning more about women’s wartime contributions as it’s often an overlooked part of history. I also wanted to check this book out because the women served in the US Army Signal Corps as did my husband when he was in the military. That small connection was appealing.
Telephone Operators did not have an easy job as it required concentration and the ability to multitask. These switchboard soldiers had it even tougher as they were sent overseas, needed to speak fluent French, and be discreet as they fielded classified info. Oh, and a pesky pandemic was about to rear its ugly head.
While I enjoyed reading this book I had one tiny criticism. At times, 2 of the 3 characters kinda blended together and it was difficult keeping track of who was who. Given you can use some creative license in this genre, it would have been nice to have 3 standout characters that stood apart from each other. Still a terrific read though and I’m thankful the author saw the value in writing about this fascinating part of WW1 history.
August 25, 2022
3.5 rounded to 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I won this uncorrected copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway Promotion.
This is a historical fiction novel focusing on three women who served their country during WWI as telephone operators.
“Young America”
Attention
“Here is your opportunity to serve your country in France with General Perishing’s Expeditionary Force- a chance to do as much to help with the war as the man in khaki.”
Grace Banker feels compelled to enlist as she has an excellent command of the French language.
Marie Miossec is a French opera singer that abandons her career to help the troops. She was also fluent in French.
Valerie DeSmedt originally from Brussels decides to help the cause.
These three women along with others embark on a journey of a life time
They lived in constant danger, bombs exploding and the treat of the deadly Spanish flu. Their lives will never be the same again.
Although I enjoyed this very well researched book. I felt it was very slow moving and drawn out in places. It was very repetitive among the main characters.
You will enjoy this book if you want to learn more about women in WWI.
I won this uncorrected copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway Promotion.
This is a historical fiction novel focusing on three women who served their country during WWI as telephone operators.
“Young America”
Attention
“Here is your opportunity to serve your country in France with General Perishing’s Expeditionary Force- a chance to do as much to help with the war as the man in khaki.”
Grace Banker feels compelled to enlist as she has an excellent command of the French language.
Marie Miossec is a French opera singer that abandons her career to help the troops. She was also fluent in French.
Valerie DeSmedt originally from Brussels decides to help the cause.
These three women along with others embark on a journey of a life time
They lived in constant danger, bombs exploding and the treat of the deadly Spanish flu. Their lives will never be the same again.
Although I enjoyed this very well researched book. I felt it was very slow moving and drawn out in places. It was very repetitive among the main characters.
You will enjoy this book if you want to learn more about women in WWI.
September 28, 2023
I did hesitate; it's a novel based on historical events - errrr.
Well researched I would venture; can't be sure.
Well written; enough for me, the story matters more.
I found this very interesting; more than 7,000 American women are recruited to 'man' the phones, in Europe during WWI. Back then, in some parts of the USA women were not allowed to vote. Yet, go to war they did, some never made it back; they faced bullets, bombs and disease.
What struck me is that they were the first women to take on such a role. Men folk worried; how can women do the job of men.
Do it, they did it far better.
The story can be a bit 'soapy' at times; it's about girls with families and friends, building friendships, battling against misogyny; for me, the characters seemed strong enough and well developed.
A good story, full of facts and little known events.
This is a book for Beth - the girl's did good.
Well researched I would venture; can't be sure.
Well written; enough for me, the story matters more.
I found this very interesting; more than 7,000 American women are recruited to 'man' the phones, in Europe during WWI. Back then, in some parts of the USA women were not allowed to vote. Yet, go to war they did, some never made it back; they faced bullets, bombs and disease.
What struck me is that they were the first women to take on such a role. Men folk worried; how can women do the job of men.
Do it, they did it far better.
The story can be a bit 'soapy' at times; it's about girls with families and friends, building friendships, battling against misogyny; for me, the characters seemed strong enough and well developed.
A good story, full of facts and little known events.
This is a book for Beth - the girl's did good.
March 2, 2023
This is a well-written, entertaining WWI historical fiction novel which is based on actual persons and events. It is engaging, interesting and informative, with likable, strong, capable, and courageous female protagonists, camaraderie, a touch of romance, the sadness and hardship of war and a pandemic, the sweetness of children, the beauty of music, and an amazing song. The author's notes are enlightening and are truly appreciated. I listened to the audio edition of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Saskia Maarleveld, has a captivating voice, and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
September 7, 2023
A well written novel depicting the lives of multiple switchboard soldiers during WWI. We follow Grace, Maria, and Valerie as they embark on their training and deployment through France. All of these ladies were such well-rounded characters, and this book made for a quick and interesting read.
