Wapenzusjes

The War Nurses #1

by Lizzie Page, Marianne Locht-Kühler (Translator)

Wapenzusjes is het waargebeurde verhaal van de vriendschap van twee verpleegsters aan het front van de Eerste Wereldoorlog.

Terwijl de oorlog zijn tol eist, klampen de gewonde soldaten zich vast aan de liefde en zorg van twee moedige, jonge verpleegsters. Ondanks hun verschillen worden Mairi en Elsie de beste vriendinnen. Het werk dat ze doen is hartverscheurend en ze lopen voortdurend gevaar. Als de oorlog voortduurt, komt hun vriendschap steeds meer onder druk te staan. Een indrukwekkend en ontroerend oorlogsverhaal dat je niet loslaat – gebaseerd op een wonderlijke, waargebeurde geschiedenis.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War I, Fiction, War

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2019

About the author

Hello and thank you for stopping by.

I love reading ALL the books, and I've always loved reading the adventures of women in the past so it seemed natural to me to write historical fiction.

I live with my family by the sea in South East England. And with my dog. How did I forget my dog? I enjoy traveling and lived in Japan for several years. I've had lots of different jobs from waitressing and teaching to admin and bingo-calling - but being a writer is my absolute favourite.

I hope my novels help shine a light on the achievements, love and relationships of twentieth-century women, and that the books are entertaining and moving.

I'd love to hear what you think - feel free to send me a message on twitter @LizziePagewrite or on FB or leave a review here.

Happy reading,

Love Lizzie xx

Reviews

[Nicola Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn to this book when I first heard about it. The title alone sounded right up my street and then, when I read the blurb, I was sold! I have to say that, whilst I love the cover, that starched, perfectly white uniform does not fit with what I read in the story at all.

The story is one of sacrifice, muck, hunger, death and war. It's the story of two incredible and brave women, Elsie Knocker and Mairi Chisholm. They were recruited to the Flying Ambulance Corps during World War One and sent to Belgium to help with the nursing of injured and dying men. But they felt that being in a hospital an hour away from the action wasn't helping survival rates so set up in a cellar much closer to the action. The incredible thing about this story is that these women really existed and really made these amazing decisions and helped so many men in the process.

I wouldn't call it a typical saga. To me, that is a book that has triumph against the odds with a heartwarming ending. The War Nurses is much grittier and happy endings are not in abundance. I always think that authors are constrained when fictionalising real life events and I did see this a little here but Lizzie Page has done an amazing job at breathing life into two characters who ought to be better known for their fearless and heroic acts. I loved the fact that they were picked for the Flying Ambulance Corps because they were accomplished motorcyclists, trail-blazers even before the war took over.

Mairi is the narrator of the story and I felt for her throughout as she seemed to constantly be in the shadow of the gregarious Elsie. Two more different women couldn't have been thrown together and yet, for the most part, they worked together in harmony, dealing with some of the most horrendous things life could deal them. It's an incredible story and I was hooked by it from beginning to end. I'm really looking forward to Page's next book in the trilogy about amazing women who served on the Western Front. If it's as good as this one then I'm in for a treat.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of two brave and trailblazing nurses, working at the frontline in World War One. Told through the eyes of innocent, devout Mairi, this is a fictionalised memoir of her war work and her friendship with glamorous maverick, Elsie.

These characters aren’t female stereotypes – before the war they were motorcycle racers; during the war, they built muscle by pulling wounded men from the trenches. At times I had to suspend disbelief - only to later find that the unbelievable things were true.

Because Mairi and Elsie really did exist - and Page breathes life into their story.

This is not the romantic saga the (rather sanitised) cover suggests and in fact, romance seekers will be disappointed. Instead, it’s a compelling and entertaining story about women’s roles in wartime – history without lectures.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc.

https://mypertopinions.blogspot.co.uk/

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Based on a true story, two women work as nurses on the Front line during WWI. It’s very readable with interesting characters and an unexpected ending. Highly recommend for fans of The Alice Network and The Nightingale.

[Kelly Furniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The War Nurses is a fictional account based on two real life heroes Mairi and Elsie (Gypsy) serving on the front line during World War I at a time when women were not allowed to serve but an exception was made for the two nurses.
Mairi and Elsie were nicknamed by the press ' Madonnas of Pervyse' as they worked tirelessly around the clock helping the wounded and putting themselves at risk from shelling, fire & diseases.
As we learn more about the ladies they are interestingly cast as complete opposites, Mairi a religious 18yr old idealist and talented motorbike racer living with her parents and Elsie a atheist flirty single Mother. Thrown together they worked intuitively united in their efforts to help the wounded soldiers.
However would the secrets the ladies brought to the front with them jeopardise the strong bond they formed?.
I really enjoyed this story very much, the synopsis didn't do it justice!.
I liked how the author cleverly cast Elsie so she was quite a unreliable character and suspicion was injected along the way. And it was nice to see Mairi become more assertive and speak out.
I felt the author wrote with knowledge and sensitivity about the subject to really bring the story alive.
I certainly will be seeking out the next book in this series once its published to see how the trilogy progresses.
My thanks go to the author, publisher and Netgalley in providing the arc in return for a honest review.

[Angel Pickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review contains spoilers.

