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1918. Emmaline Balakin leeft meer in haar boeken dan in haar eigen leven. Maar wanneer ze bij het Dead Letter Office een envelop geadresseerd aan iemand uit haar verleden in handen krijgt, besluit ze op avontuur te gaan als bibliothecaresse aan het front.
1976. Kathleen Carre wil graag bewijzen dat ze verdient aangenomen te worden aan de United States Naval Academy. Maar niet iedereen wil vrouwelijke cadetten aan de Academy. Om zichzelf te beschermen zal ze moeten leren anderen te vertrouwen, zelfs als ze een geheim ontdekt dat haar ondergang zou kunnen betekenen.
1976. Kathleen Carre wil graag bewijzen dat ze verdient aangenomen te worden aan de United States Naval Academy. Maar niet iedereen wil vrouwelijke cadetten aan de Academy. Om zichzelf te beschermen zal ze moeten leren anderen te vertrouwen, zelfs als ze een geheim ontdekt dat haar ondergang zou kunnen betekenen.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2022
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June 28, 2022
Emmaline Balakin works at the Dead Letter Office, after five years of sorting through lost mail, one day a letter arrives with a name on it she recognizes and it's from a man she knew as a teenager. Emmaline is the daughter of Russian immigrants, her parents have passed away and she decides to take a chance. She volunteers to be a librarian on the front-lines in France, she's driven to base hospital 42 in September 1918 by Red Cross driver and member of the motor corps Nellie Mayborn.
Emmaline organizes the books in the recreation hut, and she’s to visit each ward once a week. She's shocked by how close she is to the war, the men’s injuries, she delivers books to those who can read and reads to those who can't. Emmaline starts a book club, it’s location is controversial and so are the books they discuss. Emmaline is a bit naive, she doesn’t see what she’s doing is dangerous, and she pays the price.
The War Librarian has a dual timeline, the story flows between France in 1918 during The Great War and 1976 in America.
Kathleen Carre is working as a dental receptionist, she’s waiting to be accepted into the first coed class in the United States Naval Academy in 1976, and she’s excited when her admission letter arrives. Raised by her grandmother, Kathleen is sad to be leaving her behind, and her Nana assures her she will be fine.
The navy isn’t prepared for the women recruits, they have issues with the uniform, the shoes the women are expected to wear are unsuitable, and Kathleen has no idea this is just the start of her problems. Not everyone is happy to have women at the prestigious academy, she’s subjected to bullying, hazing and becomes a target of a nasty group of midshipman. Kathleen feels humiliated, she's told this is all normal, it escalates when she's accused of committing a crime, she faces being court-martialed, and she has to ask a person from her Nana’s past to help prove her innocence.
I received a copy of The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong from Edelweiss and Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. The author uses inspiration from the Library War Service where over seven million books were donated, borrowed and read during WW I. She links this to the first class of women who joined the American Naval Academy in the 1970's and the similarities between the treatment the women received. The narrative is about three strong and courageous female characters and emphasizes the unjust discrimination and conduct they faced decades apart. The story includes banned books, hidden secrets, lost love, surviving despite the odds, fate, and the fight for justice. Five stars from me, I highly recommend this book and the author’s previous novel, The Light of Luna Park.
Emmaline organizes the books in the recreation hut, and she’s to visit each ward once a week. She's shocked by how close she is to the war, the men’s injuries, she delivers books to those who can read and reads to those who can't. Emmaline starts a book club, it’s location is controversial and so are the books they discuss. Emmaline is a bit naive, she doesn’t see what she’s doing is dangerous, and she pays the price.
The War Librarian has a dual timeline, the story flows between France in 1918 during The Great War and 1976 in America.
Kathleen Carre is working as a dental receptionist, she’s waiting to be accepted into the first coed class in the United States Naval Academy in 1976, and she’s excited when her admission letter arrives. Raised by her grandmother, Kathleen is sad to be leaving her behind, and her Nana assures her she will be fine.
The navy isn’t prepared for the women recruits, they have issues with the uniform, the shoes the women are expected to wear are unsuitable, and Kathleen has no idea this is just the start of her problems. Not everyone is happy to have women at the prestigious academy, she’s subjected to bullying, hazing and becomes a target of a nasty group of midshipman. Kathleen feels humiliated, she's told this is all normal, it escalates when she's accused of committing a crime, she faces being court-martialed, and she has to ask a person from her Nana’s past to help prove her innocence.
I received a copy of The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong from Edelweiss and Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. The author uses inspiration from the Library War Service where over seven million books were donated, borrowed and read during WW I. She links this to the first class of women who joined the American Naval Academy in the 1970's and the similarities between the treatment the women received. The narrative is about three strong and courageous female characters and emphasizes the unjust discrimination and conduct they faced decades apart. The story includes banned books, hidden secrets, lost love, surviving despite the odds, fate, and the fight for justice. Five stars from me, I highly recommend this book and the author’s previous novel, The Light of Luna Park.
August 15, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE WAR LIBRARIAN by Addison Armstrong is an emotionally captivating dual timeline historical fiction story featuring two women finding their voices and standing up for what they believe is right against injustice and inequality no matter the personal cost. So much in this historical story mirrors the ongoing moral struggle occurring in current society.
In 1918, Emmaline Balakin works in the Dead Letter Office. An only child, timid and bookish until she discovers a letter bearing a name from her past. It is the spark she needs to break out of her shell and embark on an adventure that takes her to a frontline hospital in France as a volunteer librarian. She reunites with a man from her past, befriends black servicemen and protests banned books as she discovers she is stronger than she believed until the military steps in.
In 1976, Kathleen Carre is eager to prove herself in the first coed class at the U.S. Naval Academy, but not everyone wants women at the Academy. The harassment only makes Kathleen more determined to succeed until the death of her grandmother who raised her almost breaks her. The solitary Kathleen soon finds herself being accused of crimes that could be the end of her dreams at the Academy unless she learns to trust others and uncover a secret from her grandmother’s past.
I loved this story and the strong, independent women characters. I found the history of the voluntary librarians overseas fascinating and the ongoing discussion of banning books relevant, to my dismay, to this day. The integration of women into the service academies occurred when I had just graduated from high school, and I always found those women to be brave leaders in the fight for equality. To read and realize that some of the problems encountered by the female midshipmen still occurs today, almost 50 years later is at times disheartening and at times maddening. This story opens the readers eyes to so many societal issues that are still considered issues and have never been resolved. This is an emotional rollercoaster with great characters that I could not put down.
I highly recommend this dual timeline historical fiction!
