War Librarian

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Average customer rating 4 (3 comments)

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The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong is a dual timeline historical novel featuring courageous women. I thought the author beautifully wove the two storylines together. The book contains good writing with realistic characters. I enjoyed getting to know Emmaline, Kathleen, and Nellie. We get to see what life was like for them. It was especially difficult for Kathleen who was not wanted by the male cadets or the people who ran the school. Prejudice, banned books, secrets, lost love, courage, and bullying are the themes in The War Librarian. It was interesting learning about the Library War Service who was responsible for getting books to servicemen training in camps and those overseas. At first blush, it would seem that the two storylines would be worlds apart. As the story progresses, we get to see the similarity. The twist was something I saw coming, but I enjoyed seeing how it played out. I do want to let readers know there is bullying, mild foul language, and an intimate situation. I was shocked at what the female recruits were subjected to at the academy. That they were expected to carry a purse and wear three-inch heels was idiotic. I understand they are training soldiers, but I do not know how recruits put up with the demanding routine, the yelling, and all the rules (some of them are ridiculous). The War Librarian is an emotional story with a special ending. The War Librarian is a captivating tale that historical fiction lovers will enjoy.

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We meet two strong women who are determined to make their way in a man's world. We meet Emmaline Balakin in 1918 who after working in the dead letter office for five years volunteers to be the librarian in France during the war. Delivering books to the injured soldiers helps their morale and to pass the time. Being one of very few women, Emmaline has her struggles, and seeing the wounded soldiers is upsetting for her. We meet Kathleen Carre in 1976. She had been working in a dental office, had been raised by her beloved grandmother, and wanted to be in the class of first women accepted into the Naval Academy. The men really didn't want women in the Academy and bullied and harassed them. One particular midshipman had it in for Kathleen and tried to humiliate her and trip her up as often as he could. This midshipman also had her accused of treason. We follow both women as they make it through their days. There is a connection and secret between the two time lines that will have readers dropping their jaws. Despite the excellent writing and revelation of the secret in the ending, THE WAR LIBRARIAN dragged for me. 3/5 This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

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A read that will grab you and not let go, a time split read, 1918 and 1976, two generations apart! We go to France during the Great War, with a realistic view of how our men were treated when injured! Then we are with the first women to enter Annapolis, the US Naval Academy , and a lot of the men are not happy with the situation! It takes awhile to weave the two stories together, but the author does a great job, making the characters come to life, and then melding them together. We are soon caring about these strong women, but surprises, some not good, are ahead, and we are there to witness how this all turns out! I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher G. P. Putman & Sons, and was not required to give a positive review.