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The Boat Girls
Perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Donna Douglas, a saga full of the romance and drama of World War II from bestselling author Margaret Mayhew.READERS ARE LOVING THE BOAT GIRLS! "I started reading this book last night and I absolutely devoured it, to the point I didn't go to bed until 6am. I could not put it down. It was so unbelievably good." - 5 STARS"Once I started it, [I] couldn't put it down" - 5 STARS"Ended up reading this twice as it was so amazing..."-5 STARS"Excellent story of the 3 girls and the boaters during the war, makes you feel you are there with them. Highly recommend this book." - 5 STARS"Omg this book was everything and more than I expected. My ideal book as I love family saga books. Three girls all from different backgrounds all join forces to work together. Highs and lows of everyday life. Loved, loved, loved it..." - 5 STARS************************************************1943: THREE GIRLS GO THE EXTRA MILE TO DO THEIR BIT FOR THE WAR EFFORT. Frances - her life of seeming privilege has been a lonely one. Brave and strong, stifled by her traditional upbringing, she falls for a most unsuitable man.Prudence - timid and conventional, her horizons have never strayed beyond her job as a bank clerk in Croydon until the war brings her new experiences.Rosalind - a beautiful, flame-haired actress who catches the eye of Frances's stuffy elder brother, the heir to an ancestral mansion.The three become friends when they join the band of women working the canal boats, delivering goods and doing a man's job while the men are away fighting. A tough, unglamorous task - but one which brings them all unexpected rewards.
434 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2007
354 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Mayhew
31 books118 followersMargaret Mayhew was born in London and her earliest childhood memories were of the London Blitz. She began writing in her mid-thirties and had her first novel published in 1976. She is married to American aviation author, Philip Kaplan, and lives in Gloucestershire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 25, 2020
The Boat Girls by Margaret Mayhew is historical fiction based on the real life Boat Girls who worked the canals in England during WWII.
Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book, especially those, like myself, who had not heard of The Boat Girls.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers and Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book, especially those, like myself, who had not heard of The Boat Girls.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers and Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
August 17, 2020
I picked this up as I had enjoyed Milly Adams' Waterway Girls. In many ways they are very similar - this one was written ten years before the Milly Adams trilogy - but then they are based on the same history. The girls did work with a more experienced female trainer and di then work in sets of three, and threw quite disparate girls together so it is no wonder both The Boat Girls and The Waterway Girls have a similar structure.
But in some ways this older book is more realistic, I think, with less romance and drama, and more of the everyday sheer hard drudge, and suspicion, the girls on the narrow boats lived with.
I do think anyone who liked one, be it this one or the more recent Milly Adams' trilogy, will like the other.
But in some ways this older book is more realistic, I think, with less romance and drama, and more of the everyday sheer hard drudge, and suspicion, the girls on the narrow boats lived with.
I do think anyone who liked one, be it this one or the more recent Milly Adams' trilogy, will like the other.
June 12, 2020
I gues s I read this book too close to a similar book. So I started comparing them. not a good idea to compare books. What I liked about this book it was a part of the ww2 i knew nothing about. I liked the Main characters. They were strong women . What I did not like Too much technical terms and the language or dialect was a little bit hard to understand. But Glad I read this book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
November 12, 2021
For me, the best historical fiction is the kind where I can enjoy a good story and learn something new at the same time. In 1940’s England, women were enlisted to crew the barges called narrowboats through the canals that threaded the country. The transport of coal and other goods was essential to the war effort, and just like America’s “Rosie the Riveter,” women stepped up when called.
In Margaret Mayhew’s The Boat Girls I not only learned about the operation of a narrowboat and the locks and canals they had to learn to navigate, but about the culture of canal life, reminiscent of the Roma, and how this world had thrived out of sight of the mainstream English for years. Mayhew created three very different boat girls and did an excellent job of exploring the conflicts they faced as they attempted to reconcile old life to new and back to old again, but one can easily imagine that each of them is forever changed – stronger physically and mentally, more confident in their ability to meet any challenge, and eager to challenge themselves again.
In Margaret Mayhew’s The Boat Girls I not only learned about the operation of a narrowboat and the locks and canals they had to learn to navigate, but about the culture of canal life, reminiscent of the Roma, and how this world had thrived out of sight of the mainstream English for years. Mayhew created three very different boat girls and did an excellent job of exploring the conflicts they faced as they attempted to reconcile old life to new and back to old again, but one can easily imagine that each of them is forever changed – stronger physically and mentally, more confident in their ability to meet any challenge, and eager to challenge themselves again.
February 2, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. Very well written and hard to put down. Recommended.
June 15, 2020
I love reading books of the strong women and girls who took on mens jobs during ww2 this book has the story of three girls working the canal boats a fabulous book 5*
August 26, 2020
Three girls from totally different backgrounds were thrown together when they volunteered to work the canals in WW2 . I had no idea that this was part of the war work for women. They worked and lived on narrowboats transporting vital supplies up and down the canals. It was hard work, living in cramped conditions in the freezing winters they were sometimes stuck for days when the canals froze solid. There is an element of romance and heartache that adds to the story as a whole.
February 3, 2023
Heartwarming, insightful and enjoyable!