THE WAR LIBRARIAN by Addison Armstrong is an emotionally captivating dual timeline historical fiction story featuring two women finding their voices and standing up for what they believe is right against injustice and inequality no matter the personal cost. So much in this historical story mirrors the ongoing moral struggle occurring in current society.
In 1918, Emmaline Balakin works in the Dead Letter Office. An only child, timid and bookish until she discovers a letter bearing a name from her past. It is the spark she needs to break out of her shell and embark on an adventure that takes her to a frontline hospital in France as a volunteer librarian. She reunites with a man from her past, befriends black servicemen and protests banned books as she discovers she is stronger than she believed until the military steps in.
In 1976, Kathleen Carre is eager to prove herself in the first coed class at the U.S. Naval Academy, but not everyone wants women at the Academy. The harassment only makes Kathleen more determined to succeed until the death of her grandmother who raised her almost breaks her. The solitary Kathleen soon finds herself being accused of crimes that could be the end of her dreams at the Academy unless she learns to trust others and uncover a secret from her grandmother’s past.
I loved this story and the strong, independent women characters. I found the history of the voluntary librarians overseas fascinating and the ongoing discussion of banning books relevant, to my dismay, to this day. The integration of women into the service academies occurred when I had just graduated from high school, and I always found those women to be brave leaders in the fight for equality. To read and realize that some of the problems encountered by the female midshipmen still occurs today, almost 50 years later is at times disheartening and at times maddening. This story opens the readers eyes to so many societal issues that are still considered issues and have never been resolved. This is an emotional rollercoaster with great characters that I could not put down.
I highly recommend this dual timeline historical fiction!
February 8, 2023
Oh how I just devoured this book! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book, and I’m telling ya, you must get this book when it is released in August. I’ve never read a novel that so seamlessly blends two different historical time periods together in a way that comes to the most beautiful resolution. I love a book with a strong, independent female character, and with The War Librarian, you’re getting several. I simply adored this book. A must read in 2022!
February 3, 2024
Addison Armstrong is one of the brightest young authors that I have and pleasure to read. Barely out of college she has produced two wonderful books, the newest being "The War, Librarian." This book follows the dual timeline of World War I and the first class of females at the US Naval Academy in 1976. in 1918 Emmaline Balakin is working at the Dead Letter Office of the US Postal System, and stumbles upon a letter from a former friend of hers, who is now serving in France during the war. She eventually becomes a librarian, and it shipped overseas where she is part of the effort to bring books to the soldiers. While there she finds that her friend is one of the wounded soldiers at the hospital where she is working. She is shocked by the horrors of the war, by the segregation among the wounded and hospitalized, and tries to bring joy and happiness to these individuals, through books, despite all the perils of being near the front line. She makes friends with another young lady named Nellie who is a Red Cross volunteer who helps Emmaline navigate the system while she's over there, as well as teaching her how to drive. In 1976 Kathleen Carrie is part of the first group of female midshipman at the US Naval Academy, and is the granddaughter of Nellie. We follow Kathleen as she is subjected to all types of hazing and harassment at the Academy. Many of the male midshipman do not wish to have females in the Academy, and do anything possible to intimidate them, including trying to have them dismissed from the Academy for treasonous behavior. But there is a secret from World War I, that will impact Kathleen in her attempt to be part of the first class of female midshipmentat the US Naval Academy. This is a well researched book, filled with historical events, and certainly shows you the female point of view in both timelines. The authenticity in this book is shocking, and it also saddens one to see what women had to put up with in their efforts to help and assist our country and military.
April 7, 2023
Wow!! 😲I just finished this amazing book this morning and I am still trying to figure out what to say. I have limited time these days as I am preparing for my brother's Memorial Service in a few days and have family coming in from Oregon to attend the service. So I will keep this review as short as possible. I went into this book blind. I didn't read any reviews, just what was on the cover and saw it had good ratings on Goodreads. I really enjoy Historical Fiction and books about books and librarians,so I couldn't pass this one up!! I'm extremely glad that I read it and it was a perfect fit for me!! I really learned a lot!! 😃 I had a hard time putting it down!!
It's a duel timeline story with Emmaline in 1918 WW1 serving in France as one of the first woman volunteer librarians serving with the Red Cross Army. She is shy, would rather spend her life safely reading her beloved books and working in the Dead Letter Office. One day a letter from a soldier lands on her desk and changes her life.... forever. She makes friends with Nellie Carre who works for the Motor Corps and also works for The Red Cross driving supplies where needed. Emmaline soon sets up a book club for the soldiers confined to bed, has to deal with racism and a host of other things including bombs exploding as she is close to the front lines!! So much for a safe life!! However,like many women, she wanted to serve her country and do what she could for the soldiers in battle. I also didn't know that the U.S. War Department imposed on the ALA ( American Library Association) a ban on books that limited what soldiers could read 📖
In 1976, Kathleen Carre is one of the first woman to be accepted into the first coed class of the United States Naval Academy. The woman are not readily accepted there and really have to prove themselves more than the men even though these women deserve the right to be there!! Soon Kathleen is dealing with her Nana's funeral ( she was raised by her Nana), suffers through " hazing" by the male recruits and finds herself in Military Court accused of treason and faces court martial!! Kathleen doesn't trust people and she has to learn that she must trust someone!! I'm from a military family,so I know how hard it is too go through training. After reading Kathleen's story,I have a new respect for the members in all branches of the U.S. Military!! 🇺🇸
There's a mystery in this story that links Emmaline and Kathleen.. have fun solving it!! 🤫
This novel is rooted in the real history of both the first volunteer librarians during WW1 and the first women to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. It's also rooted in the same belief that words have power. It's about the magic and the power of words to give comfort and effect change. You'll be caught up in the amazing stories of these women, their courage, love and support. The fact that they have to face challenges that they never expected and overcome them! Reading this book is an amazing experience!! Please read the Authors Notes to learn how much research she put into this book. It's extremely well researched and I enjoyed every minute reading it! I very highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone!!