I read “The War Nurses” not knowing it was based on real people. Finding that out at the end was a pleasant surprise. The story begins slowly, although not in an all together unpleasant or tedious way. You learn a lot about Mairi and enough about Elsie to keep you interested. Mairi is a clear and reliable narrator in my opinion and you really see her grow up. I enjoyed the fact that she was a Christian and relied on her beliefs to help ensure the horrible things happening around her. It was an interesting contrast to pair Mairi’s faith with Elsie’s atheism. The scenes of WW1 although descriptive are not enough to turn one off enjoying the story but do educate the reader a bit on the atrocities that took place during the period. Overall, it was an interesting fictional narrative based on real people and I would recommend it to friends.

I thank my friends at Netgalley for the copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

[Denise]

Riveting historical fiction!

"Elsie Knocker -- 'Gypsy', motorcyclist nurse, dare-devil mother -- one of only two women on the Western Front and the best friend I ever had."

1914 -- Mairi Chisholm is 18 years old when she is recruited by Dr. Munro to accompany him to Belgium and join the war effort as part of a team he was setting up -- the Flying Ambulance Corps. Mairi was known for her mad motorcycle skills and Munro thought that despite the fact that Mairi was not trained as a nurse, that she could retrieve soldiers and give a hand. And so it begins. Soon Mairi meets Elsie Knocker, a free-spirited woman out of her time, and the two set up a cellar close to the Western Front. The war-time story highlights their activities in the care of the sick, wounded and dying men.

This is also a story of a friendship more like sisterhood. The two are opposites in many ways but form a bond through their courage, dedication and sacrifice. It was a sentimental and sweet saga though they went through horrors and fractious times. Definitely a departure from my usual reading genre, but I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in what is meant to be a trilogy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, heart warming story of friendship and love during the war. I absolutely loved this beautifully written book, and was so absorbed in the story that I did not want it to end. The characters are so well realised that I lived their love, heartbreak, sorrows and triumphs. This is a book to savour, brilliant writing, great characterisation and I took it slowly, not wanting this wonderful book to end. Many books claim to transport you- for me, this one certainly did. I was right there experiencing the war with the characters. An amazing debut and I absolutely cannot wait for the next instalment. A poignant, absolutely stunning tale, one of the best books set during the war that I have had the pleasure of reading - very highly recommended.

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Oh I do love a historical novel! If you're a history buff, you might recognise the names of the two main characters in this book, Mairi and Elsie. Or, as they also liked to be called, Mairi Chisholm and Elsie Knocker. Ring any bells?

I have to admit, whilst my knowledge of the Victoria era, Edward and Mrs Simpson (and others) is pretty decent, my knowledge of nurses who were on the frontline in the war, isn't exactly 100 percent. Offhand, I had no idea who these two ladies were but, after a little bit of googling whilst I lost myself in Lizzie Page's novel, I couldn't quite believe what I was reading. The two main characters in 'The War Nurses' are based on real life human beings. Yes, that's right. Mairi and Elsie actually existed! Whilst a lot of the story Lizzie Page has written is fictional, the dates, names and technical elements of the story are in fact factual. But, seeing as this author knows how to keep her readers guessing, if you're anything like me you'll be thinking that every single thing is fact and not fiction.

At first, there was something about Elsie I couldn't quite seem to understand. I couldn't put my finger on what that was, but something didn't quite make sense where she was concerned. I hoped that, as the story unfolded, Elsie would start to make a bit of sense, but, just like everything else, it wasn't a guarantee. I mean, how could it be? She was a nurse in the war time. Surely that's enough to make anyone feel detached?

I warmed to Mairi's personality straight away due to how naive and innocent she came across. I know that sounds daft but it's true. Because of that, I felt like a proud parent watching her come out of her shell as she did her duty as a nurse in the war. Any obstacle she came across, she got through it. Of course she didn't have any other option, that is for sure!

I was in my element reading 'The War Nurses', not only because of the theme of the book, but because of the way the author engaged her readers with her fabulous storytelling. Even if I wanted to (which I didn't, just saying), I couldn't put this book down. Reading about the raw details of war time events was quite emotional. People lost their lives to fight for their country. To fight for us. It certainly made me feel incredibly lucky and very humbled.

'The War Nurses' is a gritty, raw and touching novel which left me wanting more. I loved finding out about two iconic women and what they did for soldiers in battle. It was heart wrenching , I shan't lie, but it was also beautifully written and wonderfully thought out.

If you love your history, you would love 'The War Nurses'. This book severely got under my skin - I won't be serving its eviction notice anytime soon because 'The War Nurses' deserves its place there. Such a wonderful, wonderful book. Loved it.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5**** This was an interesting story, based on the true story or two ordinary women who did extraordinary things in a time and place that no one should have had to experience. The story was enjoyable, though the characters annoyed me at times, Mairi was terribly naive and though she grew somewhat throughout the nearly 4 years spent on the front, in many respects she remained as naive as at the beginning. I definitely recommend it if you are interested in reading about the history of the many brave people who supported the soldiers during the war. I was amazed how little people back in Britain knew about what was going on in the war and how they went along with life as if nothing was happening.
I will definitely be happy to read Lizzy's next book in this historical series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy in return for an honest review.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First World War is something that has always had a hold on me. When I read the blurb about this book I thought it was for me. It was only later I realised it was a true story and that gave it in even more impact.