I am incredibly fussy when it comes to the saga’s now, I’m not sure where my fussiness with their genre came from I suppose reading tastes change don’t they? Yet this one appealed to me, I hadn’t heard of the work women did on the canals during the war before reading this I think that is one of the reasons why this appealed to me as much as it did it steps away from the well-trodden path of the genre and highlights part of history which is relatively unknown.
The Boat Girls follows three very different young women as they walk out of their comfort zones and do their part for the war effort. Each woman is as different from the next and yet they come together, they toil, work hard and forge lifelong friendships and new perspectives they would never have had before the war.
Frances comes from an upper-crust family, but despite living in a huge mansion house and on the outside she is nothing but a spoiled little rich girl she is the complete opposite. Since her mother died she has stepped into her mother’s shoes and has become a sole carer for her father, maid, cook, and housekeeper.
She does love her father dearly, but the strain of caring for him and the mundane daily life is now taking its toll on her, she wants something else to occupy her and prove not just to her suffocating brother but to herself that she can do something other than the good little girl at home.
I really connected with Frances, there is so much of her story that not only appealed to me but also had me nodding in complete agreement. Being a carer, I completely understand all of her frustrations and the need to do something for yourself.
Prudence is a shy and timid little thing, working day in and day out in a mundane job at the bank alongside her father she is buffeted about and her life is pre-planned out for her by her slightly controlling father. He means well, but he is wrapping Prue up in cotton wool and trying to mould her into something she isn’t.
She wants more than what she has so when the war erupts and women are doing their part this is the perfect opportunity for Prue to finally step out of her parent’s coddling embrace.
I really love Prue, she is a shy and mouselike creature, but her character developed hugely once she was out of the control of her manipulative father. She is the one that surprised me the most out of the three women and I loved her ending, it was very fitting for her.
Finally, Rosalind, an actress who knows what she wants in life, is a flamed-haired siren full of exuberance and confidence and has one goal in life; to have her name in the lights and be the best theatre actress she can be.
She has been treading the boards since she was a little girl but over the years she has been overlooked for the bigger roles. Ros isn’t liked the other two girls, she is no wilting wallflower, but she has guts and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, she has done things she isn’t proud of and is completely unapologetic for who she is (you go girl) yet there is so much kindness within her, she genuinely cares but she is also tired of what she has to do to get a break. Which is one of the reasons she chose to join the boats!
Ros is easily my favourite of the three, she is full of laughter and high jinx, and she stirs up trouble and controversy wherever she goes. I love how she takes Prue under her wing and really looks after the shy young woman, I wasn’t at first keen on the budding relationship between her and Frances’s brother, it felt as though they were being pushed together slightly by the author. Her ending was satisfying, did I warm to romance which was obviously coming? I’m still not sure, but somehow it worked!
I loved getting to know each of the women and how they developed throughout the book. They discovered themselves and proved if needed that they don’t just have to be how others see them and they are strong independent determined women.
I took each of the women to heart; Frances is caring and resilient, Prudence is shy but more than willing to throw herself into any task and Rosalind is hugely confident and kind, especially to Prue who she took under her wing.
They worked well as a team and their friendship is real and relatable, they encouraged and helped one other. I was a little saddened that they didn’t all come together in the end, but each went their own way and re-settled into their lives again.
I was a little disappointed by the ending, a final couple of chapters felt rushed, I was hoping for a different outcome, especially for one particular woman (I won’t say to who as it would spoil it) her ending was disappointing and didn’t work for me. I am a romantic at heart I was drawn to a more fairytale-esque ending of sailing off with her rugged Gypsy, but they were both realists so we had a different ending completely to what I would have preferred.
Apart from that, I really loved this book. I like that it shares the relatively untold stories of women who jumped aboard and did their bit for the war effort. They had to face a lot of scrutiny and snobbishness not only from people in their own lives but also from the boating community who never quite accepted the women.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about what the women had to go through the simple tasks such as learning the locks, how to load and even steering the long boats and the consequences of running aground then there are the canal/boat communities’ unwritten rules even the simplest thing of who can tie up where and who should go out first in the morning, I found it fascinating!
The Boat Girls is an interesting and engaging historical fiction, with likeable and relatable characters, an insightful plot and inspiring real history all of which make for a wonderful read.
Definitely, a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction/sagas!
I am incredibly fussy when it comes to the saga’s now, I’m not sure where my fussiness with their genre came from I suppose reading tastes change don’t they? Yet this one appealed to me, I hadn’t heard of the work women did on the canals during the war before reading this I think that is one of the reasons why this appealed to me as much as it did it steps away from the well-trodden path of the genre and highlights part of history which is relatively unknown.
The Boat Girls follows three very different young women as they walk out of their comfort zones and do their part for the war effort. Each woman is as different from the next and yet they come together, they toil, work hard and forge lifelong friendships and new perspectives they would never have had before the war.
Frances comes from an upper-crust family, but despite living in a huge mansion house and on the outside she is nothing but a spoiled little rich girl she is the complete opposite. Since her mother died she has stepped into her mother’s shoes and has become a sole carer for her father, maid, cook, and housekeeper.
She does love her father dearly, but the strain of caring for him and the mundane daily life is now taking its toll on her, she wants something else to occupy her and prove not just to her suffocating brother but to herself that she can do something other than the good little girl at home.
I really connected with Frances, there is so much of her story that not only appealed to me but also had me nodding in complete agreement. Being a carer, I completely understand all of her frustrations and the need to do something for yourself.