Happy Reading and Enjoy!! 📚😃
It's a duel timeline story with Emmaline in 1918 WW1 serving in France as one of the first woman volunteer librarians serving with the Red Cross Army. She is shy, would rather spend her life safely reading her beloved books and working in the Dead Letter Office. One day a letter from a soldier lands on her desk and changes her life.... forever. She makes friends with Nellie Carre who works for the Motor Corps and also works for The Red Cross driving supplies where needed. Emmaline soon sets up a book club for the soldiers confined to bed, has to deal with racism and a host of other things including bombs exploding as she is close to the front lines!! So much for a safe life!! However,like many women, she wanted to serve her country and do what she could for the soldiers in battle. I also didn't know that the U.S. War Department imposed on the ALA ( American Library Association) a ban on books that limited what soldiers could read 📖
In 1976, Kathleen Carre is one of the first woman to be accepted into the first coed class of the United States Naval Academy. The woman are not readily accepted there and really have to prove themselves more than the men even though these women deserve the right to be there!! Soon Kathleen is dealing with her Nana's funeral ( she was raised by her Nana), suffers through " hazing" by the male recruits and finds herself in Military Court accused of treason and faces court martial!! Kathleen doesn't trust people and she has to learn that she must trust someone!! I'm from a military family,so I know how hard it is too go through training. After reading Kathleen's story,I have a new respect for the members in all branches of the U.S. Military!! 🇺🇸
There's a mystery in this story that links Emmaline and Kathleen.. have fun solving it!! 🤫
This novel is rooted in the real history of both the first volunteer librarians during WW1 and the first women to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. It's also rooted in the same belief that words have power. It's about the magic and the power of words to give comfort and effect change. You'll be caught up in the amazing stories of these women, their courage, love and support. The fact that they have to face challenges that they never expected and overcome them! Reading this book is an amazing experience!! Please read the Authors Notes to learn how much research she put into this book. It's extremely well researched and I enjoyed every minute reading it! I very highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone!!
Happy Reading and Enjoy!! 📚😃
April 3, 2022
THE WAR LIBRARIAN
by Addison Armstrong
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam
Pub Date: Aug 9
The War Librarian is a compelling dual timeline story focusing on two courageous women who must overcome obstacles in male-dominated military settings.
In 1918, quiet bookish Emmaline strikes out past her comfort zone when she decides to volunteer as a librarian on the French front. When she finds romance in a secret book club there, she needs to grow even more fearless to survive.
In 1976, Kathleen wants to be accepted into the first coed class at the United States Naval Academy. But not everyone wants a woman there, and she becomes a target when tragedy hits close to home.
"Two women. One secret. A truth worth fighting for," the synopsis proclaims, and how apt that is.
Also, The War Librarian includes an equally apt quote about literature: "Books are the best place to hide when the world is too much to take." Don't miss this glorious tale!
Thanks to the author, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#TheWarLibrarian
#AddisonArmstrong
#PenguinGroupPutnam
#NetGalley
#wwifiction #wwiFrenchFrontnovel #librarians #NavalAcademyFiction #maledominatedmilitarysettings #fictionaboutcourageouswomen
#bookstagramcommunity
by Addison Armstrong
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam
Pub Date: Aug 9
The War Librarian is a compelling dual timeline story focusing on two courageous women who must overcome obstacles in male-dominated military settings.
In 1918, quiet bookish Emmaline strikes out past her comfort zone when she decides to volunteer as a librarian on the French front. When she finds romance in a secret book club there, she needs to grow even more fearless to survive.
In 1976, Kathleen wants to be accepted into the first coed class at the United States Naval Academy. But not everyone wants a woman there, and she becomes a target when tragedy hits close to home.
"Two women. One secret. A truth worth fighting for," the synopsis proclaims, and how apt that is.
Also, The War Librarian includes an equally apt quote about literature: "Books are the best place to hide when the world is too much to take." Don't miss this glorious tale!
Thanks to the author, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#TheWarLibrarian
#AddisonArmstrong
#PenguinGroupPutnam
#NetGalley
#wwifiction #wwiFrenchFrontnovel #librarians #NavalAcademyFiction #maledominatedmilitarysettings #fictionaboutcourageouswomen
#bookstagramcommunity
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645808644i%2F7494844._UX200_CR0%2C6%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 24, 2023
I feel like I'm both the perfect and worst audience for this book, being a military veteran (Marine Corps) and librarian. Because any book about a woman's experience in the military automatically makes me both excited and nervous—particularly if the author has no military experiencce.
However, Armstrong did her homework, very thoroughly. There are so many little details about military life that are right—and so many details of what went down during the first year women were allowed into the Naval Academy (she had several sources who were in the class of 1980), and she spares little detail on the struggles they faced.
I did enjoy it. I liked both Katherine's and Emmaline's POVs, although by the 80% mark the storylines got a little ridiculous, it still made sense plot-wise—and enjoyed the themes of female friendship and found family.
So why the three stars?
Well...it just didn't hit all the marks for me, particularly the last 20%. I found myself going WTF several times, and also because this book contains the trope of Bad Things Happen to Secondary Characters (no, not the one in the Big Reveal), who happen to be Black, which makes the main character realizes things (systemic racism, the dual-tipped tongs of white supremacy and misogyny, etc). That it happens not in one timeline, but both timelines, with the Black characters shriveling out of the picture after their Part in the storyline (although one does pop up at the end), kinda made me side-eye the story a little bit. I'm probably reading into the white feminist angle too much here, but the fact that it happened twice just felt...like an odd parallel to include?
I initially received this book as an ARC, but didn't read it when I was supposed to, and after delaying the hold on the audiobook five or sixteen times, finally got around to listening to it.
However, Armstrong did her homework, very thoroughly. There are so many little details about military life that are right—and so many details of what went down during the first year women were allowed into the Naval Academy (she had several sources who were in the class of 1980), and she spares little detail on the struggles they faced.
I did enjoy it. I liked both Katherine's and Emmaline's POVs, although by the 80% mark the storylines got a little ridiculous, it still made sense plot-wise—and enjoyed the themes of female friendship and found family.
So why the three stars?
Well...it just didn't hit all the marks for me, particularly the last 20%. I found myself going WTF several times, and also because this book contains the trope of Bad Things Happen to Secondary Characters (no, not the one in the Big Reveal), who happen to be Black, which makes the main character realizes things (systemic racism, the dual-tipped tongs of white supremacy and misogyny, etc). That it happens not in one timeline, but both timelines, with the Black characters shriveling out of the picture after their Part in the storyline (although one does pop up at the end), kinda made me side-eye the story a little bit. I'm probably reading into the white feminist angle too much here, but the fact that it happened twice just felt...like an odd parallel to include?
I initially received this book as an ARC, but didn't read it when I was supposed to, and after delaying the hold on the audiobook five or sixteen times, finally got around to listening to it.
February 10, 2022
Wonderful book!! The War Librarian is an empowering tale of sisterhood and sacrifice, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what is right in the world–even in the face of war and great peril. Timely and enlightening!