Mairi Chisholm is a naive nineteen year old. She doesn't really fit in with the young ladies of her age- she'd rather be motorbike racing than at tea dances! It is her motorbike experience that causes her to go to France to be part of a medical team, ferrying injured soldiers to the makeshift hospital. Here she meets Elsie Knocker the glamorous single mother who has also come to help.

Before long Elsie & Mairi realise that they are losing many soldiers on the journey & they set up a trench infirmary in an abandoned house. From there they go out into the trenches to help where they can. It's a hard, exhausting life with no luxuries, but these two determined women battle on. So different in background, beliefs and outlook they are united in their efforts to make the lives of the men better.

I must admit at times I found Mairi's naive & 'holier than thou' views rather difficult to take. I warmed to Elsie a lot more. This was a well written tale of bravery and devotion. I look forward to the sequel.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very compelling read.

A brilliantly written and researched story of two women who were brought together during the atrocities of World War I.
They braved the front line in Belgium to save many lives, their treatment room, a cellar in a bombed out home.
This is a very emotional read, and I can't recommend highly enough.

[Nancy De Brucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Augustus 1914 – Dokter Munro komt naar het huis van de welgestelde familie Chisholms in Dorset. Het gesprek gaat over de recent uitgebroken oorlog maar iedereen is van mening dat het tegen Kerst wel voorbij zou zijn. Dokter Munro heeft een belangrijke vraag voor Mairi. Mairi is de dochter des huizes, achttien jaar oud en is een fervente motorrijdster. Munro had al veel over haar gehoord en haar liefde voor motoren en tevens over de vaardigheden waarover ze beschikt. Dat had hem heel nieuwsgierig gemaakt.

Hij vraagt aan Mairi of ze deel wil uitmaken van een vliegend ambulancekorps dat hij op poten gaat zetten en of ze mee wil reizen naar België om deel te nemen aan het oorlogswerk en daar haar steentje wil bijdragen. Ze moeten zeer snelle gemotoriseerde voertuigen hebben en soldaten in moeilijkheden gaan ophalen en misschien ter plekke hulp verlenen. Mairi ziet dit in eerste instantie niet goed zitten omdat ze geen verpleegster is maar Munro kan haar overtuigen dat ze het vanzelf wel zal leren. Het gaat immers alleen maar om het verbinden van wonden. Haar moeder is er faliekant tegen maar in haar vader vindt ze een bondgenoot.

Mairi vertrekt met het weinige dat ze kan meenemen en rijdt naar Harwich waar ze de rest van het team zal ontmoeten. Daar moet ze al een kamer delen met de flamboyante Elsie Knocker, ook een befaamd motorrijdster. Elsie is compleet Mairi’s tegenpool: ze is roekeloos, drinkt alsof het een lieve lust is en rookt. Mairi daarentegen is een heel schuchter, gelovig en naïef meisje.

“Jij en ik gaan het geweldig hebben samen, vanaf nu zijn we zusjes”

Als ze België binnenrijden vindt Mairi het heel spannend tot ze in Nazareth nodig zijn in een noodhospitaal; daar verstijft ze van de schrik van wat ze allemaal ziet. Ze rukken verder op naar Veurne waar ze tewerkgesteld worden in een militair hospitaal. Ze zaten ruim dertig kilometer van de frontlinie waar de Britse, Franse en Belgische soldaten vochten tegen de Duitsers.

“Ze was mijn rechterhand; en ik haar rechtervoet. We hoefden niets te zeggen om te weten wat de ander dacht”.

Door de schaarste aan benzine, verspillen ze veel benzine en tijd om altijd zo ver over en weer te rijden. In Pervijze, ten noorden van Ieper ontdekken Elsie en Mairi een huis waar ze de gewonden kunnen verzorgen. Op twaalf november 1914 nemen ‘de zussen’ hun intrek in het huis en voornamelijk in de kelder. Daar kunnen ze zich goed schuilhouden en de gewonden verzorgen. Ze geraken vlug op elkaar ingesteld en halen gewonden, stervende en doden op. Daar leren ze elkaars sterke en zwakke punten kennen en zien ze elkaars zwakheden door de vingers. Met de weinige middelen die ze hebben, verzorgen ze de soldaten en verzachten hun leed.

Eind januari 1915 wordt er een nieuwe wet van kracht dat er geen vrouwen meer toegestaan zijn aan het front op twee uitzonderingen na: Mrs. Elsie Knocker en Miss Mairi Chisholm. Hun huis, ‘Poste de Secoures’, is nu algemeen bekend onder de manschappen. Zelf worden ze ‘De Madonna’s van Pervijze’ genoemd en worden als heldinnen beschouwt!

Elsie’s woorden over Mairi: “Deze stille, bescheiden vrouw is toegewijd aan haar werk. Ze is kalm, moedig en is mijn ruggengraat, mijn geweten, de bewaarder van mijn geheimen, mijn moreel kompas en mijn zusje”!