Prudence is a shy and timid little thing, working day in and day out in a mundane job at the bank alongside her father she is buffeted about and her life is pre-planned out for her by her slightly controlling father. He means well, but he is wrapping Prue up in cotton wool and trying to mould her into something she isn’t.
She wants more than what she has so when the war erupts and women are doing their part this is the perfect opportunity for Prue to finally step out of her parent’s coddling embrace.
I really love Prue, she is a shy and mouselike creature, but her character developed hugely once she was out of the control of her manipulative father. She is the one that surprised me the most out of the three women and I loved her ending, it was very fitting for her.
Finally, Rosalind, an actress who knows what she wants in life, is a flamed-haired siren full of exuberance and confidence and has one goal in life; to have her name in the lights and be the best theatre actress she can be.
She has been treading the boards since she was a little girl but over the years she has been overlooked for the bigger roles. Ros isn’t liked the other two girls, she is no wilting wallflower, but she has guts and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, she has done things she isn’t proud of and is completely unapologetic for who she is (you go girl) yet there is so much kindness within her, she genuinely cares but she is also tired of what she has to do to get a break. Which is one of the reasons she chose to join the boats!
Ros is easily my favourite of the three, she is full of laughter and high jinx, and she stirs up trouble and controversy wherever she goes. I love how she takes Prue under her wing and really looks after the shy young woman, I wasn’t at first keen on the budding relationship between her and Frances’s brother, it felt as though they were being pushed together slightly by the author. Her ending was satisfying, did I warm to romance which was obviously coming? I’m still not sure, but somehow it worked!
I loved getting to know each of the women and how they developed throughout the book. They discovered themselves and proved if needed that they don’t just have to be how others see them and they are strong independent determined women.
I took each of the women to heart; Frances is caring and resilient, Prudence is shy but more than willing to throw herself into any task and Rosalind is hugely confident and kind, especially to Prue who she took under her wing.
They worked well as a team and their friendship is real and relatable, they encouraged and helped one other. I was a little saddened that they didn’t all come together in the end, but each went their own way and re-settled into their lives again.
I was a little disappointed by the ending, a final couple of chapters felt rushed, I was hoping for a different outcome, especially for one particular woman (I won’t say to who as it would spoil it) her ending was disappointing and didn’t work for me. I am a romantic at heart I was drawn to a more fairytale-esque ending of sailing off with her rugged Gypsy, but they were both realists so we had a different ending completely to what I would have preferred.
Apart from that, I really loved this book. I like that it shares the relatively untold stories of women who jumped aboard and did their bit for the war effort. They had to face a lot of scrutiny and snobbishness not only from people in their own lives but also from the boating community who never quite accepted the women.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about what the women had to go through the simple tasks such as learning the locks, how to load and even steering the long boats and the consequences of running aground then there are the canal/boat communities’ unwritten rules even the simplest thing of who can tie up where and who should go out first in the morning, I found it fascinating!
The Boat Girls is an interesting and engaging historical fiction, with likeable and relatable characters, an insightful plot and inspiring real history all of which make for a wonderful read.
Definitely, a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction/sagas!
July 5, 2020
Set during WWII, this story of the friendship and lives of three women was very enveloping. Enjoyed how the writing style pulled me in as if I were stepping back in time.
July 2, 2020
The Boat Girls by Margaret Mayhew
The book was centered on the Inland Waterways better known as the canals. These canals during the war were appropriated primarily to transport goods for the war supply effort. I learned a lot from this book because the author was so detailed with the information on the locks and what transpired for those who worked on them.
However, I have to say that I was confused about some of the dynamics of the interpersonal relationships of the couples.
The Boat Girls were recruited by the government because so many men were drafted to other positions and hauling supplies up the canal was not considered to be the best use of soldiers assets.
There were regular boat people who either had not been drafted for whatever reason and remained working the canals because “ boats are their homes, born in them, live & die in them.” Some raise 12 kids in these tiny canal boats!”
The author centers on three young women who volunteer to train for service during the wartime! They are trained by Philippa Rowan “Pip” who has been doing the canals for a long time and boats in general for a long time.
Francis Carlyon comes from a society family that has fallen on hard times. Her father came back from WWI with PTSD, but her mother still married him and tried to help him overcome the mental health issues. The mother died at a young age and the father turned to working with Orchids and lost touch with reality. The son,Vere pretty much took over raising his little sister Francis which as she got older she resented his trying to control her. Vere was very rigid and came across bossy. He was a fighter pilot and with the undercover operations for the RAF.
Francis had an Aunt Gertrude who moved in when the war became more intense who was enamored with the Roaring 20’s and she dresses according to the period and everything. She encouraged her to join the Boat Girls crew.
Prudence Dobbs was a ledger teller at a local bank with her father who was a chief clerk. She was an only child and felt stifled not only at home, but at work as well. She just knew she could not stay at this bank the rest of her life and end up with someone within the bank or even someone who was just as regimented as her parents were! She also had an Aunt that helped to convince her parents to allow Prudence to join the Boat Girls.
The final girl to join the Boat girls is Rosalind Flynn a actress. She is a daughter of nomadic parents who followed the theatrical scene since she was a little girl. Her childhood was extremely difficult because she practically raised herself and her parents. She was used by her parents and by her costars in the stage productions not only in sexual relationships, but also as a slave to do the odd jobs around the theatre. She also knew that she needed to have a fresh start.