September 15, 2022
Frankrijk, 1918. Emmaline Balakin is onderweg naar het front om daar als bibliothecaresse aan de slag te gaan. Ze gelooft in de troost en kracht van boeken en hoopt de gewonde soldaten precies dat te kunnen bieden, zodat ze even worden afgeleid. Ze deelt boeken uit, behandelt verzoeken, leest voor aan de patiënten die zelf niet in staat zijn om te lezen, maar ze stuit ook op segregatie en censuur en bedenkt creatieve manieren om de regels te omzeilen. Toch bracht niet alleen dit werk Emmaline naar Frankrijk: ze hoopt iemand uit haar verleden weer terug te zien…
Amerika, 1976. Kathleen Carre is dolblij wanneer ze wordt aangenomen door de Naval Academy, waar ze deel zal uitmaken van de eerste klas die zal afstuderen met zowel mannen als vrouwen. Ze ziet het als haar roeping, ze wil de plicht, verantwoordelijkheid, discipline en de gemeenschap, en hoopt zo in de voetsporen te treden van haar oma, die in de Eerste Wereldoorlog diende als chauffeuse voor het Amerikaanse Rode Kruis, in haar ogen een echte heldin. Maar lang niet iedereen wil vrouwelijke cadetten aan de Academy, waardoor ze een doelwit wordt van pesterijen, bedreigingen en valse beschuldigingen. Kan ze haar doel bereiken of moet ze, mede door een persoonlijke tragedie, haar droom opgeven?
De verhalen van deze vrouwen zijn verschillend in tijd en plaats, maar ze vertonen ook veel overeenkomsten: ze komen allebei terecht in een harde mannenwereld, waar ze moeten strijden voor acceptatie, ze zich extra moeten bewijzen, ze worden tegengewerkt en bekritiseerd. Beide vrouwen zijn echte doorzetters, onafhankelijke en vooruitstrevende vrouwen die bondgenoten vinden, opkomen voor zichzelf en voor wat ze waard zijn, vechten voor hun positie en voor inclusiviteit.
De auteur schrijft beeldend en gedetailleerd, waardoor het verhaal geen enorme vaart heeft maar deze krachtige vrouwen wel helemaal tot leven komen. Op sommige momenten was ik graag nog iets dichter bij hun emoties gekomen, maar je kunt je inleven in hun gevoelens, waardoor het ervaren onrecht zeker binnenkomt. Door kleine overeenkomsten in de verhaallijnen blijf je raden hoe hun verhalen samen zullen komen en hoewel de wijze waarop dat gebeurt niet geheel uniek is, wordt die wending mooi uitgewerkt en worden lang bewaarde geheimen opgehelderd. Dit meeslepend en boeiende verhaal over liefde, verlies en familie, over strijd, volharding en acceptatie, over sociale ongelijkheid en verandering, vertrouwen, loyaliteit en de kracht van het geschreven woord is dan ook zeker het lezen waard!
3.5-4⭐️
Amerika, 1976. Kathleen Carre is dolblij wanneer ze wordt aangenomen door de Naval Academy, waar ze deel zal uitmaken van de eerste klas die zal afstuderen met zowel mannen als vrouwen. Ze ziet het als haar roeping, ze wil de plicht, verantwoordelijkheid, discipline en de gemeenschap, en hoopt zo in de voetsporen te treden van haar oma, die in de Eerste Wereldoorlog diende als chauffeuse voor het Amerikaanse Rode Kruis, in haar ogen een echte heldin. Maar lang niet iedereen wil vrouwelijke cadetten aan de Academy, waardoor ze een doelwit wordt van pesterijen, bedreigingen en valse beschuldigingen. Kan ze haar doel bereiken of moet ze, mede door een persoonlijke tragedie, haar droom opgeven?
De verhalen van deze vrouwen zijn verschillend in tijd en plaats, maar ze vertonen ook veel overeenkomsten: ze komen allebei terecht in een harde mannenwereld, waar ze moeten strijden voor acceptatie, ze zich extra moeten bewijzen, ze worden tegengewerkt en bekritiseerd. Beide vrouwen zijn echte doorzetters, onafhankelijke en vooruitstrevende vrouwen die bondgenoten vinden, opkomen voor zichzelf en voor wat ze waard zijn, vechten voor hun positie en voor inclusiviteit.
De auteur schrijft beeldend en gedetailleerd, waardoor het verhaal geen enorme vaart heeft maar deze krachtige vrouwen wel helemaal tot leven komen. Op sommige momenten was ik graag nog iets dichter bij hun emoties gekomen, maar je kunt je inleven in hun gevoelens, waardoor het ervaren onrecht zeker binnenkomt. Door kleine overeenkomsten in de verhaallijnen blijf je raden hoe hun verhalen samen zullen komen en hoewel de wijze waarop dat gebeurt niet geheel uniek is, wordt die wending mooi uitgewerkt en worden lang bewaarde geheimen opgehelderd. Dit meeslepend en boeiende verhaal over liefde, verlies en familie, over strijd, volharding en acceptatie, over sociale ongelijkheid en verandering, vertrouwen, loyaliteit en de kracht van het geschreven woord is dan ook zeker het lezen waard!
3.5-4⭐️
August 14, 2022
The title grabbed me, being a librarian and lover of words, the story kept me engaged right up to the very end.
"Books here calm me. Things end happily in books - and when they don't, there's a reason." - Armstrong
I love historical fiction - a story rooted in the past, but told with imagination. So when I saw "The War Librarian" and heard it was based on the War Department and the American Library Association providing 7-10 million books to soldiers libraries, I had to know more. Addison Armstrong definitely gave that to me and more.
Told in 2 timelines, 1918 and 1976, both relevant to women soldiers and librarians, this is a fascinating read. In 1918, Emmaline arrives to provide books to wounded soldiers, hoping to give them peace in troubling times. And 1976, Kathleen is a plebe in the first ever womens class at the Naval Academy. Both women fight for acceptance in a male dominated world. Both find the path difficult.
I agree with others, the title of this book is simplified although I can't think of what else I would have named it. Between the cover of Armstrong's book you will find the strength of family, both blood and by choice, racism, politics, feminism and most importantly the power of the written word. 'Emmaline's world begins with words and Kathleen's future depends on them.
So while this is a story told during war times (Emmaline) or preparing for war, (Kathleen), its ultimately about the strength of character and the power of words to transform society for the better.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group and Addison Armstrong for interoducing me to war librarians. I was shocked I had never heard of them! Thank you for this thought provoking, important story! I am already telling my coworkers, and library patrons its a must read!
