‘Women of War’ is a beautiful novel: written in pitch-perfect prose and meticulously researched, it’s a fascinating tribute to three real life women from world war one. In Louise Morrish’s story, Edie, Lucinda and Florence emerge as characters of tremendous courage and stoicism, reminding us of the quiet heroism of so many in the darkest of times. The novel is rich in sensuous and historical detail, powerfully plunging us into the world of 1914. Morrish unwinds her narrative skilfully, drawing us into the characters’ lives, their loves, ambitions and dilemmas until reading becomes an immersive and compelling experience. A masterclass in writing, and a wonderful heart-warming story. I thoroughly recommend it.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Women of War by Louise Morrish is my first 5-star read of the year, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough!

This book completely captivated me from the very first page. Set in the early months of World War I, it follows the remarkable journeys of two women who challenge the norms of their time and prove that women are just as capable—if not more so—than the men around them.

Edie Lawrence, a fearless and determined woman, disguises herself as a man to report from the battlefields and pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Her courage and resolve are nothing short of inspiring. On the other side of the war, we have Dr. Lucinda Garland, who, after being rejected by the War Office, sets up an all-female-run hospital in Paris alongside the French Red Cross. Her story is equally powerful as she navigates the harrowing realities of war while also discovering love in the most unexpected of places.

What I loved most about this novel was how real and tangible these women felt. The fact that they were based on actual heroines from history made the story even more moving. The writing is rich and immersive, and Morrish does a fantastic job of making you feel the emotional weight of the characters' experiences. Their determination, compassion, and resilience shine through in every page.

I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a beautiful, emotional, and inspiring historical fiction novel that I will be thinking about for a long time. If you’re a fan of strong female characters, historical fiction, or just looking for a story that will stay with you long after you finish it, this is an absolute must-read! ✨📚

Two strong women, based upon real people, determined to do their duty in 1914 when women were left to mind babies, tea and the like. Dr Lucinda Garland and Edie Lawrence were strong characters, working in a time of women's suffrage. The doctor managed, eventually, to set up and run a French Red Cross supported hospital in Paris whilst Edie manged to persuade the British Army that she was a young man volunteering for training and combat in order to follow her sweethearts and to write reports about war conditions. Their stories overlapped when Edie, wounded, found herself in Lucinda's hospital, and her gender was discovered. This lead to further ramifications because she was deemed a traitor. The research about conditions in the First World War were well done - the horror, mud, injuries, trials of getting equipment and so on. The sheer horror and drudgery of never ending injury and death felt real. The Doctor's story seemed more realistic than Edies's. Given life in the Army it seems hard to believe she got as far a she she did pretending to be male and I don't know how far or near that was to the real-life Edie. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

An enjoyable read although I did find some parts of Edie's story far fetched. I know the story was based on Dorothy Lawrence but Dorothy revealed herself to be female soon after her arrival in France. I found it hard to believe Edie would not have been discovered when not shaving, going to the toilet, washing etc.

The storyline of women doctors on the front line was far more enjoyable and believable although I wasn't sure their sexuality preference mattered or added to the story.

The book did leave some unanswered questions like who did report Edie? What did happen to Stanley if his name was not mentioned in the lists of the dead?

I'd look for more by the author as it was enjoyable in parts and easy to read.

This is a book about ambitious and determined women in a time when women were not supposed to be so. Based on real life women this is a fictional story of what happened to them, but it's not just about ambition and determination, it's about how women were treated in a world that belonged to men, it's about love, it's about making your own destiny.
I loved this book - it's pacy, breathtaking in places and passionate. Backed up with meticulous research, Louise Morrish has come up with something even better than her fabulous debut, Operation Moonlight. One not to be missed.