Francis falls in love with a canal guy, Jack, his brother Freddy, and Grandmother live on one of the canal boats and have done so for generations. Hugh a friend of Francis brother is in love with Francis.
Prudence falls in love with a military soldier from Canada.
Rosalind falls in love with Francis brother Vere.
The book is actually quite good, but it is confusing because it only lightly touches on the relationship between the couples. It’s almost as if you are figuring it out between the lines and imagining what you think happened or should happen. The author concentrated more on what goes on the canal and with the boaters. I personally found it all quite informative and it made me actually go and seek out more information about the canals and whether they are still operational today. They are still being used in certain circumstances as holiday cruises. I hope that others will give this book a chance, but the relationship dynamics should have been expounded upon and the book would have had a more rounded plot.
I received a copy from netgally and I have given my words and opinions willingly.
The book was centered on the Inland Waterways better known as the canals. These canals during the war were appropriated primarily to transport goods for the war supply effort. I learned a lot from this book because the author was so detailed with the information on the locks and what transpired for those who worked on them.
However, I have to say that I was confused about some of the dynamics of the interpersonal relationships of the couples.
The Boat Girls were recruited by the government because so many men were drafted to other positions and hauling supplies up the canal was not considered to be the best use of soldiers assets.
There were regular boat people who either had not been drafted for whatever reason and remained working the canals because “ boats are their homes, born in them, live & die in them.” Some raise 12 kids in these tiny canal boats!”
The author centers on three young women who volunteer to train for service during the wartime! They are trained by Philippa Rowan “Pip” who has been doing the canals for a long time and boats in general for a long time.
Francis Carlyon comes from a society family that has fallen on hard times. Her father came back from WWI with PTSD, but her mother still married him and tried to help him overcome the mental health issues. The mother died at a young age and the father turned to working with Orchids and lost touch with reality. The son,Vere pretty much took over raising his little sister Francis which as she got older she resented his trying to control her. Vere was very rigid and came across bossy. He was a fighter pilot and with the undercover operations for the RAF.
Francis had an Aunt Gertrude who moved in when the war became more intense who was enamored with the Roaring 20’s and she dresses according to the period and everything. She encouraged her to join the Boat Girls crew.
Prudence Dobbs was a ledger teller at a local bank with her father who was a chief clerk. She was an only child and felt stifled not only at home, but at work as well. She just knew she could not stay at this bank the rest of her life and end up with someone within the bank or even someone who was just as regimented as her parents were! She also had an Aunt that helped to convince her parents to allow Prudence to join the Boat Girls.
The final girl to join the Boat girls is Rosalind Flynn a actress. She is a daughter of nomadic parents who followed the theatrical scene since she was a little girl. Her childhood was extremely difficult because she practically raised herself and her parents. She was used by her parents and by her costars in the stage productions not only in sexual relationships, but also as a slave to do the odd jobs around the theatre. She also knew that she needed to have a fresh start.
Francis falls in love with a canal guy, Jack, his brother Freddy, and Grandmother live on one of the canal boats and have done so for generations. Hugh a friend of Francis brother is in love with Francis.
Prudence falls in love with a military soldier from Canada.
Rosalind falls in love with Francis brother Vere.
The book is actually quite good, but it is confusing because it only lightly touches on the relationship between the couples. It’s almost as if you are figuring it out between the lines and imagining what you think happened or should happen. The author concentrated more on what goes on the canal and with the boaters. I personally found it all quite informative and it made me actually go and seek out more information about the canals and whether they are still operational today. They are still being used in certain circumstances as holiday cruises. I hope that others will give this book a chance, but the relationship dynamics should have been expounded upon and the book would have had a more rounded plot.
I received a copy from netgally and I have given my words and opinions willingly.
June 6, 2023
I love historical events like this.
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/what-is-the-...
https://numberoneboats.com/what-is-th...
https://theboatyacht.com/while-boatin...
https://numberoneboats.com/while-boat...
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/what-is-the-...
https://numberoneboats.com/what-is-th...
https://theboatyacht.com/while-boatin...
https://numberoneboats.com/while-boat...
July 3, 2020
This book tells of an oft-forgotten group of people doing essential war work – the women who delivered essential supplies on the canals and waterways of Britain, mostly transporting goods between the London docks with the industrial Midlands. Unlike the Land Girls, there were never huge numbers of waterways women, but those who did this work were invaluable. Somewhat unfortunately they were nicknamed the "Idle Women" because of the IW, Inland Waterways, insignia they wore, though everyone agreed that the nickname was intended to be ironic not insulting as they were far from idle doing incredibly physical work!
The story is set in 1943 and follows three very different young women who are thrown together by this work. Frances comes from a privileged background but is keen to do something different away from her slightly overpowering older brother who has rigid ideas about what women in her position should & shouldn’t do – she is encouraged by her well-connected Aunt; Rosalind is an actress who has had a colourful life - as well as being beautiful, she is feisty, streetwise & cunning; Prudence is a timid girl from a family aspiring to become true middle class – she works as a clerk at the bank that her father works at and is not only bored but desperate to escape from one of the lecherous men that work there who seems to have his mind set to marry her.