"Books here calm me. Things end happily in books - and when they don't, there's a reason." - Armstrong
I love historical fiction - a story rooted in the past, but told with imagination. So when I saw "The War Librarian" and heard it was based on the War Department and the American Library Association providing 7-10 million books to soldiers libraries, I had to know more. Addison Armstrong definitely gave that to me and more.
Told in 2 timelines, 1918 and 1976, both relevant to women soldiers and librarians, this is a fascinating read. In 1918, Emmaline arrives to provide books to wounded soldiers, hoping to give them peace in troubling times. And 1976, Kathleen is a plebe in the first ever womens class at the Naval Academy. Both women fight for acceptance in a male dominated world. Both find the path difficult.
I agree with others, the title of this book is simplified although I can't think of what else I would have named it. Between the cover of Armstrong's book you will find the strength of family, both blood and by choice, racism, politics, feminism and most importantly the power of the written word. 'Emmaline's world begins with words and Kathleen's future depends on them.
So while this is a story told during war times (Emmaline) or preparing for war, (Kathleen), its ultimately about the strength of character and the power of words to transform society for the better.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group and Addison Armstrong for interoducing me to war librarians. I was shocked I had never heard of them! Thank you for this thought provoking, important story! I am already telling my coworkers, and library patrons its a must read!
January 8, 2023
Following up after the popularity of The Light of Luna Park, the author has once again released a compelling read we can get lost in.
This dual timeline is divinely researched as the author combines fact and fiction in the time periods of 1918 and 1976.
Strong, empowered women lead in firsts including WWI women librarians and the first class of women to attend the United States Naval Academy. I found it fascinating how each timeline is a standalone but so seamlessly meshes at the end of the book with the characters from the first timeline finding their way into the second timeline.
The book shows resilience the women show during hardships. I also enjoyed the inclusivity shown by the book club created during WWI that included ALL soldiers regardless of color. Soldiers of color were often not treated until all whites were treated regardless of injury and oftentimes it was too late for them as evidenced by the author's writing.
Very authentic feel to this writing. I will be on the lookout for more by this author.
Pub Date 09 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This dual timeline is divinely researched as the author combines fact and fiction in the time periods of 1918 and 1976.
Strong, empowered women lead in firsts including WWI women librarians and the first class of women to attend the United States Naval Academy. I found it fascinating how each timeline is a standalone but so seamlessly meshes at the end of the book with the characters from the first timeline finding their way into the second timeline.
The book shows resilience the women show during hardships. I also enjoyed the inclusivity shown by the book club created during WWI that included ALL soldiers regardless of color. Soldiers of color were often not treated until all whites were treated regardless of injury and oftentimes it was too late for them as evidenced by the author's writing.
Very authentic feel to this writing. I will be on the lookout for more by this author.
Pub Date 09 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
March 15, 2022
I requested this book from NetGalley because I was interested in the theme of women in the armed forces through the generations. The 1918 timeline follows a war librarian and a female driver in France near the end of WWI, and the 1976 timeline follows a young woman who is part of the Navy's first class including females. Each of these women meets challenges due to their gender, but they also create most of their most serious problems all on their own.
My stomach turned. What had those women's hands been doing before the war? Delivering life, baking bread, sewing clothes?
In this poignant line, the author gives a brief nod to traditional women's work and its value. Neither of the main characters seemed to embrace much of this attitude or even the mindset of their era. Instead, they both came across as 2020s social justice warriors. The 1918 chapters especially came across as highly anachronistic in attitudes and dialogue. I had a difficult time connecting with the 1976 granddaughter as well, not so much because she didn't fit her timeline, but she was just so unlikeable.
Other readers may enjoy this novel for its strong female characters and unique points-of-view, but I was disappointed that it failed to transport me to another era.
Book received from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
My stomach turned. What had those women's hands been doing before the war? Delivering life, baking bread, sewing clothes?
In this poignant line, the author gives a brief nod to traditional women's work and its value. Neither of the main characters seemed to embrace much of this attitude or even the mindset of their era. Instead, they both came across as 2020s social justice warriors. The 1918 chapters especially came across as highly anachronistic in attitudes and dialogue. I had a difficult time connecting with the 1976 granddaughter as well, not so much because she didn't fit her timeline, but she was just so unlikeable.
Other readers may enjoy this novel for its strong female characters and unique points-of-view, but I was disappointed that it failed to transport me to another era.
Book received from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
September 11, 2022
Exiting at 48%. This is supposed to be a book about inspiring women serving their country. However, the narrative just keeps doubling and tripling down on the forced-in, racial aspect. Women oppressed, people of color oppressed, book "banning". It's like a woke free-for-all. Very disappointing as I loved this author's debut wholeheartedly.
December 8, 2021
The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong is a wonderful dual timeline historical fiction that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
I just adored Ms. Armstrong’s previous book, The Light of Luna Park, which I also highly recommend by the way, so I knew I had to read this gem. I am so glad I did.
The author takes two timeframes (1910s and 1970s) and weaves them both together to make one beautiful story.
This book is also a multi-generational novel of two strong women decades apart, blazing their own trails in their own respective ways against obstacles that know no timeframe.
Here we get a gripping, suspenseful narrative with strong female characters that exhibit strength, courage, grit, passion, and loyalty. This is a beautiful story of two women: Emmaline coming out of her shell as a “War Librarian” (the term I am using here does not do her justice, but as not to spoil too much for fellow readers, I will leave it at that) in WWI and Kathleen as part of the first coed class in the US Naval Academy. Both seem worlds apart. Both seem so different, yet reading their courageous and unique stories and to see all that they faced, we can see how similar both women truly are.
Truly a wonderful, unique, and inspirational story.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/9/22.
I just adored Ms. Armstrong’s previous book, The Light of Luna Park, which I also highly recommend by the way, so I knew I had to read this gem. I am so glad I did.
The author takes two timeframes (1910s and 1970s) and weaves them both together to make one beautiful story.
This book is also a multi-generational novel of two strong women decades apart, blazing their own trails in their own respective ways against obstacles that know no timeframe.
Here we get a gripping, suspenseful narrative with strong female characters that exhibit strength, courage, grit, passion, and loyalty. This is a beautiful story of two women: Emmaline coming out of her shell as a “War Librarian” (the term I am using here does not do her justice, but as not to spoil too much for fellow readers, I will leave it at that) in WWI and Kathleen as part of the first coed class in the US Naval Academy. Both seem worlds apart. Both seem so different, yet reading their courageous and unique stories and to see all that they faced, we can see how similar both women truly are.