July 15, 2025
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SWITCHBOARD SOLDIERS by Jennifer Chiaverini is an engaging and informative historical fiction novel featuring the first young women ever to be able to enlist in the US Army’s Signal Corps and serve overseas as switchboard operators during WWI. The story follows three main protagonists from different parts of the country with varying immigrant family stories as they serve in the great war overseas.
As General John Pershing arrives in France to oversee American forces to fight alongside the French and British forces in the “war to end all wars” against the Axis forces, he realizes he needs professional female operators fluent in both French and English to be able to communicate all over the fields of operation. AT&T operators answered the call to serve from all over the country.
Grace Banker is an AT&T switchboard instructor in New Jersey and an alumnus of Barnard College, Marie Miossec is in Cincinnati with her French parents who are professional musicians working in the states, and Valerie DeSmedt an operator in Los Angeles whose family has immigrated from Belgium, are all accepted after an arduous vetting. Deployed to France, they cross the dangerous waters of the Atlantic facing dangerous German U-boats, the bombardments of the enemy forces throughout France as they are assigned to work closely to the frontlines, the danger of mustard gas and the Spanish flu.
These women served throughout France with honor and valor and were essential to the success of the Allied forces.
I had no idea that these American women switchboard operators were involved in the war effort during WWI. You hear about nurses and the YWCA volunteers, but not this group. I was so impressed by the magnitude of research throughout this novel. The author’s descriptions brought me right into the action. This story does jump around a bit as you follow the different paths and experiences the three main characters follow so occasionally, I felt it was a little disjointed, but in a way, it needed to be, so it fit in with the different journey of each. Just like so many other historical women’s stories in history, these brave young women were not recognized as true soldiers of the Army and received no VA benefits or legal recognition until 1977.
I highly recommend this story of amazing women answering the call to service.
SWITCHBOARD SOLDIERS by Jennifer Chiaverini is an engaging and informative historical fiction novel featuring the first young women ever to be able to enlist in the US Army’s Signal Corps and serve overseas as switchboard operators during WWI. The story follows three main protagonists from different parts of the country with varying immigrant family stories as they serve in the great war overseas.
As General John Pershing arrives in France to oversee American forces to fight alongside the French and British forces in the “war to end all wars” against the Axis forces, he realizes he needs professional female operators fluent in both French and English to be able to communicate all over the fields of operation. AT&T operators answered the call to serve from all over the country.
Grace Banker is an AT&T switchboard instructor in New Jersey and an alumnus of Barnard College, Marie Miossec is in Cincinnati with her French parents who are professional musicians working in the states, and Valerie DeSmedt an operator in Los Angeles whose family has immigrated from Belgium, are all accepted after an arduous vetting. Deployed to France, they cross the dangerous waters of the Atlantic facing dangerous German U-boats, the bombardments of the enemy forces throughout France as they are assigned to work closely to the frontlines, the danger of mustard gas and the Spanish flu.
These women served throughout France with honor and valor and were essential to the success of the Allied forces.
I had no idea that these American women switchboard operators were involved in the war effort during WWI. You hear about nurses and the YWCA volunteers, but not this group. I was so impressed by the magnitude of research throughout this novel. The author’s descriptions brought me right into the action. This story does jump around a bit as you follow the different paths and experiences the three main characters follow so occasionally, I felt it was a little disjointed, but in a way, it needed to be, so it fit in with the different journey of each. Just like so many other historical women’s stories in history, these brave young women were not recognized as true soldiers of the Army and received no VA benefits or legal recognition until 1977.
I highly recommend this story of amazing women answering the call to service.
July 13, 2022
(Thanks, Netgalley, for the advance copy.)
2.5 stars rounded up.
When three women find themselves stationed in France to operate the switchboards during WWI, they find their lives and stories interwoven and irrevocably altered.