After minimal training, the three girls are issued with their own pair of boats (the motor & the motorless butty that is towed behind) and set off moving up to 50 tonnes of cargo at a time. It was not a glamorous world at all, with the cargo often dusty (cement, coal etc), the living conditions cramped, sanitation primitive & fresh water in very limited supply. They soon learn how to operate the locks, how to avoid getting grounded and how to clear the engine of the inevitable weeds. They operated in all weathers, unable to use torches or lamps after dark due to the blackout regulations & there is a poignant section when they get “frozen in” due to the severe freeze.
The story is not sensationalised or glamorised, it is gritty at times as it explores the practicalities and hardships of living on the water as well as how the young women were treated by the families who had lived on the water for many years. It was not a glamorous world at all, with the cargo often dusty (cement, coal etc), the living conditions cramped, sanitation primitive & fresh water in very limited supply.
We see a more human side of life too with true friendships made with some of the boat people, and of course there is an element of love as Frances falls for an unsuitable man, whilst an unsuitable man falls for Rosalind! As the war comes to an end the girls have to decide what they will do next – I did feel that the ending was a little weak & really needs a follow up book! The epilogue from “today” was an interesting touch – we have a youngish chap on a narrowboating holiday struggling with a lock before listening to the old lady who somehow knows what to do – when she tells him that she worked the canals during the war he has no idea that women did this sort of work.
Overall the book is well written, engaging and shows a great depth of research. I really appreciated the use of technical terms and “boat language” and the repetitive descriptions of some of the tasks add to the understanding of how repetitive the work was.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via Netgalley. Whilst I am grateful to the author & publisher for the gift, all opinions are my own. #TheBoatGirls #NetGalley
The story is set in 1943 and follows three very different young women who are thrown together by this work. Frances comes from a privileged background but is keen to do something different away from her slightly overpowering older brother who has rigid ideas about what women in her position should & shouldn’t do – she is encouraged by her well-connected Aunt; Rosalind is an actress who has had a colourful life - as well as being beautiful, she is feisty, streetwise & cunning; Prudence is a timid girl from a family aspiring to become true middle class – she works as a clerk at the bank that her father works at and is not only bored but desperate to escape from one of the lecherous men that work there who seems to have his mind set to marry her.
After minimal training, the three girls are issued with their own pair of boats (the motor & the motorless butty that is towed behind) and set off moving up to 50 tonnes of cargo at a time. It was not a glamorous world at all, with the cargo often dusty (cement, coal etc), the living conditions cramped, sanitation primitive & fresh water in very limited supply. They soon learn how to operate the locks, how to avoid getting grounded and how to clear the engine of the inevitable weeds. They operated in all weathers, unable to use torches or lamps after dark due to the blackout regulations & there is a poignant section when they get “frozen in” due to the severe freeze.
The story is not sensationalised or glamorised, it is gritty at times as it explores the practicalities and hardships of living on the water as well as how the young women were treated by the families who had lived on the water for many years. It was not a glamorous world at all, with the cargo often dusty (cement, coal etc), the living conditions cramped, sanitation primitive & fresh water in very limited supply.
We see a more human side of life too with true friendships made with some of the boat people, and of course there is an element of love as Frances falls for an unsuitable man, whilst an unsuitable man falls for Rosalind! As the war comes to an end the girls have to decide what they will do next – I did feel that the ending was a little weak & really needs a follow up book! The epilogue from “today” was an interesting touch – we have a youngish chap on a narrowboating holiday struggling with a lock before listening to the old lady who somehow knows what to do – when she tells him that she worked the canals during the war he has no idea that women did this sort of work.
Overall the book is well written, engaging and shows a great depth of research. I really appreciated the use of technical terms and “boat language” and the repetitive descriptions of some of the tasks add to the understanding of how repetitive the work was.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via Netgalley. Whilst I am grateful to the author & publisher for the gift, all opinions are my own. #TheBoatGirls #NetGalley
June 12, 2020
I'd heard of the WW2 Land Girls, WAAFs, WACs and of course Rosie the Riveter. The Boat Girls tells another unknown story of the girls (as young at 18) that took on the incredibly hard jobs of running the narrow boats hauling necessary war supply cargo in the canals linking London docks with the industrial midlands of England. This book tells the intertwining stories of 2 young women. They come from very different backgrounds. Rosamund is an actress, the child of two actors and she's always been around the theater and theater people. Frances is the daughter of an impoverished minor aristocratic family. She has an older brother that is a Wing Commander in the RAF and her father has never been the same since returning from WW1 a shell shocked husk of a man, he spends all his time cultivating orchids and has little time for his daughter. They live in a beautiful, but falling apart manor house. Prudence is an only child of parents aspiring to a better social standing, she grew up in the London suburb of Croydon, she works as a clerk at the bank that her father works at and is bored silly by the tedious repetitiveness of her work days. They all see an advertisement for volunteers to help in the war effort by being Boat Girls, replacing the water men that have left to serve in the armed forces.
They are given minimal training and quickly learn that what they thought would be fun and freeing experience is REALLY HARD WORK! They are traveling in long, narrow boats, one with a motor and one that's towed behind, loaded with heavy cargo in canals that were built 100-200 years ago. The hardest thing is opening and closing the lock gates to go up or down (like a staircase) to change elevation. The other big challenge are the River People, that have for generations lived and work running the boats. They are basically river gypsys and are very unfriendly toward these "Idle Women" (called that because of the IW, Inland Waterways, patch they wore). The three women develop a close friendship and learn to work together and overcome challenges and breakdowns while helping to get critical supplies to help the war effort. Their families don't offer much support, except Frances's, but her big brother thinks she should not be doing a mans job and find something more ladylike and less demanding.