Truly a wonderful, unique, and inspirational story.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/9/22.
February 6, 2022
As a librarian I am of course drawn to books that have librarians in a significant role, and particularly those where a librarian and librarianship is a central theme, and this book did not disappoint. The characters are well-developed and the plot moves at a satisfying pace, neither too slow nor too fast, the intertwining stories and seeing how the characters grew and developed set against very challenging circumstance. One story set in France during WWI, and the other at the Naval Academy in 1976 with the first class of female midshipmen. Considering everything going on right now with all the attempts of censorship, book banning, and book burning going on in our country, the message of the importance of the freedom to read and the responsibility of librarians (and everyone!) to protect that freedom really resonated. As a woman who previously worked in a male-dominated field as a civilian employee of the Navy and who is the mother of a daughter who is also not only in a male-dominated field, but also serves in the military, the story of Kathleen and her classmates fight to be accepted into the Naval Academy and overcome all the abuse and unfairness heaped on them really touched a chord with me as well.
This is a wonderful book and I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction, librarians, and others who oppose censorship and all forms of discrimination.
* I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This is a wonderful book and I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction, librarians, and others who oppose censorship and all forms of discrimination.
* I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
August 14, 2022
I really, really enjoyed this highly readable dual timeline historical fiction book about Emmaline, a war librarian serving in WWI and her granddaughter, Kathleen, who is among the first coed class at the Naval Academy in 1976.
It was fascinating reading about Kathleen's experience trying to fit in and the prejudices she faces as a woman in a male dominated world. Mirrored by her grandmother's work bringing books to soldiers in a hospital and setting up a book club that discussed subversive and banned books.
Intertwined through both timelines is the mystery surrounding Kathleen's grandmother's true identity and the lost love of her life. Highly recommended for fans of The Paris library and great on audio. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Favorite quote: "Books are the best place to hide when the world is just too much."
It was fascinating reading about Kathleen's experience trying to fit in and the prejudices she faces as a woman in a male dominated world. Mirrored by her grandmother's work bringing books to soldiers in a hospital and setting up a book club that discussed subversive and banned books.
Intertwined through both timelines is the mystery surrounding Kathleen's grandmother's true identity and the lost love of her life. Highly recommended for fans of The Paris library and great on audio. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Favorite quote: "Books are the best place to hide when the world is just too much."
August 14, 2022
Two Brave Women
This is a dual timeline story of two brave women who knew what they wanted and went for it despite the disrespect shown to them by some of their male counterparts.
It is a story of hard work, determination and breaking the gender prejudice cycle.
Emmaline is in WWI, 1918, she sets her sites on becoming a war librarian after reading a letter she found in the dead letter office addressed to an old friend she cared for. She faces prejudice not only as a woman not to be taken seriously by the officers but desperately trying to make all soldiers feel better by finding them books to read and reading to them. She is taken aback by the prejudice against the black soldiers. A letter she composes against it has long lasting effects even into the next generation. A secret that is held by her best friend Nellie but never revealed.
The time goes to 1976 and a young woman named Kathleen dead set on becoming a cadet at the United States Naval Academy. She wants to be in one of the first classes that women are accepted. Her Grandmother who raised her tries to discourage her but she is determined. She soon finds out that her grandmother was correct it is not easy to be a female cadet in a school that has been male only for so long. She finds a letter in her grandmother's letters after her death that will unlock an old untold secret which will change her life forever.
This was an great book featuring strong willed, determined women fighting to be recognized for their efforts and fighting every step of the way. I love how the dual storyline comes together at the end and I did love the ending.
This was a great book to read and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Addison Armstrong for writing a great book, to Penguin group at G.P. Putnam and sons for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me to read and review.
This is a dual timeline story of two brave women who knew what they wanted and went for it despite the disrespect shown to them by some of their male counterparts.
It is a story of hard work, determination and breaking the gender prejudice cycle.
Emmaline is in WWI, 1918, she sets her sites on becoming a war librarian after reading a letter she found in the dead letter office addressed to an old friend she cared for. She faces prejudice not only as a woman not to be taken seriously by the officers but desperately trying to make all soldiers feel better by finding them books to read and reading to them. She is taken aback by the prejudice against the black soldiers. A letter she composes against it has long lasting effects even into the next generation. A secret that is held by her best friend Nellie but never revealed.
The time goes to 1976 and a young woman named Kathleen dead set on becoming a cadet at the United States Naval Academy. She wants to be in one of the first classes that women are accepted. Her Grandmother who raised her tries to discourage her but she is determined. She soon finds out that her grandmother was correct it is not easy to be a female cadet in a school that has been male only for so long. She finds a letter in her grandmother's letters after her death that will unlock an old untold secret which will change her life forever.
This was an great book featuring strong willed, determined women fighting to be recognized for their efforts and fighting every step of the way. I love how the dual storyline comes together at the end and I did love the ending.
This was a great book to read and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Addison Armstrong for writing a great book, to Penguin group at G.P. Putnam and sons for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me to read and review.
August 10, 2022
This was a Five Star Read for me! I loved this dual timeline historical fiction book following the lives of two heroic women who served their country.
Historical fiction readers get many dual timeline historical fiction novels to choose from that take place during WWI and WWII; this one was a little different.
I liked that the WWI timeline was pretty narrowly focused on a female volunteer librarian and censorship. The more recent timeline was also very interesting and covered a point in recent history that was fascinating to me. Learning about the first class of women at the U.S. Naval Academy and what they went through was disconcerting and fascinating!
With the World War I timeline, there were a lot of convenient coincidences, but it help move the storyline along. Because of this, we get more about Emmaline’s ideals and personal beliefs than just a story about a woman living in a World War I hospital as a librarian. I also loved all of the details about the library books and how they were donated to the soldiers by the people back home.
Lastly, the ending is bittersweet but hopeful.
I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange from my honest review.
Historical fiction readers get many dual timeline historical fiction novels to choose from that take place during WWI and WWII; this one was a little different.
I liked that the WWI timeline was pretty narrowly focused on a female volunteer librarian and censorship. The more recent timeline was also very interesting and covered a point in recent history that was fascinating to me. Learning about the first class of women at the U.S. Naval Academy and what they went through was disconcerting and fascinating!
With the World War I timeline, there were a lot of convenient coincidences, but it help move the storyline along. Because of this, we get more about Emmaline’s ideals and personal beliefs than just a story about a woman living in a World War I hospital as a librarian. I also loved all of the details about the library books and how they were donated to the soldiers by the people back home.
Lastly, the ending is bittersweet but hopeful.
