What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wren and the Swordfish Pilot
Heart-warming, courageous, and ultimately uplifting – for all lovers of World War Two historical fiction.
When Cathy’s twin brother is called to serve in the Royal Navy, she leaps at the chance to join the Wrens, which by 1942, has grown into a strong force of over sixty thousand women. But she longs to be at sea and prove herself – to fight alongside her brother.
Already working her way up through the ranks is Wren Officer Anne Foxton, who takes command of a ‘stone frigate’ in the traditional man’s world of the British Navy. It’s a responsible job – and for her – the opportunity of a lifetime. Then into Anne’s well-ordered world comes a young Swordfish pilot who has earned himself quite a reputation. Which one of her girls will catch his eye – and what lengths will he go to, to win her?
And then there’s Linda, a motorcycle dispatch rider, enjoying freedom for the first time in her life and learning all manner of secrets as she takes important messages from one top location to another. She sees a lot more than the war office might be comfortable with, including plans for Operation Pedestal – the most ambitious convoy ever sent through a barrage of enemy fire to the island of Malta.
Against all odds, the women are drawn to help each other. Together, they find the courage to work and play in a war-torn world. All three are placed in grave danger and will only survive with determination, skill and luck. Will they be able to do it?
When Cathy’s twin brother is called to serve in the Royal Navy, she leaps at the chance to join the Wrens, which by 1942, has grown into a strong force of over sixty thousand women. But she longs to be at sea and prove herself – to fight alongside her brother.
Already working her way up through the ranks is Wren Officer Anne Foxton, who takes command of a ‘stone frigate’ in the traditional man’s world of the British Navy. It’s a responsible job – and for her – the opportunity of a lifetime. Then into Anne’s well-ordered world comes a young Swordfish pilot who has earned himself quite a reputation. Which one of her girls will catch his eye – and what lengths will he go to, to win her?
And then there’s Linda, a motorcycle dispatch rider, enjoying freedom for the first time in her life and learning all manner of secrets as she takes important messages from one top location to another. She sees a lot more than the war office might be comfortable with, including plans for Operation Pedestal – the most ambitious convoy ever sent through a barrage of enemy fire to the island of Malta.
Against all odds, the women are drawn to help each other. Together, they find the courage to work and play in a war-torn world. All three are placed in grave danger and will only survive with determination, skill and luck. Will they be able to do it?
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2022
582 people are currently reading
1584 people want to read
About the author
Stella Hutchinson
2 books19 followersStella Hutchinson was born in the New Forest, Hampshire into a zany book-loving family. She grew up in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, England. At the age of eighteen she went to work for a shipping company in London, but later she won a doctoral scholarship to study maritime history at the University of Auckland. While overseas, she met her husband, who is from Venice, and together they are raising twin boys. The Wren and the Swordfish Pilot was released in 2022, and The Fundraiser in 2024. She has also written a non-fiction book called Voyages with a Merchant Prince - showcasing an original diary written on board ship by a Liverpool woman in the 1830s. When she's not writing books she likes learning new languages and making costumes for community theatre.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 12, 2022
I was looking forward to a story about strong females, and they were that, but several things interrupted my enjoyment. First, I found it to be on the slow side, especially the first several chapters, which were basically backstory that caused this reader some confusion (lots of characters in a short span of time) and should have been incorporated in later chapters. There were some long descriptive passages that weren’t necessary to the development of the characters and interrupted the plot line, while details about big events (such as being bombed while on a ship) were sparse with little emotion involved (telling rather than showing). I think I would have enjoyed it more as three separate stories (one for each of the women) that went deeper into each characters’ experience, emotions and journeys.
August 2, 2023
Brilliant
Absolutely loved this book just brilliant all the better because being an ex wren myself l could believe everything they "did once a jenny always a jenny"
Absolutely loved this book just brilliant all the better because being an ex wren myself l could believe everything they "did once a jenny always a jenny"
May 2, 2023
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this beautiful WWII story from a unique perspective. I had never heard of Operation Pedestal, and I also had no idea the British Navy had a branch of 60,000 female members during the war. This book tells the intertwined stories of three such women whose positions in the "wrens," as they're called, bring them together as friends, bring out their courage, bravery, patriotism, and familial love & devotion through some hard situations and decisions, and even bring each of them a sweet love story. Great writing, engrossing characters with whom I wanted to be friends and for whom I laughed, cheered, cried, worried, celebrated... Don't give up if you're not totally hooked by the first chapter or two. This one is definitely worth the read.