As the war comes to an end the girls have to decide what they will do when they leave the boats and return to civilian life. They've all met interesting men and 2 of them become romantically attached, but the path of love has many obstacles and doesn't always end with a happy ending.
The sometimes repetitive descriptions of all the things that have to be done to navigate the boats and deal with the locks gets a bit boring, but at the same time reinforces the exhausting repetitive work to get the cargo from one place to another. The description of the depressing and ugly industrial areas, and the contrasting beauty of the countryside really help bring the story to life. The experiences of the girls mature them and give them a lot of self confidence. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys learning about unknown parts of the war experience and how the roles of women changed the perceptions of society.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
They are given minimal training and quickly learn that what they thought would be fun and freeing experience is REALLY HARD WORK! They are traveling in long, narrow boats, one with a motor and one that's towed behind, loaded with heavy cargo in canals that were built 100-200 years ago. The hardest thing is opening and closing the lock gates to go up or down (like a staircase) to change elevation. The other big challenge are the River People, that have for generations lived and work running the boats. They are basically river gypsys and are very unfriendly toward these "Idle Women" (called that because of the IW, Inland Waterways, patch they wore). The three women develop a close friendship and learn to work together and overcome challenges and breakdowns while helping to get critical supplies to help the war effort. Their families don't offer much support, except Frances's, but her big brother thinks she should not be doing a mans job and find something more ladylike and less demanding.
As the war comes to an end the girls have to decide what they will do when they leave the boats and return to civilian life. They've all met interesting men and 2 of them become romantically attached, but the path of love has many obstacles and doesn't always end with a happy ending.
The sometimes repetitive descriptions of all the things that have to be done to navigate the boats and deal with the locks gets a bit boring, but at the same time reinforces the exhausting repetitive work to get the cargo from one place to another. The description of the depressing and ugly industrial areas, and the contrasting beauty of the countryside really help bring the story to life. The experiences of the girls mature them and give them a lot of self confidence. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys learning about unknown parts of the war experience and how the roles of women changed the perceptions of society.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
July 2, 2020
I am not sure why The Boat Girls showed up in my recommended titles on NetGalley.com, other than the fact that I do have a penchant for reading World War II fiction. Margaret Mayhew was not on my radar of authors to read, but when I did sit down to read this book, I found it fascinating, so much so that I read it in one sitting. It's just that good.
The Boat Girls describes the life of the narrow boats on the canals in England, the difficulties of moving materials where they need to be, the hardships of life on the boats, and the desires of young women to be useful in the war effort. Frances, Prudence, and Rosalind are three unlikely compatriots on the Orpheus and Euripides canal boats, doing what they can to deliver goods where they need to go.
There is a little bit of romance included in the book, but it is not the overwhelming pull of the plot, and part of the romance that is included is not very satisfactory in that it doesn't detail the relationships' developments. However, that does not detract from the overall quality of the book. Margaret's research into the canal boats, or "narrow boats" as they are called in the book, is eye-opening for this American who knew nothing of this part of World War II history. I really enjoyed reading about the boaters lifestyle, and the lives of the boaters themselves, even though this was a work of fiction.
I wish I could give this more than five stars, but that is the maximum I am allowed. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a windlass for the locks up ahead.
Random House UK and NetGalley.com provided the galley I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Boat Girls describes the life of the narrow boats on the canals in England, the difficulties of moving materials where they need to be, the hardships of life on the boats, and the desires of young women to be useful in the war effort. Frances, Prudence, and Rosalind are three unlikely compatriots on the Orpheus and Euripides canal boats, doing what they can to deliver goods where they need to go.
There is a little bit of romance included in the book, but it is not the overwhelming pull of the plot, and part of the romance that is included is not very satisfactory in that it doesn't detail the relationships' developments. However, that does not detract from the overall quality of the book. Margaret's research into the canal boats, or "narrow boats" as they are called in the book, is eye-opening for this American who knew nothing of this part of World War II history. I really enjoyed reading about the boaters lifestyle, and the lives of the boaters themselves, even though this was a work of fiction.
I wish I could give this more than five stars, but that is the maximum I am allowed. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a windlass for the locks up ahead.
Random House UK and NetGalley.com provided the galley I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 30, 2019
I've always loved canals, even had a holiday on them, but there's a whole lot about their history that I knew little or nothing about. 'The Boat Girls' helped to rectify that a bit, with some fascinating insights into the past.
Superficially, it's a romantic story about three young women in wartime finding love along the canals, but that's just the framework to hang the real story on. The story of the women who learned to live and work on the narrowboats, helping to move vital supplies during WWII is in itself an eye-opener into a largely forgotten bit of the past. They faced some huge challenges - not just the immensely hard work and not a little male prejudice, but also having to adjust to an entire way of life.
And at it's heart, that's what this story is about - the boaters, the generations of men and women who lived and died on the narrowboats. An entire culture that existed alongside the mainstream: touching it, moving its cargo, but keeping very separate from it. A way of life that is long gone now, but which deserves to be remembered.