This is a very, very, very drawn out historical fiction novel. Heavy on the history and extremely wordy, this book could have easily been nearly 200 pages shorter. Also, not much really happened to many of the characters. Other than the repetitive slog of switchboard shifts, changing stations, air raids, etc., the chapters started to feel extremely cyclical well before the halfway point. While Marie was the obvious favorite, Valerie and Grace were almost interchangeable to me at times. I rounded this up to 3 stars because I think Chiaverini is a very talented writer, but so much could have been edited out of this book.
2.5 stars rounded up.
When three women find themselves stationed in France to operate the switchboards during WWI, they find their lives and stories interwoven and irrevocably altered.
This is a very, very, very drawn out historical fiction novel. Heavy on the history and extremely wordy, this book could have easily been nearly 200 pages shorter. Also, not much really happened to many of the characters. Other than the repetitive slog of switchboard shifts, changing stations, air raids, etc., the chapters started to feel extremely cyclical well before the halfway point. While Marie was the obvious favorite, Valerie and Grace were almost interchangeable to me at times. I rounded this up to 3 stars because I think Chiaverini is a very talented writer, but so much could have been edited out of this book.
July 31, 2022
The longest book ever!! Another book I really wanted to enjoy but the storyline was just plain boring!! The narrator was fantastic and all the WW1 history was so great but the main ingredient was not there. Another reason I chose this book was because I served in the 8th Signal Battalion ( part of the 8th Infantry Division) while stationed in Germany as part of the US Army. I was a radio teletype operator!!! So I understood a bit of all the military lingo and could relate to the daily strife of being a woman in a “man’s army “ (1975 - 1977)
April 10, 2025
Interesting enough historical fiction. Found it a little challenging to keep the protagonists apart - their voices and experiences were not sufficiently unique that even at the end of the book I still had to reference the first 3 chapters to remember who was who. Also felt like this novel didn't quite commit as much as I would have liked to the history. That said, having known nothing about switchboard soldiers (including their existence), this novel did give me an appreciation of the womens' massive contributions to WWI.
February 17, 2023
Although not recognized by the U.S. Military as more than civilian employees until 1977, the ‘Switchboard Soldiers’ were an essential part of the Great War.
This historical fiction story was written by Jennifer Chiaverini about the “heroic women who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I”.
A well-researched and informative book.
For me though, it was too wordy and I could not connect with the writing style. Although I learned a few interesting pieces of history, it was not my cup of tea.
July 23, 2022
The young ladies who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during WW I defied the accepted norm that women were good for nothing but cooking and sewing and the author has brought them to life.
We are introduced to three young ladies – Marie, Valerie and Grace – all from very different backgrounds but they speak French and happen to work at telephone exchanges in the US.
French language and switchboard experience is exactly what’s needed by the Army and General John Pershing in particular so the U.S. Army Signal Corps begins a recruiting campaign.
Marie, Valerie and Grace are accepted to go “Over There”. Actually we are more than 150 pages in before they actually arrive “Over There” and the overuse of the term “Over There” was so glaring it became a distraction.
There is a great deal of WW l history which I’m sure will be of interest to many, but for me it didn’t help to move the story of these brave women along. The influenza outbreak is also touched upon describing the need for mask wearing and excessive hand washing.
Most importantly: “They were the first, Grace knew, but their success meant that they would not be the last.” (Pg.427) BUT (as per the Author’s Note) it took more than 60 years until Pres. Jimmy Carter signed a bill awarding the women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps honorable discharges and WW l Victory Medals officially recognizing them as military veterans.
While I found a lot of the book ponderous and skipped long sections I was glad to read the stories of these amazing women.
We are introduced to three young ladies – Marie, Valerie and Grace – all from very different backgrounds but they speak French and happen to work at telephone exchanges in the US.
French language and switchboard experience is exactly what’s needed by the Army and General John Pershing in particular so the U.S. Army Signal Corps begins a recruiting campaign.
Marie, Valerie and Grace are accepted to go “Over There”. Actually we are more than 150 pages in before they actually arrive “Over There” and the overuse of the term “Over There” was so glaring it became a distraction.
There is a great deal of WW l history which I’m sure will be of interest to many, but for me it didn’t help to move the story of these brave women along. The influenza outbreak is also touched upon describing the need for mask wearing and excessive hand washing.
Most importantly: “They were the first, Grace knew, but their success meant that they would not be the last.” (Pg.427) BUT (as per the Author’s Note) it took more than 60 years until Pres. Jimmy Carter signed a bill awarding the women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps honorable discharges and WW l Victory Medals officially recognizing them as military veterans.
