Absolutely fascinating account based on a real person's life of the societal difficulties for a woman in the early 1900's. Women had significantly smaller options for pursuing careers and were still under the authority of men in their lives. The book also explores living with depression during this era, which... if we think is hard now, was even worse then. Now the stigma is mostly gone, but then there was not only major stigma, but also lack of resources and little to no help. I highly recommend this book of one woman's journey and resilience.

This was quite a short and easy read for me and I really enjoyed it. A story of love and tragedy that is based on a true story we follow Gwendoline through her life's up and downs. This is such an emotional book that makes you think, it has depth and personality making it easy to delve into. I love the characters and the writing is perfect.

A wonderful read adn one I couldn't put down. Highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

In "Gwendoline," Jeremy Bending masterfully brings to life the poignant and tumultuous journey of a remarkable woman navigating the complexities of early 20th-century life. Set against the backdrop of a modest flat above her father’s shoe shop, the story follows Gwendoline, the eldest daughter in a bustling family of eleven children. With aspirations of becoming a nurse, Gwendoline's dreams are stifled by her father’s rigid beliefs, emphasizing the societal constraints and gender roles that defined the era. This initial conflict sets the stage for a narrative that is both deeply personal and resonant with broader themes of empowerment and resilience. As Gwendoline eventually breaks free from her father's oppressive expectations and embarks on her nursing career, readers are taken on a journey of hope, love, and the harsh realities of life during World War II. Bending's portrayal of Gwendoline's romance with Roy adds a layer of warmth and tenderness to the narrative. Yet, the idyllic moments are often overshadowed by the chaos of war, illustrating the fragility of happiness in uncertain times. The author does an exceptional job of weaving historical context into the personal experiences of his characters, allowing readers to understand the immense pressures faced by women during this transformative period. One of the most compelling aspects of "Gwendoline" is its unflinching examination of mental health, particularly Gwendoline’s struggle with severe depression. Bending portrays this battle with honesty and sensitivity, shedding light on the stigma surrounding mental illness while emphasizing its profound impact on relationships and family dynamics. Through Gwendoline's journey, readers gain insight into the often-overlooked struggles individuals faced, revealing the intricate interplay between personal suffering and familial responsibility. This aspect of the story is particularly relevant today, as society continues to confront mental health challenges and the importance of compassion and understanding. Bending's writing is both lyrical and accessible, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Gwendoline's world. His skillful character development ensures that Gwendoline is not just a figure of historical interest but a relatable heroine whose courage resonates with contemporary readers. The narrative is rich with emotion, drawing readers into Gwendoline's triumphs and heartaches, making it impossible not to root for her as she navigates the trials of life, love, and loss. In conclusion, "Gwendoline" by Jeremy Bending is a beautifully crafted novel that explores the multifaceted challenges faced by women in the 1900s, as well as the enduring struggle against mental health issues. It is a story of resilience, hope, and the complex web of human relationships intertwined with societal expectations. Bending’s ability to portray such a personal yet universal story makes this book a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of history, mental health, and the strength of the human spirit. I wholeheartedly recommend "Gwendoline" to those seeking a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that stays with you long after the final page is turned.

An emotional , thought-provoking and well written story with many highs and lows throughout the book. The story takes you on a journey through Gwendoline’s life showing the many challenges she faced in pursuit of her career as a nurse whilst also raising her family and dealing with her metal health. If you are looking for a new book to read, this is certainly one to buy.

Beautiful historical fiction depicting women’s challenges in the 20th century. This is a short and quick read based on a true story that brought me to tears. The author did a wonderful job and I enjoyed the third person narrative.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Gwendoline by Jeremy Bending is a quick read, but one of great empathy and care. I almost had to imagine it being told from the perspective of an observer than from the perspective of the protagonist or other actors within the storyline

Based on a true story, it reflects on the sensibilities and challenges of the times and how everything began to change due to global conflict and developing social attitudes. It is a good story and one told with great compassion

Thank you to Netgalley, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers and the author Jeremy Bending for this heartfelt ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Wow emotional and heartfelt read! Loved knowing it was based on a true story. With it being in third person it made it a little harder to connect and feel for Gwen. And obviously the cover art is absolutely beautiful.

I tried really hard to get into this. While it may definitely be other people’s style, it truthfully wasn’t mine. The third person writing was a bit strange to me.
There seemed to be tragedy everywhere you turned in this book, it was so sad. Yet at the same time, it really opened my eyes to how it truly was back in those days. There was more tragedy back then than there is now, simply because we have access to mental health care and other types of health care that wasn’t very prominent then.
I also had no idea that it was so “looked down upon” to be a nurse. Nurses are so common now in 2024. When I read that my jaw dropped.
I wish this had been written from Gwen’s POV. I feel like getting to dive into her thoughts and feelings would have made this story more incredible. It would have made it more sad, obviously. But I think it would have been a much more engaging and interesting read that way.

This was a very emotional read for me and I liked it a lot! I struggled a bit with the narrative at some points and I wasn't able to get into the story fully but overall it was great! The historical parts were spot on in my opinion - recommend it to anyone who's into historical romance!

A deep and heartfelt read. The descriptions in the book were sufficiently realistic and emotional. But the writing style was strange—it was written in the third person, which made it difficult to empathize with the characters. Again, I believe that having it told from Gwen's or a dual point of view would have been beneficial. However, the narrative gained more feeling and empathy when we learned that it was based on a true story.

**Thank you NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the opportunity to review this book.**

A very touching and deep read. The historical things made me tear up at times. The charactera were on point, and i loved the interactions. I will definitely try to read thia kind of books again in the future. Thank you Net Galley for giving me this opportunity.

This book was heartful and the descriptions vivid enough I could "see it". However, the writing was odd in that it was written in third party narrative and it was hard to connect to the characters because of this. Knowing it was based on a true story brought more emotion and empathy to the story, but again, I think having it narrated by Gwen or dual POV would have been helpful.