The writing itself gets off to a rather ponderous start (not unlike a narrowboat getting underway!) but settles into a steady pace and gives an engrossing vision of life along the 'cut' as it was in the war years. Somewhat predictable but nevertheless rather poignant conclusion - overall an interesting and enjoyable read.
Superficially, it's a romantic story about three young women in wartime finding love along the canals, but that's just the framework to hang the real story on. The story of the women who learned to live and work on the narrowboats, helping to move vital supplies during WWII is in itself an eye-opener into a largely forgotten bit of the past. They faced some huge challenges - not just the immensely hard work and not a little male prejudice, but also having to adjust to an entire way of life.
And at it's heart, that's what this story is about - the boaters, the generations of men and women who lived and died on the narrowboats. An entire culture that existed alongside the mainstream: touching it, moving its cargo, but keeping very separate from it. A way of life that is long gone now, but which deserves to be remembered.
The writing itself gets off to a rather ponderous start (not unlike a narrowboat getting underway!) but settles into a steady pace and gives an engrossing vision of life along the 'cut' as it was in the war years. Somewhat predictable but nevertheless rather poignant conclusion - overall an interesting and enjoyable read.
September 19, 2020
A story of three women who are all very different and are all thrown together to deliver essential supplies on the canals and waterways of Britain, mainly transporting good between the London Docks and the Midlands. This service for the was was not as well known as the Land Girls due to there only being small numbers of women who did the work, but this was as essential as being a Land Girl in the war.
Set in 1943 there is Frances, a woman who is from a privilefed background but determined to do something to escape her brother. Rosalind,an actress with as you could guess a totally different life than Frances. Prudence is a shy woman, a bank clerk and needs to escape boredom and a man!
We explore the practicalities and hardships of living on the water, as well as how these boat girls were treated by others who had been living on the water for years.The primitive sanitation, cramped living conditions and the actual cargo they moved all add up to a pretty gritty and as far removed as possible from every one of the girls lifes as humanely possible.
We are witness to the friendships made and the romances that play out. I was fully there, in the horrible conditions with these three girls and , omg, why did I not know about these poor women from this time! A truly interesting and enlightening read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random Things Tours for the copy of the book .
Set in 1943 there is Frances, a woman who is from a privilefed background but determined to do something to escape her brother. Rosalind,an actress with as you could guess a totally different life than Frances. Prudence is a shy woman, a bank clerk and needs to escape boredom and a man!
We explore the practicalities and hardships of living on the water, as well as how these boat girls were treated by others who had been living on the water for years.The primitive sanitation, cramped living conditions and the actual cargo they moved all add up to a pretty gritty and as far removed as possible from every one of the girls lifes as humanely possible.
We are witness to the friendships made and the romances that play out. I was fully there, in the horrible conditions with these three girls and , omg, why did I not know about these poor women from this time! A truly interesting and enlightening read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random Things Tours for the copy of the book .
September 21, 2020
Told from three young women's points of view The Boat Girls highlights the largely unsung contribution this female workforce made to the second world war effort. The three women are from diverse backgrounds in terms of social class and life experience. They form strong friendships as they train and work on the inland waterway ferrying essential supplies from the docks to the factories in the Midlands.
The characters are relatable and easy to empathise, their experiences are interesting as they try to gain acceptance from the traditional boating communities. There's friendship, laughter, poignancy and romance for the three women who mature and emerge independent and stronger than before.
There are some interesting historical details, in this character driven historical saga which add depth to an enjoyable story.
I received a copy of this book from Transworld Publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The characters are relatable and easy to empathise, their experiences are interesting as they try to gain acceptance from the traditional boating communities. There's friendship, laughter, poignancy and romance for the three women who mature and emerge independent and stronger than before.
There are some interesting historical details, in this character driven historical saga which add depth to an enjoyable story.
I received a copy of this book from Transworld Publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 20, 2020
New to me Author Margaret Mayhew did not disappoint in the novel " The Boat Girls"
once i started i could not stop reading!
It is based in 1943 and the story is based around 3 very different characters. Frances, Prudence and Rosalind.
Frances comes from a privileged background, Prudence is the timid one and Rosalind is beautiful and feisty .
The 3 girls become firm friends when they join the women who are working the canal boats while the men are away at war. it opened my eyes to the work that was done on the canals.
i had heard of the land girls, the waifs but not heard of the boat girls. Thoroughly enjoyable light read.
thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for a review
#TheBoatGirls
once i started i could not stop reading!
It is based in 1943 and the story is based around 3 very different characters. Frances, Prudence and Rosalind.
Frances comes from a privileged background, Prudence is the timid one and Rosalind is beautiful and feisty .
The 3 girls become firm friends when they join the women who are working the canal boats while the men are away at war. it opened my eyes to the work that was done on the canals.
i had heard of the land girls, the waifs but not heard of the boat girls. Thoroughly enjoyable light read.
thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for a review
#TheBoatGirls
August 31, 2021
This book would have been confusing to me had I not watched several BBC documentaries on narrowboats. But because of my background knowledge, I found The Boat Girls delightfully entertaining. Although a bit lightweight, nothing really bad happens to the girls, I enjoyed the descriptions of life aboard the primitive transport and found them true to the times. There were a few loose threads. A subplot or two that didn’t move the plot along. The ending was too quick. In fact, none of the characters got a satisfyingly descriptive resolution befitting a main character. That said, I did like not knowing who the old lady was at the end. Nice to think it could have been any of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2019
A well-constructed novel set on English narrowboats during WWII showcasing yet another innovative way women helped the war effort. Good research. Interesting parallelism with one character's dilemma reflected in a problem faced by another character. It was not in the scope of this story, but I wondered about what would happen to all the narrowboaters who were illiterate and born to their profession who would be so displaced by the economy and the society after WWII. Maybe another book to write (or maybe not since it would be a sad story)?