While I found a lot of the book ponderous and skipped long sections I was glad to read the stories of these amazing women.
Read
December 14, 2021DNF. I just can’t do it.
December 31, 2022
DNF at 45%. So boring. I’m almost halfway finished and they are just getting to their stations at the front. I can’t tell the characters apart other than one of them sings, but who knows which one that is.
August 12, 2022
I love these untold stories featuring valiant women!
Although this was a 'meaty' book, I didn't once feel that the author was info dumping. Fact and fiction blended well and made for an enjoyable read. I'm amazed at what they did for such little pay!
The author's message came across clearly: the sacrifices of these women trailblazers meant freedom for those after them.
I've bought The Aloha Quilt and will stash it in my suitcase for Hawaii in October!
Although this was a 'meaty' book, I didn't once feel that the author was info dumping. Fact and fiction blended well and made for an enjoyable read. I'm amazed at what they did for such little pay!
The author's message came across clearly: the sacrifices of these women trailblazers meant freedom for those after them.
I've bought The Aloha Quilt and will stash it in my suitcase for Hawaii in October!
August 26, 2022
While the book was obviously very well researched, at times it felt like a textbook, and the plot moved very slowly. I did enjoy learning about these women, but would have liked more fiction and less history.
February 27, 2024
"Switchboard Soldiers" is an historical fiction novel set in the WWI years. It follows three girls - Valerie from Los Angeles; Marie the opera singer from Cincinnati; and Grace from New Jersey. All are immigrants themselves or first-generation, so have clear ties to France and Belgium, thus have deep feelings about helping to free their homelands when Germany. All three are telephone operators for Ma Bell. All three find their way to help the war effort from a national recruiting effort for bilingual (French/English) telephone operators.
The plot line is propelled through the stories of the three girls. As w/ all Chiaverini historical fiction, there is a great deal of repetition between the three girls' stories, which is my least-favorite thing about the vast number of Chiaverini titles I have read (especially all the "Elm Creek Quilters" novels). Fortunately, there is less of the boring repetition in this effort. The girls' plot lines all get pretty harrowing at times, and the denouements are tense but exhilarating as the Allies finally free France and Belgium.
I did not realize that telephone operators were the first women to actually serve as military personnel in the US Army, as part of the Signal Corps. They faced similar dangers to the men on the front lines, and paved the way for all women to serve in our military. I really enjoyed their stories, based on the true stories of the Signal Corps telephone operators. 5 stars.
The plot line is propelled through the stories of the three girls. As w/ all Chiaverini historical fiction, there is a great deal of repetition between the three girls' stories, which is my least-favorite thing about the vast number of Chiaverini titles I have read (especially all the "Elm Creek Quilters" novels). Fortunately, there is less of the boring repetition in this effort. The girls' plot lines all get pretty harrowing at times, and the denouements are tense but exhilarating as the Allies finally free France and Belgium.
I did not realize that telephone operators were the first women to actually serve as military personnel in the US Army, as part of the Signal Corps. They faced similar dangers to the men on the front lines, and paved the way for all women to serve in our military. I really enjoyed their stories, based on the true stories of the Signal Corps telephone operators. 5 stars.
August 23, 2022
In 1918 General John Pershing arrived in France to lead the American forces against Hitler, Germany and its allied forces. He found men able to install and repair the communication lines and wiring, but unable to run the switchboards with ease and efficiency. Pershing immediately sent out a plea for educated American women (married or single) who spoke both English and French proficiently and were adept at working a switchboard with impeccable security at all times (to ensure the safety of American forces). The applications arrived from all over the country; every female was anxious to do her part to help the effort.
Three women were selected from thousands to join the US Army Signal Corps and of them, three (two are fictitious) were chosen for this historical novel by Jennifer Chiaverini. Each individual
tells her story in alternating chapters with the three "Hello Girls": Grace, originally from New Jersey, studied French in college and began working at AT&T; Marie, originally from France, obtained her degree and then was spending time in Cincinatti working; and Valerie who migrated from Belgium with her family to California where she received her education and began working at Pacific Bell. Each left her respective position to serve the US Army Signal Corps (making less money) but having a chance to see the world and help others in ways they couldn't have imagined and would never regret. The reader is taken through their extensive training, their voyage to France, bombardments, air raids, and even some romance.