Wapenzusjes is het eerste deel van trilogie van Lizzie Page. Het is een historische roman die gebaseerd is op Elsie Knocker en Mairi Chisholm. Deze twee vrouwen waren echte heldinnen in WOI. Ze zijn twee uitersten maar toch slagen ze erin om hun werk in de loopgraven te doen en tevens in de kelder van het huis. Zo is Mairi maar amper achttien jaar en komt uit de upper class terwijl Elsie twaalf jaar ouder is en al veel heeft meegemaakt. Toch hebben ze een innige band. De werken die ze doen zijn uitermate afschrikwekkend en in afschuwelijke omstandigheden. Ze blijven samen sterk en elke dag wordt hun uithoudingsvermogen op de proef gesteld. Taalbarrière, geloof en nog andere elementen in het boek zorgen voor strubbelingen en verontwaardiging.

De auteur heeft een zo goed mogelijk beeld geschetst wat er in die periode is gebeurd. Jongens, die nog geen achttien jaar oud waren, en die voor het eerst van huis weggingen om de oversteek te maken naar Vlaanderen om daar dapper te gaan strijden. Die hun leven waagden in de loopgraven en daarbuiten. De kou, honger, ongedierte zijn een van de dingen waar de soldaten mee te kampen hebben. Er spelen ook nog andere en belangrijke facetten mee in dit boek maar daar ga ik niets over vertellen omwille van het spoiler gevaar!

Elsie’s en Mairi’s vriendschap staat centraal in dit boek. Ik heb heel veel respect voor wat deze twee dames hebben gedaan onder de meest verschrikkelijke omstandigheden. Hun moed om de hele oorlog duizenden soldaten te verzorgen en meer is iets dat een diepe indruk heeft nagelaten bij mij. Ook komen de andere leden aan bod en hoe het met hen vergaat, deze personen hebben dan ook echt bestaan! Het is een verhaal dat je al van bij het begin in de ban houdt en je wilt weten hoe het uiteindelijk gaat eindigen. De auteur wisselt af tussen lange en korte hoofdstukken maar dat was voor mij totaal niet storend. Door haar boeiende manier van schrijven kun je het boek amper opzij leggen. Het is een boek dat je tot de laatste bladzijde in je greep houdt. Het is een heel emotioneel maar prachtig boek!

Na het lezen van dit boek ben ik op het internet naar zoveel mogelijk informatie gaan zoeken over deze twee heldinnen. Het loont meer dan de moeite waard om te doen. Voor mensen die geïnteresseerd zijn in WOI is dit een mustread. Als je al in de Westhoek bent geweest zult je veel plaatsen en dingen herkennen in het boek. En dan denk je aan de vele kerkhoven, foto’s en duizelingwekkende cijfers die je onder ogen bent gekomen en die je voor altijd zullen bijblijven. En dan lees je dit en dan heb je nog meer respect voor degenen die in ‘Flanders Field’ gestorven zijn.

Lizzie Page heeft het gepresteerd om tussen de dood, het geweld en verderf, een prachtig verhaal te schrijven waar vriendschap, moed, liefde en onbaatzuchtigheid centraal staan. Ik kan niet anders dan dit boek bekronen met 5 prachtige sterren!

[Beth Radziewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“... a flying ambulance corps made up of a naturist, a pianist, a journalist, a lady and a widowed mother...and a non smoking schoolgirl.” This is the description of the ambulance corp of Elsie Knockers and Mairi Chisholm during World War I. Will these brave ladies' friendship and sisterhood survive the war as they live in close quarters and dodge bullets as front line nurses in a cellar?

I started this book without much hope. To me, the cover is cheap-looking, and I admit this colored my judgement. How wrong I was!!! The War Nurses ended up being a very good read. Mairi is shown in such a real light. I was amazed at what both women did during the war. To see the human side of such a brave woman was interesting. I didn't personally like Elsie, but her character was amusing and kept surprising me.

While it didn't particularly bother me, some people will not like the amount of gore and yucky stuff in this book. While I know you can't judge a book by its cover, the cover to this book is very cheap looking.

The War Nurses by Lizzie Page is a work of historical fiction. It will be published April 17, 2018 by Bookouture.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It ending up being a very pleasant surprise, as I judged this book by the cover and wasn't expecting much from it. It is an inspiring and eye-opening book. I recommend to anyone who loves powerful women, coming of age stories, WWI, medical stories, and/or historical fiction.

I was given a free copy from Net Galley and Bookouture in exchange for my honest review.

[Bookinggoodread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seen this pop up on NetGalley and thought I would give it a go, I haven't read this genre for a while. When my nan was alive she would often read this type of book, set in wartime, and she would pass them on to me to read.

The first thing I like about this book is that the Mairi and Elsie are actually real people, wartime nurses, although the account of their friendship is fictionalised. It is nice to read about women's efforts during the war and I will be looking into more of Mairi and Elsie's lives.

The friendship between the women seems unlikely but they grow close. Elsie is a bit of a wild one, especially for the time, whereas Mairi is very grounded and sensible. They seem to find a good balance whilst working together in the warzone.

During the early chapters you learn a lot about Mairi and her life. Elsie's back story is not covered as much, I am hoping that in the next book there will be more of Elsie's story given. I would love to know more about why the character became the way she is.

This is the first in a trilogy of books by Lizzie and I am looking forward to reading the rest when they are published.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sending an ARC for review.