July 29, 2019
This tells the previously unknown (to me) story of the women who became narrowboat operators on the canals of England during the Second World War. It follows three trainees, Frances, Prue and Ros who learn the job with some difficulty and become adept at performing it, despite the opposition of "boaters" who have spent their lives on the narrowboats, and also familial opposition. A fascinating look at a part of life which most of us have never thought about - how the goods kept flowing despite the bombings and the loss of workmen during the war. Excellent.
June 11, 2020
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed this book. I will be reading more of her books.
While I knew that women took over so called men's job during WWII. I hadn’t realised they also handled the boats. It was really interesting to read about this periode and you could tell the author did a lot of research into the workings of the boats. I learned a lot while reading this book.
The characters were interesting. each of the girls had her reason to want to work as a boatgirl.
I recommend this book.
While I knew that women took over so called men's job during WWII. I hadn’t realised they also handled the boats. It was really interesting to read about this periode and you could tell the author did a lot of research into the workings of the boats. I learned a lot while reading this book.
The characters were interesting. each of the girls had her reason to want to work as a boatgirl.
I recommend this book.
June 23, 2021
Great historical novel!
This is a wonderful story I have read several books about young women who helped during World War 2, but this is the first time I had read about women running narrow boats. The diverse backgrounds of the three main characters who were assigned to the same boat , their resulting friendship, and following their adventures and love interests were enjoyable as the book progressed through the course of the war it was a well written and educational
This is a wonderful story I have read several books about young women who helped during World War 2, but this is the first time I had read about women running narrow boats. The diverse backgrounds of the three main characters who were assigned to the same boat , their resulting friendship, and following their adventures and love interests were enjoyable as the book progressed through the course of the war it was a well written and educational
August 30, 2020
The title and the cover attracted me.
I must confess, this is not my favourite book I would read usually. I have read one of the author’s book, Our Yanks. I enjoyed it so much that I carried the expectation into this book and I wasn’t satisfied.
Maybe somebody who enjoys a book full of women actively involved in helping the war will find this book worth the reading time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
I must confess, this is not my favourite book I would read usually. I have read one of the author’s book, Our Yanks. I enjoyed it so much that I carried the expectation into this book and I wasn’t satisfied.
Maybe somebody who enjoys a book full of women actively involved in helping the war will find this book worth the reading time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
August 30, 2020
The title and the cover attracted me.
I must confess, this is not my favourite book I would read usually. I have read one of the author’s book, Our Yanks. I enjoyed it so much that I carried the expectation into this book and I wasn’t satisfied.
Maybe somebody who enjoys a book full of women actively involved in helping the war will find this book worth the reading time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
I must confess, this is not my favourite book I would read usually. I have read one of the author’s book, Our Yanks. I enjoyed it so much that I carried the expectation into this book and I wasn’t satisfied.
Maybe somebody who enjoys a book full of women actively involved in helping the war will find this book worth the reading time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
August 17, 2021
I thououghly enjoyed reading this book! I liked the characters which were very believable & behaved like girls of that era would have. The description of the boats, the locks, the operation of the boats & the canal was very much as I pictured & was easy to understand& picture what was happening. I have read other books of this time period. The clean language& no blatant sex scenes would make it acceptable for older teens!
September 8, 2018
A bit of a ok read
Chose this book as I'm. Currently reading a series from another author on the same thing , it was a book that told the lives of 3 young women on the waterways canals during ww2 found it hard to follow at times and the ending was bad what did happen to Francis know about Ros and Prue but did Francis marry doesn't say and I wished it did
Chose this book as I'm. Currently reading a series from another author on the same thing , it was a book that told the lives of 3 young women on the waterways canals during ww2 found it hard to follow at times and the ending was bad what did happen to Francis know about Ros and Prue but did Francis marry doesn't say and I wished it did
June 7, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture and Margaret Mayhew for allowing me to read this Arc.
A beautiful story based during World War 2. It tells of the essential role played by women during the war, running the canal narrow boats carrying cargo.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I had never heard of this role women played.
Highly recommend.
A beautiful story based during World War 2. It tells of the essential role played by women during the war, running the canal narrow boats carrying cargo.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I had never heard of this role women played.
Highly recommend.
July 8, 2020
Fab book! I learnt so much about the women who volunteered to work on the canals during the war. I didnt realise canals were still so much in use at this time. So really interesting social history, all wrapped up in the story of three volunteers. WW2, bombing, rationing, hardship and a great story of female emancipation and the bonds created. Cant recommend this book more highly!
August 9, 2020
Excellent read.
As a narrowboater myself I found this book to be well researched, as well as well written. Engaging storyline and good characterisations. I am a little confused though because it is so similar to a trilogy on the same subject,. With similar characters but totally different ending.
As a narrowboater myself I found this book to be well researched, as well as well written. Engaging storyline and good characterisations. I am a little confused though because it is so similar to a trilogy on the same subject,. With similar characters but totally different ending.
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