Content warning: some language, drinking, smoking, kissing; *spoiler alert* but one of the couples marries before the young man has to ship out, and there are a few short bedroom scenes from their honeymoon. Nothing graphic or gratuitous, just a couple paragraphs written with tender phrases like "they came together," that are easy to see coming and so, easily skipped over for those who don't want to read that.
I really enjoyed this beautiful WWII story from a unique perspective. I had never heard of Operation Pedestal, and I also had no idea the British Navy had a branch of 60,000 female members during the war. This book tells the intertwined stories of three such women whose positions in the "wrens," as they're called, bring them together as friends, bring out their courage, bravery, patriotism, and familial love & devotion through some hard situations and decisions, and even bring each of them a sweet love story. Great writing, engrossing characters with whom I wanted to be friends and for whom I laughed, cheered, cried, worried, celebrated... Don't give up if you're not totally hooked by the first chapter or two. This one is definitely worth the read.
Content warning: some language, drinking, smoking, kissing; *spoiler alert* but one of the couples marries before the young man has to ship out, and there are a few short bedroom scenes from their honeymoon. Nothing graphic or gratuitous, just a couple paragraphs written with tender phrases like "they came together," that are easy to see coming and so, easily skipped over for those who don't want to read that.
July 4, 2023
Very, very slow start to the book that I almost put it away but I carried on. It wasn't until about 60% that it actually got exciting. This takes place in London during WWII when even women were recruited to help in the war efforts - the "Wrens". It is the story of 3 ladies finding their way during the beginning of the war.
Read
April 21, 2023Enjoyed this book, though I felt some parts were thin on details & some too unrealistic, ( male twin arriving at exactly the moment his funeral ended??)
April 21, 2023
This is a new-to-me author, and I took a chance. It's a sweet story! Full of the angst and difficulty of war, yet maintaining hope and landing with a HEA.
The book focuses on three young women (the main one is the "wren" in the title) and we end up with three different character/romance arcs. At first, I was a little confused. There were so many names. But after a while I learned who everyone was and things started to pick up!
This story might not be for everyone. It's not squeaky clean. There is a wedding, and at first I thought the door would be closed on the wedding night. Nope! But it's sweet rather than salacious, and I'm married, it doesn't shock me. Still, I'd have to give it an R rating for that. The language is minimal, and I am thankful.
But most of all, I just like the tone and style of the author. She was able to take us through the worst moments of the war without leaving the reader in the pit. I recommend this with the caveats above.
The book focuses on three young women (the main one is the "wren" in the title) and we end up with three different character/romance arcs. At first, I was a little confused. There were so many names. But after a while I learned who everyone was and things started to pick up!
This story might not be for everyone. It's not squeaky clean. There is a wedding, and at first I thought the door would be closed on the wedding night. Nope! But it's sweet rather than salacious, and I'm married, it doesn't shock me. Still, I'd have to give it an R rating for that. The language is minimal, and I am thankful.
But most of all, I just like the tone and style of the author. She was able to take us through the worst moments of the war without leaving the reader in the pit. I recommend this with the caveats above.
September 17, 2023
I finally started to read this -Its not my normal genre-but I was looking for change. Stella writes a very true to life story about the challenges of the women working under male leadership in the second World War. The character development was very well done -and the background information regarding life in the wrennery was highly realistic to the times.