We must remember World War I happened before women even had the right to vote. That didn't happen until 1919. Following the victory of WWI, the women were expected to return to their lives in the United States without any recognition or government benefits. Many women and citizens objected. It wasn't until President Jimmy Carter was in office that the women of the US Army Signal Corps were finally acknowledged and recognized for their work and efforts during WWI. Sadly, many of them had passed away before that award was granted and their long-overdue benefits offered by the government.
At times, this historical fiction actually reads like a textbook. Jennifer Chiaverini has compiled so much deep research and other fascinating information on WWI and included it, as well, in her storyline. The characters and locations are described so vividly that conversations are not necessary throughout many parts of this action-packed read.
Chiaverini's writing is always outstanding! 4.75 Stars (rounded up to 5.0 for Goodreads).
Three women were selected from thousands to join the US Army Signal Corps and of them, three (two are fictitious) were chosen for this historical novel by Jennifer Chiaverini. Each individual
tells her story in alternating chapters with the three "Hello Girls": Grace, originally from New Jersey, studied French in college and began working at AT&T; Marie, originally from France, obtained her degree and then was spending time in Cincinatti working; and Valerie who migrated from Belgium with her family to California where she received her education and began working at Pacific Bell. Each left her respective position to serve the US Army Signal Corps (making less money) but having a chance to see the world and help others in ways they couldn't have imagined and would never regret. The reader is taken through their extensive training, their voyage to France, bombardments, air raids, and even some romance.
We must remember World War I happened before women even had the right to vote. That didn't happen until 1919. Following the victory of WWI, the women were expected to return to their lives in the United States without any recognition or government benefits. Many women and citizens objected. It wasn't until President Jimmy Carter was in office that the women of the US Army Signal Corps were finally acknowledged and recognized for their work and efforts during WWI. Sadly, many of them had passed away before that award was granted and their long-overdue benefits offered by the government.
At times, this historical fiction actually reads like a textbook. Jennifer Chiaverini has compiled so much deep research and other fascinating information on WWI and included it, as well, in her storyline. The characters and locations are described so vividly that conversations are not necessary throughout many parts of this action-packed read.
Chiaverini's writing is always outstanding! 4.75 Stars (rounded up to 5.0 for Goodreads).
April 9, 2022
I enjoyed learning about the Signal Corps and the women involved during WW1. My father served in the Signal Corps in Korea and Viet Nam. The author should be commended for her research and that is why I gave the book 4 stars. The story itself, though, was too lengthy and somewhat contrived to me. I would give it 3 stars.
May 19, 2023
This goes from 2 stars to 3 -- I admire the author for the detailing , the problem is there was so much detail I felt like it was more of a text book than a historical fiction book. The pace finally picked up toward the second half, but I did skim a lot of the book .
August 23, 2022
I love learning about different parts of history I never learned in school!! This book focuses on the women who served in the US Army Signal Corp during WWI. Told through multiple POVs, the story mainly takes place near the end of the war when America finally entered in 1917-1918 and tells the story of the women who braved the front to help pass along important messages both during and after the war ended. Highly recommended for fans of books like Band of sisters by Lauren Willig or Lost roses by Martha Hall Kelly. Great on audio narrated by my fav historical fiction narrator, Saskia Maarleveld.
October 4, 2022
This is an unbiased review of a free book I received from the publisher.
There has never been a book more researched than Switchboard Soldiers. Whether it is in the battles, the layout of Paris, or the ins and outs of the women running the switchboards, it is obvious that Jennifer Chiaverini knows what she is writing about. That being said, all that information sometimes gets in the way of the story. I had never heard of the Switchboard Soldiers and was fascinated by their story. Chiaverini tells the story of the women going overseas (the Hello girls) during WWI to run the switchboards to get the messages to the generals, the soldiers in the field, and everywhere else they needed to go; the story is basically told from the point of view of three very different women. Where the story gets bogged down sometimes is in the details (and I usually love all the details!). I found I would quickly read over the parts that described in detail which company was going to which city or all the streets of France they were crossing. Some of those details did not further the story at all and felt like they could have been left out. Overall though, I enjoyed learning about this unknown (to me!) part of history and appreciated the way Chiaverini stayed true to the culture of that time.