I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange from my honest review.
March 31, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of The War Librarian by author Addison Armstrong.
I sat down and took over a week to figure out exactly what I wanted to say for this review. And I find that I still don't have the words to express how much I truly adored this one. I have read over 280 books this year so far and this is my first 5 starred read of the year.
I felt like I could actually experience and visualize both timelines and what these women both endured. Both timelines were powerful and I probably couldn't pick which character I enjoyed reading about more. A great historical fiction read and ties in beautifully with Women's History Month.
I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for fans of historical fiction.
I sat down and took over a week to figure out exactly what I wanted to say for this review. And I find that I still don't have the words to express how much I truly adored this one. I have read over 280 books this year so far and this is my first 5 starred read of the year.
I felt like I could actually experience and visualize both timelines and what these women both endured. Both timelines were powerful and I probably couldn't pick which character I enjoyed reading about more. A great historical fiction read and ties in beautifully with Women's History Month.
I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for fans of historical fiction.
March 15, 2022
A truly immersive dual-timeline (1976/WWI) historical novel. Both timelines were equally compelling. When I finished it, I immediately requested Armstrong's first book from my library, as I somehow missed it when it came out! Highly recommended.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2021
I read this book in one sitting. I hadn't heard of war librarians before and since I am a librarian I was very intrigued. Normally I'm not a fan of dual points of view but I didn't mind it in this book except almost every chapter ended on a cliffhanger and I wanted to continue reading that's person's story. There's a major spoiler that I won't give but I have to say it will definitely shock some readers but if you're an avid historical fiction reader you might predict it. I was very intrigued about what all the American Library Association did during WWI. I hadn't heard about it before. It made me extremely proud. I want the patch that was on the uniform for war librarians. It's described as "an open book with ALA stitched into its pages".
I can't wait to discuss this book but it doesn't publish for like 9 more months.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I can't wait to discuss this book but it doesn't publish for like 9 more months.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 16, 2022
What an engaging story! I thoroughly enjoyed Addison Armstrong's debut, The Light of Luna Park, and her sophomore novel did not disappoint, either. I was introduced to two areas of history I've never heard much of anything about before: war librarians during World War I and women in the first coed class at the Naval Academy. Armstrong tackles tough, dark subjects head-on and handles them with grace, honesty, and truth, prompting the same openness from the reader as we go through these experiences alongside her characters. The attention to research was remarkable and brought the story to life, as did beautiful themes of sisterhood, the unique way women form unshakable bonds unmatched by anything else, and of books and words, of their ability to inspire and effect change. That message and those themes, more than anything else, are what will stay with me from this lovely work of historical fiction. Absolutely recommend!
February 12, 2022
I started this fast paced historical fiction while in the midst of a reading slump (which is why it took me as long as it did). It started off a little slow, but as the stories progressed I was hooked!
This story is dual timeline takes place in both 1918 in France during WW1 and in 1976 at the Naval Academy with a woman who is apart of the first class to allow women into the academy.
There is some heart-wrenching stuff in here: war, assault, sexism, and racism. I wanted to cry at some points.
There’s also love and interesting plot twists/surprises throughout. There are characters you really want to root for and ones you can’t stand.
Please add this book to your TBR for its release in August. I received this as an E-arc through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
Content warnings: death, brutal war, assault, one sexual encounter but not described in depth, some mild language but not overwhelming
This story is dual timeline takes place in both 1918 in France during WW1 and in 1976 at the Naval Academy with a woman who is apart of the first class to allow women into the academy.
There is some heart-wrenching stuff in here: war, assault, sexism, and racism. I wanted to cry at some points.
There’s also love and interesting plot twists/surprises throughout. There are characters you really want to root for and ones you can’t stand.
Please add this book to your TBR for its release in August. I received this as an E-arc through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
Content warnings: death, brutal war, assault, one sexual encounter but not described in depth, some mild language but not overwhelming
January 14, 2022
I ABSOLUTELY DEVOURED THIS BOOK. It's SO good and I can't believe that people have to wait until August to read it (Thanks, NetGalley and Putnam for not making me wait). Armstrong does an unbelievable job of weaving two separate timelines together, and telling the stories in a way that is compelling. I feel like I've read a lot of split timeline books recently, and this is one of the better ones.
Emmaline and Kathleen are such fun and powerful protagonists, and you root for them throughout the book. I feel that WW2 historical fiction is a bit overdone, so I was happy to dive back to WW1 for Emmaline's story - it felt new and interesting, and taught me something I didn't know.
Highly recommend, lovely read.
Emmaline and Kathleen are such fun and powerful protagonists, and you root for them throughout the book. I feel that WW2 historical fiction is a bit overdone, so I was happy to dive back to WW1 for Emmaline's story - it felt new and interesting, and taught me something I didn't know.
Highly recommend, lovely read.
December 28, 2021
I loved this one! I was intrigued from the prologue. The two timelines worked really well together, I liked how they reflected one another although vastly different.
I’ve read many historical fictions from both World Wars and this one definitely stands out as a favorite.
I’ve read many historical fictions from both World Wars and this one definitely stands out as a favorite.
December 18, 2021
Probably the best historical fiction I’ve read in ages. Loved the duality of time and narrative, such a quick but deliciously good read!
October 1, 2022
1918. Emmaline Balakin leeft meer in haar boeken dan in haar eigen leven. Maar wanneer ze bij het Dead Letter Office een envelop geadresseerd aan iemand uit haar verleden in handen krijgt, besluit ze op avontuur te gaan als bibliothecaresse aan het front.
1976. Kathleen Carre wil graag bewijzen dat ze verdient aangenomen te worden aan de United States Naval Academy. Maar niet iedereen wil vrouwelijke cadetten aan de Academy. Om zichzelf te beschermen zal ze moeten leren anderen te vertrouwen, zelfs als ze een geheim ontdekt dat haar ondergang zou kunnen betekenen.
Zoals hierboven al aangegeven wordt, draait het om twee verschillende vrouwen. Je wisselt steeds af tussen 1918 en 1976. Het is duidelijk dat deze vrouwen allebei een enorme strijdlust hebben en onafhankelijk zijn. Ze moeten zien te 'overleven' in een harde mannenwereld, want al gauw blijkt dat je (in die tijd) als vrouw daar niet goed tussen past. Kathleen wordt zelfs enorm gepest en de gebeurtenissen zijn echt schokkend en extreem. Ook is er sprake van racisme in dit boek.