The swordfish was a unique and precision aircraft that was used primarily by the right arm of the navy-I even went so far as to research data on the craft. It would have taken balls of steel for flyboys to maneuver such a craft carrying torpedoes into combat. One gets a sense of why they lived life so brashly in the moment. The narratives reflecting the lives of the three navy wrens - does justice to their courage handling their jobs with the severe social constraints of the era .A great read-
The swordfish was a unique and precision aircraft that was used primarily by the right arm of the navy-I even went so far as to research data on the craft. It would have taken balls of steel for flyboys to maneuver such a craft carrying torpedoes into combat. One gets a sense of why they lived life so brashly in the moment. The narratives reflecting the lives of the three navy wrens - does justice to their courage handling their jobs with the severe social constraints of the era .A great read-
March 8, 2023
I won this book through goodreads giveaways. I'm always interested in WWII historical fiction and this one didn't disappoint. I'm particularly fond of stories with strong, brave and smart female characters, and this book had three!
I may have given 5 stars had it not been for the Geoff/Cathy story ending, it was much too unbelievable. He arrives running across the lawn minutes after his funeral. He sent a telegram but it apparently didn't get to them? He was an Admiral's son! I'm sure the military would have made sure the Admiral knew his son was alive!
That criticism aside, the book is fast paced and well written.
I may have given 5 stars had it not been for the Geoff/Cathy story ending, it was much too unbelievable. He arrives running across the lawn minutes after his funeral. He sent a telegram but it apparently didn't get to them? He was an Admiral's son! I'm sure the military would have made sure the Admiral knew his son was alive!
That criticism aside, the book is fast paced and well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2023
That was a good read! I couldn't help but draw comparisons in my mind with books by authors like Nicholas Monsarrat. 'The Wren and the Swordfish Pilot' has more romance and less action than many war stories but nonetheless told a good tale. As others have commented, the action scenes feel a little underdeveloped compared to the early sections of the book.
If the author writes more books (and I hope she does - this is a good start) I hope she gets a good editor who knows the difference between to and too, where to put and not put apostrophes, and so on.
And 'squeeze the accelerator on a Triumph motorcycle' - erm, no. Twist the throttle maybe...
If the author writes more books (and I hope she does - this is a good start) I hope she gets a good editor who knows the difference between to and too, where to put and not put apostrophes, and so on.
And 'squeeze the accelerator on a Triumph motorcycle' - erm, no. Twist the throttle maybe...
May 20, 2022
Wonderful characters
This is the first book I have read by Stella Hutchinson. I loved it! The writing is crisp, the characters are fully developed people I would like to spend time with, the story lines are presented in a cohesive rendering of women serving Great Brittan during WWII and adjusting their personal lives to those conditions. "The Wren and the Swordfish Pilot" takes a couple of chapters to establish strong interest. Stick with it. This one is captivating on all levels! Enjoy!
This is the first book I have read by Stella Hutchinson. I loved it! The writing is crisp, the characters are fully developed people I would like to spend time with, the story lines are presented in a cohesive rendering of women serving Great Brittan during WWII and adjusting their personal lives to those conditions. "The Wren and the Swordfish Pilot" takes a couple of chapters to establish strong interest. Stick with it. This one is captivating on all levels! Enjoy!
March 3, 2025
This book is a very good read for those interested in historical fiction. The story starts with several British women during WWII that are working as WRNS (Women's Royal Navy Service). While many worked as secretarial personnel, message couriers and so on, many also did the jobs men would normally do. This story gives us the inside look to women that had grown up knowing what "Proper Women" would do, these women bravely pushed aside societal norms to serve their country. This book also has romance in it, for those that enjoy romance novels.
November 11, 2025
good reading
I must’ve gotten this for my wife to read, it reminds me of a TV series not long ago called “home fires”, also sit in the early part of World War II and focused on the women and how it affected them. but I must say that I found it well written and very enjoyable. It kept dray me in and wanting to read more. it is something my wife would have enjoyed a great deal I believe. And I could see it easily turned into a short made for television series. Until that happens, I suggest people read it. Well done.
I must’ve gotten this for my wife to read, it reminds me of a TV series not long ago called “home fires”, also sit in the early part of World War II and focused on the women and how it affected them. but I must say that I found it well written and very enjoyable. It kept dray me in and wanting to read more. it is something my wife would have enjoyed a great deal I believe. And I could see it easily turned into a short made for television series. Until that happens, I suggest people read it. Well done.