There has never been a book more researched than Switchboard Soldiers. Whether it is in the battles, the layout of Paris, or the ins and outs of the women running the switchboards, it is obvious that Jennifer Chiaverini knows what she is writing about. That being said, all that information sometimes gets in the way of the story. I had never heard of the Switchboard Soldiers and was fascinated by their story. Chiaverini tells the story of the women going overseas (the Hello girls) during WWI to run the switchboards to get the messages to the generals, the soldiers in the field, and everywhere else they needed to go; the story is basically told from the point of view of three very different women. Where the story gets bogged down sometimes is in the details (and I usually love all the details!). I found I would quickly read over the parts that described in detail which company was going to which city or all the streets of France they were crossing. Some of those details did not further the story at all and felt like they could have been left out. Overall though, I enjoyed learning about this unknown (to me!) part of history and appreciated the way Chiaverini stayed true to the culture of that time.
September 3, 2022
SWITCHBOARD SOLDIERS
Jennifer Chiaverini
So for sure, it was me. I just could not get engaged in any shape or form.
2 stars DNF
Happy REading!
Jennifer Chiaverini
So for sure, it was me. I just could not get engaged in any shape or form.
2 stars DNF
Happy REading!
July 26, 2022
During World War I, Marie, Grace and Valerie served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps as telephone operators.
During this time period, women had not yet been granted the vote in most states nor were they allowed to enlist without a permission note from their husband or father. Yet, in this groundbreaking turn of events, women were not only permitted, but recruited to serve. Methodically researched, history buffs will enjoy learning about these brave women as they honed their skills as telephone operators, interviewed with the Signal Corps, trained endlessly, and traveled overseas with German Uboats attacking their vessel before finally arriving in France to begin working as “real American hello girls.”
“Undoubtedly, theirs was a fast-paced, demanding job that required a lot of energy, nimbleness, and steady nerves, and it was common knowledge that women were much better suited for it than men... The men they replaced had needed one minute to connect each call. The switchboard soldiers could do it in ten seconds.”
Then, just as they were settling into a routine and maybe even finding a touch of romance, a new threat appears on the horizon: the Spanish flu pandemic!
While I enjoyed much of this story and the incredible history captured within, it was extremely heavy on facts, low on character personality, and with three similar main characters, it was also repetitive at times.
3.5 stars
Can’t get enough of the women who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps? Then I would recommend Girls on the Line (4 stars) by Aimie K. Runyan.
The Women's March: A Novel of the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession (5 stars) remains my favorite by this author. It also is heavy on history but included intelligent zingers and unexpected humor. Lastly, if you need lighter, palate cleansers in between Ms. Chiaverini’s historical fiction novels, then be sure to try the Elm Creek series for its fun stories and unique, lovable characters.
Location: 1917 Ohio, Virginia, California, NYC and France
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
During this time period, women had not yet been granted the vote in most states nor were they allowed to enlist without a permission note from their husband or father. Yet, in this groundbreaking turn of events, women were not only permitted, but recruited to serve. Methodically researched, history buffs will enjoy learning about these brave women as they honed their skills as telephone operators, interviewed with the Signal Corps, trained endlessly, and traveled overseas with German Uboats attacking their vessel before finally arriving in France to begin working as “real American hello girls.”
“Undoubtedly, theirs was a fast-paced, demanding job that required a lot of energy, nimbleness, and steady nerves, and it was common knowledge that women were much better suited for it than men... The men they replaced had needed one minute to connect each call. The switchboard soldiers could do it in ten seconds.”
Then, just as they were settling into a routine and maybe even finding a touch of romance, a new threat appears on the horizon: the Spanish flu pandemic!
While I enjoyed much of this story and the incredible history captured within, it was extremely heavy on facts, low on character personality, and with three similar main characters, it was also repetitive at times.
3.5 stars
Can’t get enough of the women who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps? Then I would recommend Girls on the Line (4 stars) by Aimie K. Runyan.
The Women's March: A Novel of the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession (5 stars) remains my favorite by this author. It also is heavy on history but included intelligent zingers and unexpected humor. Lastly, if you need lighter, palate cleansers in between Ms. Chiaverini’s historical fiction novels, then be sure to try the Elm Creek series for its fun stories and unique, lovable characters.
Location: 1917 Ohio, Virginia, California, NYC and France
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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