Deze twee verhaallijnen komen uiteindelijk bij elkaar en het einde is best verrassend. Ondanks dat het boek een goed beeld geeft van deze twee periodes, was ik niet helemaal betrokken bij de personages. Ik weet niet precies waardoor dit kwam, maar ik leefde niet helemaal mee. Misschien dat het komt omdat ik andere oorlogsverhalen heb gelezen die meer indruk op mij hebben gemaakt. Het verhaal geeft wel duidelijk weer hoe mannen over vrouwen dachten en dat is zeker goed op papier gezet. Het verhaal is dan ook zeker realistisch.
Ondanks dat het mij niet helemaal raakte, is het zeker wel een mooi boek om eens gelezen te hebben.
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐
1976. Kathleen Carre wil graag bewijzen dat ze verdient aangenomen te worden aan de United States Naval Academy. Maar niet iedereen wil vrouwelijke cadetten aan de Academy. Om zichzelf te beschermen zal ze moeten leren anderen te vertrouwen, zelfs als ze een geheim ontdekt dat haar ondergang zou kunnen betekenen.
Zoals hierboven al aangegeven wordt, draait het om twee verschillende vrouwen. Je wisselt steeds af tussen 1918 en 1976. Het is duidelijk dat deze vrouwen allebei een enorme strijdlust hebben en onafhankelijk zijn. Ze moeten zien te 'overleven' in een harde mannenwereld, want al gauw blijkt dat je (in die tijd) als vrouw daar niet goed tussen past. Kathleen wordt zelfs enorm gepest en de gebeurtenissen zijn echt schokkend en extreem. Ook is er sprake van racisme in dit boek.
Deze twee verhaallijnen komen uiteindelijk bij elkaar en het einde is best verrassend. Ondanks dat het boek een goed beeld geeft van deze twee periodes, was ik niet helemaal betrokken bij de personages. Ik weet niet precies waardoor dit kwam, maar ik leefde niet helemaal mee. Misschien dat het komt omdat ik andere oorlogsverhalen heb gelezen die meer indruk op mij hebben gemaakt. Het verhaal geeft wel duidelijk weer hoe mannen over vrouwen dachten en dat is zeker goed op papier gezet. Het verhaal is dan ook zeker realistisch.
Ondanks dat het mij niet helemaal raakte, is het zeker wel een mooi boek om eens gelezen te hebben.
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐
August 9, 2022
The War Librarian is a compelling historical fiction novel. The story is told from two points of view; Emmaline, whose story is set in 1918, and Kathleen, whose story takes place in 1976. Emmaline is a timid young woman who goes to France during WWI to provide comfort to wounded soldiers through books, and Kathleen is appointed to the Naval Academy the first year it is open to women. Both women face unexpected challenges as they encounter racism and misogyny, and must dig deep to find strength and courage to forge ahead. The author has done a wonderful job in bringing the characters, their stories, and their timelines to life.
August 3, 2022
The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong is a dual timeline historical novel featuring courageous women. We get to meet Emmaline Balakin who went from working in the Dead Letter Office to a librarian in an army camp in France in 1918. Kathleen Carre is admitted as one of the first women into the United States Naval Academy in 1976. Each woman will face obstacles as they enter areas dominated and run by men. I thought the author beautifully wove the two storylines together. The book contains good writing with realistic characters. I enjoyed getting to know Emmaline, Kathleen, and Nellie (Emmaline’s friend in France). We get to see what life was like for them. It was especially difficult for Kathleen who was not wanted by the male cadets or the people who ran the school. Prejudice, banned books (censorship), secrets, lost love, courage, and bullying are the themes in The War Librarian. It was interesting learning about the Library War Service who was responsible for getting books to servicemen training in camps and those overseas. At first blush, it would seem that the two storylines would be worlds apart. As the story progresses, we get to see the similarity. The twist was something I saw coming, but I enjoyed seeing how it played out. I do want to let readers know there is bullying, mild foul language, and an intimate situation. If you are someone who has been bullied, you might find it hard to read one of the scenes. I was shocked at what the female recruits were subjected to at the academy. That they were expected to carry a purse and wear three-inch heels was idiotic. I understand they are training soldiers, but I do not know how recruits put up with the demanding routine, the yelling, and all the rules (some of them are ridiculous). The War Librarian is an emotional story with a special ending. The War Librarian is a captivating tale that historical fiction lovers will enjoy.
February 27, 2022
"Two women. One secret. A truth worth fighting for." Told in the alternating voices of Emmaline Balakan and Kathleen Carre, I was immediately drawn into their lives during World War 1 and 1976. Each woman is fighting a battle to make a difference in a man's world and to find relevancy for themselves. Emmaline Balakan, modeled after a real-life war librarian, Mary Frances Isom, travels to France to bring and distribute books to injured soldiers in army hospitals. Emmaline is shocked to see the living conditions and segregation at the hospitals and the fact that the government restricts certain materials from being read.
Kathleen Carre, against her grandmother’s wishes enrolls as one of the first women at the Naval Academy. The men make it quite clear that the women are not welcome and even go so far as to manufacture and lie about Kathleen's actions to get her kicked out.
Both women face discrimination, less than ideal living conditions, isolation, etc. and accusations of sedition. Their stories are connected by a secret from Kathleen's Grandmother's past.
It's frustrating that in the year 2022 many of the same issues are discussed and fought -- discrimination, censorship, hazing, etc. While the issues of book banning and censorship are different in the military during war time, who has access to books and book burning is still relevant today. Even though I have a Master of Library and Information Science, I have never heard of war librarians or the ALA's efforts in supplying books to soldiers. This historical fiction book has new insights and information to offer, Armstrong does an excellent job of weaving their stories together. Librarian books are in vogue right now and this will make an excellent book club choice. I highly recommend it.
Kathleen Carre, against her grandmother’s wishes enrolls as one of the first women at the Naval Academy. The men make it quite clear that the women are not welcome and even go so far as to manufacture and lie about Kathleen's actions to get her kicked out.
Both women face discrimination, less than ideal living conditions, isolation, etc. and accusations of sedition. Their stories are connected by a secret from Kathleen's Grandmother's past.
It's frustrating that in the year 2022 many of the same issues are discussed and fought -- discrimination, censorship, hazing, etc. While the issues of book banning and censorship are different in the military during war time, who has access to books and book burning is still relevant today. Even though I have a Master of Library and Information Science, I have never heard of war librarians or the ALA's efforts in supplying books to soldiers. This historical fiction book has new insights and information to offer, Armstrong does an excellent job of weaving their stories together. Librarian books are in vogue right now and this will make an excellent book club choice. I highly recommend it.
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