March 31, 2025
I enjoyed it
On the front it says: "Emotional and powerful." In my opinion, emotional? yes. Powerful? No. Perhaps if it was a précis of half the length it might have been. Anyway, I did enjoy it but I could have gone to town nit picking faults and mistakes. However, it was great to get a woman's perspective on the war and especially a WREN'S eye view. My late Mother was a WREN in the 1940s.
On the front it says: "Emotional and powerful." In my opinion, emotional? yes. Powerful? No. Perhaps if it was a précis of half the length it might have been. Anyway, I did enjoy it but I could have gone to town nit picking faults and mistakes. However, it was great to get a woman's perspective on the war and especially a WREN'S eye view. My late Mother was a WREN in the 1940s.
June 29, 2022
Fascinating Book
This book evolves around 3 women who have joined the war effort, becoming Wrens and their lives during WW2. Cathy, Anne, and Linda are amazing women who go out of their way to help their country. Very enjoyable characters and storyline throughout the whole book. I hope the author may write more books with strong women during wartimes.
This book evolves around 3 women who have joined the war effort, becoming Wrens and their lives during WW2. Cathy, Anne, and Linda are amazing women who go out of their way to help their country. Very enjoyable characters and storyline throughout the whole book. I hope the author may write more books with strong women during wartimes.
August 5, 2022
Good read
I was impressed by the plot and characters who just drew me in. Anne and Dicky Linda and Toby, you just have to read it.The fact that the wrens could still have some time for fun. Cathy and her twin Geoff who fought on 2 different ships,it's a must read
not to be missed.
I was impressed by the plot and characters who just drew me in. Anne and Dicky Linda and Toby, you just have to read it.The fact that the wrens could still have some time for fun. Cathy and her twin Geoff who fought on 2 different ships,it's a must read
not to be missed.
February 5, 2023
Riveting!
This book had me hooked from the first sentence. There was not one extravagant, unnecessary word in the entire book. The author is truly gifted. The characters were described superbly; the emotions developed believably; the action was enhanced by the jargon used. I would not hesitate to read another book by Stella Hutchinson.
This book had me hooked from the first sentence. There was not one extravagant, unnecessary word in the entire book. The author is truly gifted. The characters were described superbly; the emotions developed believably; the action was enhanced by the jargon used. I would not hesitate to read another book by Stella Hutchinson.
April 25, 2023
I loved this book. The role of the Wrens in WW2 hasn't been well known. We are introduced to several Wrens and learn to care about them and the ones they are involved with. So, besides being educated by this well researched book, the reader is captivated by the stories. It also shows in vivid detail the horror of war through the characters. It doesn't disappoint, just the opposite.
May 1, 2023
A lovely story taking place in a difficult era
The story of the different areas of work men and women did during WWII was fascinating. I was not familiar with the WRN's. The fact that it was a voluntary position is very interesting. That was definitely a different time. It's insane to think of men disarming bombs, that would be an adrenaline junkies dream job. I liked the positive ending in such a time in history that there wasn't much positivity.
The story of the different areas of work men and women did during WWII was fascinating. I was not familiar with the WRN's. The fact that it was a voluntary position is very interesting. That was definitely a different time. It's insane to think of men disarming bombs, that would be an adrenaline junkies dream job. I liked the positive ending in such a time in history that there wasn't much positivity.
May 12, 2023
If you are a fan of historical fiction, you will enjoy this book!
Strong female characters doing their part during the war, following orders and being as dedicated as any (and more than some) male soldiers.
Okay, so some parts were predictable, others not so much. But still a very good read.
Strong female characters doing their part during the war, following orders and being as dedicated as any (and more than some) male soldiers.
Okay, so some parts were predictable, others not so much. But still a very good read.
July 28, 2023
One of the best WW2 books I've read in sges!
Fully engrossed with the first few pages , I couldn't put this down. The characters were so well fleshed out that they became so real to me that not only could I "see" them , I could absorb their experiences into my"imagined" memory and be thrilled for and with them and yes,even cry.
Fully engrossed with the first few pages , I couldn't put this down. The characters were so well fleshed out that they became so real to me that not only could I "see" them , I could absorb their experiences into my"imagined" memory and be thrilled for and with them and yes,even cry.
