Sisters in Arms

I loved this was a historical fiction novel that featured the Six Triple Eight unit from the Women’s Army Corps. The Midwest was heavily featured including Iowa and the way race played in the way women were allowed to serve. This reminded me that I stand on the shoulders of the women who came before me in the Women’s Army Corps and the treatment of women has come a long way. I struggled with some of the scenarios the two main characters, Grace Steele and Eliza Jones were put into but they rang true for a fictional novel. 

Kaia Alderson brings us a compelling story featuring strong female characters, complex friendships, family, love, and resilience. Her fierce young heroines blaze a trail in a world they are thrown into with little preparation, against the strong headwinds of discrimination. Alderson's witty dialogue and thoughtful prose carries the story through many poignant moments. The story of Six Triple Eight and the fascinating lives of these brave, unsung she-roes who accomplished a critical mission in the waning days of World War Two deserves a much bigger audience.

I so love a WWII book that opens my eyes to a lesser-known aspect of the fight against fascism, and Kaia Alderson’s debut novel gives readers an insight into the lives of the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black female battalion that served in Europe. Immersing readers in the experiences of women fighting prejudice at home and abroad, Alderson’s novel is a fantastic read that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.