[Cheryl Schlesinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read!!

Found this gem on Amazon while just scrolling for interesting books. Loving historical fiction and being a nurse this caught my eye and I am so glad it did! What a wonderful, poignant, absorbing story about two actual nurses who were pioneers in WWI bringing care and comfort directly to the soldiers in the front line trenches by establishing a first aid “station” walking distance to the front line in Belgium. They literally lived in the cellar of a house transforming it into a place of life saving, pain alleviating and immense comfort to wounded and dying soldiers.
The shifting dynamics between the two nurses serves as the core of the story as they meet, become “sisters”, learn about each other’s past lives, and live through the horrors of war and the betrayal of each other’s trust. It is just a fantastic story to read. I did develop great affection & admiration for Mairi in her challenges with her parents, her hero worship and love of Elsie, and her never questioning belief in God and his providence. She, unlike Elsie, never disappoints the reader in her handling of each and every encounter, hurt, disappointment and ultimate betrayal by those who should have loved her the most.
Looking so forward to reading this amazing author again!!

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolute pleasure to discover a new author in my favourite genre - historical fiction. Right from the moment I saw the announcement of the cover and the details surrounding The War Nurses by Lizzie Page I knew I had to read this book. I was glad to read a book set during Word War One as I find that a lot of female authors writing in this genre if writing about the wars normally choose to write about World War Two. It was only about half way through reading this story that I realised the two female characters were real people who endured the front-line of the Belgian battle fields. It only served to re-enforce for me what incredible people both Elsie and Mairi were. The pair sacrificed so much, going above and beyond the call of duty. Putting themselves in close proximity to danger and death countless times in a bid to play a small part in a much larger fight to keep the evil forces at bay.

It's hard to believe that this is only the début from Lizzie Page as she writes as if she has so much experience under her belt as if she has written numerous books previously. A wealth of research was clearly undertaken as there was so much detail in this book as in the conditions they experienced on the front, the lack of basic amenities and supplies and the sheer terror and anxiousness that was always there. Never could they rest easy until the war was won. To say Mairi and Elsie were brave would be a massive understatement. The journey they undertook was one which would change both their lives forever and as well as giving a view into the lives and nurses at the time the author shone a light on a friendship that developed but that was not without troubles and difficulties in its own right.

Mairi never expected to be asked to join up and help with the war effort. In fact when Dr. Munro arrives in 1914 just several weeks after the outbreak of war to her family home she suspects he is going to offer his hand in marriage which was kind of strange considering he was a virtual stranger. No instead he asks her to join the Flying Ambulance Corps he is hoping to set up with a view to travelling to Belgium to aid the hospitals already established over there. In particular to help with the transport of wounded soldiers from the front lines to the fist aid stations and hospitals. Why choose someone so young as Mairi is only 16? But she has made a name for herself riding motorbikes, known for her courage, tenacity and bravery when in the saddle. Dr. Munro believes these qualities will transfer themselves to the transport and treatment of soldiers, she has little or no nursing skills but she will learn so much on site.

Everyone believed the war would be over by Christmas so I sensed Mairi viewed this trip as just a short journey but little did she realise within a few weeks she would be a changed woman and weeks would turn into years. I really can't imagine any girl of 16 in the present day to be so willing to leave the comforts of her own home for the destruction and appealing conditions of the war front. It shows how strong, determined and dedicated to their country these people were. Mairi views Dr. Munro's request as an opportunity to serve, it is a calling and a responsibility to her country.

A group sail across to Belgium, Arthur, a New York Times reporter married to Helen, Lady Dorothy, a suffragette, Dr. Munro, Mairi and Elsie Knocker. Elsie is 30 and very glamorous, she is a league apart from Mairi but yet Mairi is drawn to her. She exudes this aura, one of confidence that she can get anything she sets her mind on. In fact Elsie is also known as Gypsy and has raced motorbikes against Mairi in the past. Mairi although only having just met Elsie properly on board the ship feels like she has known her forever. There are people you come across in life and you take one look at them and you can see into their soul, sense all their fears, hopes, dreams and aspirations and for Mairi, Elsie is that person. Together they will go on a remarkable journey that will bring them very close together but their friendship will be detested to the max under the most inhumane of conditions.

I felt throughout the story that Elsie was very much an enigma. That we never got to know the real person behind all the bravado. It was almost like she was playing a role where as Mairi was too vulnerable and inexperienced to do so. She was very much led by Elsie and it seemed as if when you have a best friend that at times you can fall under their spell and do everything they ask of you and you will do it even if you know some of those things aren't right. No doubt about it Elsie was tough and had life experience but this too would come to Mairi given the horrors of the sights they will experience. She had no other option but to garner strength and push her feelings and lack of training to one side. When you are faced with a man in immense pain right before you, you have no other choice but to spring into action and do the best you can to save his life. If Elsie had not been a member of Dr. Munro's team Mairi would have had a different war time experience and maybe we may not have been reading about her today.

I found Elsie to be brusque, in both the way she spoke to Mairi and the way she treated her. At times she could be lovely towards her and a really support and other times I never knew whether what she was saying was fact or fiction. Elsie played with fire in the way she took Mairi and they struck out on their own in the basement of an abandoned house very close to the front line.I knew she wanted to do the best she could to help the men in need but in doing so was she placing the pair in more danger than necessary. The same could be said for the romance element of the book. I felt there too she played a game and was able to wind people around her finger to get what she wanted but not always to the best affect. In fact her methods and manner often led to hurt and confusion for others. Elsie was certainly a character very hard to read as she blew hot and cold and I never could sense if her intentions were always trustworthy and generous.

I did think the middle part of the book dragged a bit with a lot of repetition. Yes the detail surrounding the setting up of the mini treatment site by Elsie and Mairi and all the medical terms and the horrors and deprivation that befell the soldiers was all necessary and brilliantly executed but it did go on a bit with nothing much happening. This is what I thought at the time of reading but now having had time to mull things over I suppose this was the reality of war. The daily drudgery of trying to get by with little in the way of medical equipment or supplies with countless men arriving needing help and treatment. Their days which turned into weeks and months did probably entail so much repetition as there couldn’t have been action all the time. The war wasn't won in a day as is often said.

Once I passed the mid section, I thought the book did really pick up again and it showcased how being the only two women on the front, both Elsie and Mairi were heroic, valiant, and undauntable. They were hard-working women doing their best at all times not knowing what each new day would bring them. Mairi throughout clung to her faith in Christianity to get her through the tough times. She held her principles dear and though she could be termed a sidekick for Elsie she was always that little bit reluctant to venture down a path that Elsie may be leading her down. She may have gone there under duress. Where as I felt Elsie was more volatile, burying issues deeper and attempting to come across as a happy go lucky girl who is always up for a good time with any man who crosses her path and takes her fancy. Maybe this was her way of putting what she saw everyday to the back of her mind.

The War Nurses was a brilliant read and although a fictionalised account of the friendship between two real life heroes I would loved to think that a lot of these things did happen especially the connection Mairi builds for herself between the little girl who once lived in the house of the basement they occupy and herself. Lizzie Page has highlighted the immense bravery and dedication of two women over 100 years ago who set out to make a difference. I had never heard of them before and it was a pleasure to read their story and to know that so many more readers will have the opportunity to get a glimpse into their lives and all that they did. Elsie and Mairi were women ahead of the times.

Towards the end when I felt things would begin to wind down a little bit the author threw in a few curve balls that made me change my opinion of certain characters but it added even more depth to the story. I do think this would be a good book for a book club discussion as both women and the development from when they first met to the very end was absolutely fascinating. As everything was wrapped up I questioned how could the author write another two books in this series but it became clear that the next book – The War Nurses at Christmas will focus on a different character, May Turner who was a friend of Elsie's and is struggling to keep her family together while she works in a field hospital at the Somme. Judging by what I have read in book one this second book looks set to be just as good and I can't wait for its publication later in the year. Do yourself a favour and buy this book you won't be sorry you did.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired me from the start

This is Mairi Chisholms story 18years old.Dr Munro turns up at the Chisholms household to ask Mairi to join him to help the war effects in Belgium working as a nurse. The year is 1914 and she leaves chedington on Douglas her motorbike on her assignment and meets up and shares a cabin over with Elsie knocker(gypsy) who becomes her true best friend.. mairi is a very courageous woman,and I simply loved reading this book,two friends nothing alike pull together in flaunders nursing during the war. Recommend this book to all historical wartime saga readers and hopefully will be reading a lot more by this author

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there’s one thing that this Ginger Book Geek enjoys, it’s a good historical saga. I am a bit of a history nerd and love anything set during the early twentieth century with a particular interest in both World Wars, so imagine my excitement at reading the synopsis of ‘The War Nurses’. I’ll give you a clue, it wasn’t pretty. ‘The War Nurses’ is actually based on a true story. I had high hopes for ‘The War Nurses’ and I was not to be disappointed. I blinking well loved it but more about that in a bit.
I loved the characters of Mairi and Elsie. They are the total opposites of each other. Mairi has led a rather sheltered life and is a bit naïve where certain matters are concerned. Mairi is also very sensitive and a devout Christian. Mairi is hard working but I don’t think she realised just what she was letting herself in for when she signed up with Dr. Munro to be part of his team looking after casualties from the battlefield. She soon has her eyes opened for her when she sees the reality and brutality of battlefield injuries. Seeing people suffer in such a way greatly upsets her and sticks in her mind. Mairi likes to see the good in everybody. Mairi is feisty and a bit of a tomboy as she rides a motorbike, which doesn’t go down well with her mother, who wants to stop Mairi going to the Front and tend to injured to injured service personnel. Elsie on the other hand is a rather glamorous, widowed single parent of a young boy. Elsie is also rather fond of the men and seems to change men rather a lot. I think that Mairi looks up to Elsie and is slightly envious of her. They do say that opposites attract and Mairi and Elsie soon form a strong friendship, which is further strengthened through their desire to help the war effort and to help those injured by war.
As I alluded at the beginning of my review, I am a history nerd and I have read a wide range of history books on the First World War. I have to say that the author has clearly done a heck of a lot of research into conditions on the front, the horror of injuries suffered on the battlefield, how war affects not just those fighting but also their families and friends and how people returned from the battlefield changed forever and her attention to detail is fantastic, as is her accuracy. I have done some research into my own family tree and have come across several relatives who fought in the war and were changed forever, not just physically but also mentally. I also came across a great grandfather, whose war record was less than impressive and who made use of the ladies of the night in France before returning home with VD. The less said about him the better but needless to say he could fill an entire book with his bad behaviours. I also had a great Aunt who served as a nurse during the First World War and she ended up marrying a Canadian man, that she had helped to look after in the hospital where she worked. Anyway, I digress so back to my review I do go.
As soon as I started reading, I just knew that I was going to become addicted to this book and so it proved. I became so wrapped up in the story that I didn’t notice how quickly the page numbers were flying past and before I knew it, I had read a fair old chunk of the book. As I was desperate to find out how this part of the three part saga ended, I just kept reading on and on and on. ‘The War Nurses’ really is a ‘CPID’ (can’t put it down) book. I don’t mean that it was glued to my hand because it wasn’t but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. The quality of the writing was so good that I felt as though I had been transported back to the time of the First World War and I felt as though I was going through everything that the different characters went through. It was almost as if I was living the story. Reading ‘The War Nurses’ really did put me through the emotional wringer and I felt a lump in my throat on more than one occasion, whether it was something that happened to one of the main characters or to one of the soldiers.
In short, I absolutely loved reading this heart wrenching but incredibly moving tale about the horrors of war and how strong friendships can be formed under the most trying of circumstances. I strongly recommend that you pick up this book for yourselves and I guarantee that you won’t regret it. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd just like to say how much I loved the cover for The War Nurses, I was absolutely compelled by the look in the eyes of the young nurse as she stands on the battlefield.

'I don't have a best. I don't even have a worst'

These are the words of eighteen-year-old Mairi when she first arrived on the Belgian frontline during WW1, at a makeshift hospital full of dying and wounded soldiers. She had been recruited by Dr. Munro who spotted her expert driving capability and bravery as a motorbike racer and invited her to join his team of ambulance workers. Mairi had no nursing experience, she had grown up in a strict religious family and her sheltered life had left her hopelessly naive.

The crew had been handpicked by Dr. Munro to help with the war effort, six diverse individuals who together made up a team of brave, intelligent and caring people with hidden strengths, stamina, and skill. Among the crew was Elsie. a flirty single mother who struck up an unexpected friendship with Mairi despite there immensely different backgrounds.

The work involved visiting the trenches with comforting soup for the soldiers, bandaging minor wounds and getting the seriously injured to hospital. Mairi soon developed techniques to overcome her squeamishness and she became more medically adept as the days passed by.

The book is a fictionalised account of the friendship between actual war heroes Elsie Knocker and Mairi Chisholm. It has been extensively researched and shows not only the friendship but the immense strength of the two women. At times it was hard to imagine the atrocities that the young women witnessed and parts moved me to tears. It's good to read that women played an important role in the war effort as well as the men.

Lizzie Page has achieved an honest and thought-provoking account but still managed to add some truly heartwarming moments. I can't wait to read the next part of the trilogy.

Thank you to Kim at Bookouture and NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As war takes its toll, the love and care of two brave young nurses become everything to the wounded soldiers they tend...

1914. Two plucky young nurses pledge to help the war effort: Mairi, a wholesome idealist hoping to leave behind her past and Elsie, a glamorous single mother with a weakness for handsome soldiers. Despite their differences, the pair become firm friends.

At the emergency medical shelter where they're based, Elsie and Mairi work around the clock to treat wounded soldiers. It's heart-breaking work and they are at constant risk from shelling, fire and disease. Occasionally there are happier times… parties, trips and letters. And maybe even the possibility of love with an attractive officer in their care…

But as the war continues and the stress of duty threatens to pull the two women apart, will Elsie and Mairi's special nurses' bond be strong enough to see them through?

A breath taking, heart aching story about friendship, love and sacrifice during the war.
Have you read a book, that broke your heart, but at the same time you could not pull yourself away? WAR NURSES was that book for me. I am a huge history, historical fiction fan and this book was everything I love about historical fiction. WAR NURSES was a very hard book to read, and was heart breaking at times. Despite the hard subject, it is a hard book to pull away from. Once you pick up the book, page after page will have you wondering what will happen next. Just like history, I love anything to do with medicine and medical field, so this was a great mix for me. I know that if it wasn’t for school, work and homework, I would finished it faster than I did. When I reached the ending, I thought about it for hours afterwards, and I even recommended to few of my friends as well. WAR NURSES is one of those books that will have you thinking, a book that you will find yourself thinking about from time to time. I came across it on Amazon, and I did not know what to expect since I never read anything by the author before. Now that I have, I cannot wait to check out her other works. WAR NURSES reminded me of why I love historical fiction so much.

Friendship between Mairi and Elsie was unexpected, and considering how different the two of them were, they became best of friends. I wondered if war drawn them together, or because they had to work together side by side. I do believe that the bond that the two of them created with one another was special. How many soldiers they saved, treated. They had their differences, and even when war threatened to tear them apart, they found a way to each other. There weren’t just best friends, but through this difficult time, the two of them became family. They even thought like sisters at times. When I started reading the book, I had no idea that it was based on true story until the end. I ended up researching more about them once I finished the book, I was captivated by their story. I do believe that I learned so much about them, just by reading the book, and not just them, and the war as well. The sacrifices those women made, the lives they saved, and lives that they tried to save. To do, what Mairi and Elsie did took a lot of courage. To me, they are heroes. I am not surprised that everyone loved them. How could you not after everything that they done?

Writing this review, it brings me back the emotions that I was feeling while I was reading the book. LIZZIE PAGE created a masterpiece. It was such inspirational story. A highly recommended book.

[Christabell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsie Knocked and Mhairi Chisholm, two dedicated war nurses!

The story of how Elsie a woman who has a young son, and a secret to hide; and Mhairi a fresh faced young girl, whose religious values would be repeatedly tested, and with no experience of life, come together to be nurses to the boys at the war front!
The nurses sacrifice everything for the soldiers, they chose to leave the hospital and set up a makeshift hospital in the cellar of an empty house which was situated basically at the front line. This enabled them to give out drinks of water, deal with superficial wounds in the trenches, and drag the soldiers to their cellar for more indepth care! They met a few obstacles over time including having to rebuild their cellar after being blasted, lack of food, bats, rats, and lice! There were those that left their mark such as, finding a stray dog they named Shot, the young postman that brought their mail, to Harold a Belgian officer they helped, and whom they both fell in love with, this love was to shake their friendship!! Mhairi already had the undying love of a young pilot but she could not commit or accept his numerous proposals while she loved Harold. Mharia and Elsie's continued stories of their work enthrals the reader, it is evident that not all is good; Mhairi is religious and needs her faith, Elsie is not and enjoys having many 'Gilberts', a name she has given to all suitors! There differences aside, these two nurses build a relationship like no other, angel on to receive medals of honour for their selfless act of courage! I so enjoyed reading of the nurses many stories, their sacrifices, their sorrows, and the sisterly love they had for each other!!

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oorlog, moed en verdriet. Dat zijn de drie woorden die dit boek omschrijven. Lizzie Page heeft gebruikgemaakt van luchtige en vrolijke schrijfstijl. Maar dit boek is niet bepaald oppervlakkig, want de klap komt juist harder aan doordat de harde feiten worden verwikkeld met vrolijke en luchtige gedachtes. De roman heeft ook nog een creatief buiten-de-lijntjes-kleurend plot. Soms kon ik me helaas wel moeilijk met de personages interficeren, maar dat kan ook aan mij liggen. Het begin had wat mij betreft beter een proloog kunnen zijn, want het was eerst flink doorlezen.

War, courage and sorrow. Those are the three words that describe this book. Lizzie Page has used a light-hearted and cheerful writing style. But this book is not exactly superficial, because the blow hits harder because the hard facts are mixed up with cheerful and light thoughts. The novel also has a creative coloring outside the lines plot. Unfortunately, sometimes I had a hard time interacting with the characters, but that could also be just me. As far as I'm concerned, the beginning could have been better a prologue, because it was a lot of reading at first.

[Myreadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the cover is Elsie dressed as a nurse ready to save the wounded. A catchphrase says a lot about the two main characters: "friendship will see it through the darkest time".

The story takes place during the First World War. We find Mairi and Elsie two nurses who become friends. They work hard to save the wounded. There will be ups and downs in their work. They will do everything to stay welded despite the stress.

An exciting story about the work of two nurses during the First World War. What attracted me to read this book is the cover and it's based on a true story. The characters of Mairi and Elsie are endearing, the story is well written I recommend it.

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this little book.

[Melita Sheppard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book. Obviously extensively researched and well written. Very enjoyable.

[Annemiek Smedinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prachtig verhaal, helaas waar gebeurd

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is based on real people and events. I enjoyed this very much and will probably read the sequel to it. The characters in the story are very quirky and unique individuals who come together to try to help out the soldiers at the front. The book does a good job of telling the reader about the realities of what goes on at the front and the back story of those people serving them at the first aid stations.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a RN, I was interested in the nurses service in WWI and especially this story of working so close to the front. The book had unique characters and family backgrounds.

[Angel Pickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read “The War Nurses” not knowing it was based on real people. Finding that out at the end was a pleasant surprise. The story begins slowly, although not in an all together unpleasant or tedious way. You learn a lot about Mairi and enough about Elsie to keep you interested. Mairi is a clear and reliable narrator in my opinion and you really see her grow up. I enjoyed the fact that she was a Christian and relied on her beliefs to help ensure the horrible things happening around her. It was an interesting contrast to pair Mairi’s faith with Elsie’s atheism. The scenes of WW1 although descriptive are not enough to turn one off enjoying the story but do educate the reader a bit on the atrocities that took place during the period. Overall, it was an interesting fictional narrative based on real people and I would recommend it to friends.

I thank my friends at Netgalley for the copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I typically devour books, but I had trouble getting hooked by The War Nurses. I basically did not like either of the main characters, Elsie or Mairi, as portrayed in this book. Elsie came across as egotistical and self-centered, and Mairi as incredibly naive. I thought as time went on that these women's personalities would change/grow, but I didn't get that impression from the book. I nearly abandoned it half way through and again about three quarters of the way through, but I did finish if. That said, the work these two women did was incredible.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.