August 27, 2023
Very engaging story
I believe this is the first book I have read that is centered around female British WRENs in the Navy. I learned so much about the various ways they served. But just as importantly, this story has well-developed and three-dimensional characters and a plot to care about. Definitely recommended.
I believe this is the first book I have read that is centered around female British WRENs in the Navy. I learned so much about the various ways they served. But just as importantly, this story has well-developed and three-dimensional characters and a plot to care about. Definitely recommended.
September 23, 2023
The story follows the intertwined lives of several women and men during WWII. Well written, well researched in my opinion, and with very likeable characters (whose behaviour I sometimes found hard to believe, but then I was never in a situation like this).
I would definitely like to see more of this author.
I would definitely like to see more of this author.
November 19, 2023
It but the spot
I've always enjoyed a wartime fiction spread around the working classes. Fiction with elements of truth thrown in. There is an abundance of examples of the way people coped with Loss and hardships faced in everyday life for readers of this page turning novel. Well written and served with delight.
I've always enjoyed a wartime fiction spread around the working classes. Fiction with elements of truth thrown in. There is an abundance of examples of the way people coped with Loss and hardships faced in everyday life for readers of this page turning novel. Well written and served with delight.
January 28, 2024
Endearing, enticing, full of the love, pain and triumph of wartime!
True to the historical stories of the war, yet intimately real in the relationships and experiences of young men and women.
Intense and gripping with so many unexpected turns. Courageous, patriotic, loyal characters!
True to the historical stories of the war, yet intimately real in the relationships and experiences of young men and women.
Intense and gripping with so many unexpected turns. Courageous, patriotic, loyal characters!
March 26, 2025
First Rate Tale
A rare book about WWII with complex, original characters, behaving is ways compatible not only with their backgrounds but with society in this period. The author is to be commended for the quality of her research, which shows exception depth of understanding both the traditions and culture of RN and diverse roles of the WRNs in the war.
A rare book about WWII with complex, original characters, behaving is ways compatible not only with their backgrounds but with society in this period. The author is to be commended for the quality of her research, which shows exception depth of understanding both the traditions and culture of RN and diverse roles of the WRNs in the war.
August 28, 2025
Liked the book overall but it got off to a slow start for me.
Also felt that the castle was overdoing it. Maybe a mansion instead.
Bit of a spoiler alert: Would have made a better story line if mid-book we hear from Dicky and he's making the decision to land on the Japanese aircraft carrier, then leaving us to wonder what happened to him until the end.
Also felt that the castle was overdoing it. Maybe a mansion instead.
Bit of a spoiler alert: Would have made a better story line if mid-book we hear from Dicky and he's making the decision to land on the Japanese aircraft carrier, then leaving us to wonder what happened to him until the end.
October 15, 2025
Very enjoyable read. Although part way through, I was concerned it was to going to be just a soap operish novel, it turned out to offer a great mix of history and war time. I learned a lot about not just the WRNS but Great Britain's overall military involvement in WWII. And what a great testament to strong women during those years. I will definitely try this author again.
June 15, 2022
loved the characters
Hutchinson knows how to create individuals. She also is a master story teller who can keep you reading wanting to know what’s going to happen next. I really enjoyed this book.
Hutchinson knows how to create individuals. She also is a master story teller who can keep you reading wanting to know what’s going to happen next. I really enjoyed this book.
July 17, 2022
Heroines and Heroes
Stella Hutchinson did a fantastic job..well written and researched..Anne...Linda.. Guy Dicky and all the rest..Heart warming and heart breaking. Can't wait to read more of her work!
Stella Hutchinson did a fantastic job..well written and researched..Anne...Linda.. Guy Dicky and all the rest..Heart warming and heart breaking. Can't wait to read more of her work!
October 13, 2022
great historical fiction read
The book started a bit slowly introducing the three main female characters but soon I was engrossed and couldn’t put it down. A World War II story based in England that is filled with all kinds of maritime history.
The book started a bit slowly introducing the three main female characters but soon I was engrossed and couldn’t put it down. A World War II story based in England that is filled with all kinds of maritime history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews