Genre Fiction
![Lauren Willig - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B001IGQV62.jpg)
Band of Sisters: A Novel
"A crackling portrayal of everyday American heroines…A triumph."
- Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue
A group of young women from Smith College risk their lives in France at the height of World War I in this sweeping novel based on a true story-a skillful blend of Call the Midwife and The Alice Network-from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig.
A scholarship girl from Brooklyn, Kate Moran thought she found a place among Smith's Mayflower descendants, only to have her illusions dashed the summer after graduation. When charismatic alumna Betsy Rutherford delivers a rousing speech at the Smith College Club in April of 1917, looking for volunteers to help French civilians decimated by the German war machine, Kate is too busy earning her living to even think of taking up the call. But when her former best friend Emmeline Van Alden reaches out and begs her to take the place of a girl who had to drop out, Kate reluctantly agrees to join the new Smith College Relief Unit.
Four months later, Kate and seventeen other Smithies, including two trailblazing female doctors, set sail for France. The volunteers are armed with money, supplies, and good intentions-all of which immediately go astray. The chateau that was to be their headquarters is a half-burnt ruin. The villagers they meet are in desperate straits: women and children huddling in damp cellars, their crops destroyed and their wells poisoned.
Despite constant shelling from the Germans, French bureaucracy, and the threat of being ousted by the British army, the Smith volunteers bring welcome aid-and hope-to the region. But can they survive their own differences? As they cope with the hardships and terrors of the war, Kate and her colleagues find themselves navigating old rivalries and new betrayals which threaten the very existence of the Unit.
With the Germans threatening to break through the lines, can the Smith Unit pull together and be truly a band of sisters?
- Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue
A group of young women from Smith College risk their lives in France at the height of World War I in this sweeping novel based on a true story-a skillful blend of Call the Midwife and The Alice Network-from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig.
A scholarship girl from Brooklyn, Kate Moran thought she found a place among Smith's Mayflower descendants, only to have her illusions dashed the summer after graduation. When charismatic alumna Betsy Rutherford delivers a rousing speech at the Smith College Club in April of 1917, looking for volunteers to help French civilians decimated by the German war machine, Kate is too busy earning her living to even think of taking up the call. But when her former best friend Emmeline Van Alden reaches out and begs her to take the place of a girl who had to drop out, Kate reluctantly agrees to join the new Smith College Relief Unit.
Four months later, Kate and seventeen other Smithies, including two trailblazing female doctors, set sail for France. The volunteers are armed with money, supplies, and good intentions-all of which immediately go astray. The chateau that was to be their headquarters is a half-burnt ruin. The villagers they meet are in desperate straits: women and children huddling in damp cellars, their crops destroyed and their wells poisoned.
Despite constant shelling from the Germans, French bureaucracy, and the threat of being ousted by the British army, the Smith volunteers bring welcome aid-and hope-to the region. But can they survive their own differences? As they cope with the hardships and terrors of the war, Kate and her colleagues find themselves navigating old rivalries and new betrayals which threaten the very existence of the Unit.
With the Germans threatening to break through the lines, can the Smith Unit pull together and be truly a band of sisters?
Editorial Reviews
"A compelling tale of love, resilience, expectations, bravery, and above all, the powerful, redemptive bonds of female friendship." -- Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names
"With heart and humor, Willig explores the complexities of female friendships-feuds, forgiveness, and all. A touching portrait of triumph and found family in the midst of war. Bravo!" -- Stephanie Dray, New York Times Bestselling author of America's First Daughter & The Women of Chateau Lafayette
"An inspiring ode to the indomitable strength of women and the fierce, indelible bonds of female friendship, a tale of she-roes that will make you both laugh and cry." -- Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Queen's Fortune
"An affecting and memorable tale of women and the way their friendships are tested by a changing world and the unforgiving crucible of conflict. Altogether it's an utterly entertaining and enlightening work of historical fiction. Brava!" -- Jennifer Robson, bestselling author of Our Darkest Night
"Willig expertly uses historical detail in her seamless, well-plotted tale. This will entice readers from the very first page." -- Publishers Weekly
"Band of Sisters spotlights a fascinating group of young women who braved the strains of world war to help those caught in the crossfire and left direly in need. Through snappy dialogue and endearing characters, Willig delivers a heartwarming tale powered by sisterly support, forgiveness, and the strength found together-and within." -- Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday
"A crackling portrayal of everyday American heroines…A triumph." -- Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue.
"Captivating! The ever-masterful Lauren Willig beautifully celebrates these singular women." -- Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Mysterious Mrs. Christie.
"Brimming with a cast of characters to love and root for, and based on actual events and the lives of truly brave women, BAND OF SISTERS is the perfect story for our troubled times. This is the historical novel you've been hungering for." -- Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things
"With heart and humor, Willig explores the complexities of female friendships-feuds, forgiveness, and all. A touching portrait of triumph and found family in the midst of war. Bravo!" -- Stephanie Dray, New York Times Bestselling author of America's First Daughter & The Women of Chateau Lafayette
"An inspiring ode to the indomitable strength of women and the fierce, indelible bonds of female friendship, a tale of she-roes that will make you both laugh and cry." -- Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Queen's Fortune
"An affecting and memorable tale of women and the way their friendships are tested by a changing world and the unforgiving crucible of conflict. Altogether it's an utterly entertaining and enlightening work of historical fiction. Brava!" -- Jennifer Robson, bestselling author of Our Darkest Night
"Willig expertly uses historical detail in her seamless, well-plotted tale. This will entice readers from the very first page." -- Publishers Weekly
"Band of Sisters spotlights a fascinating group of young women who braved the strains of world war to help those caught in the crossfire and left direly in need. Through snappy dialogue and endearing characters, Willig delivers a heartwarming tale powered by sisterly support, forgiveness, and the strength found together-and within." -- Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday
"A crackling portrayal of everyday American heroines…A triumph." -- Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue.
"Captivating! The ever-masterful Lauren Willig beautifully celebrates these singular women." -- Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Mysterious Mrs. Christie.
"Brimming with a cast of characters to love and root for, and based on actual events and the lives of truly brave women, BAND OF SISTERS is the perfect story for our troubled times. This is the historical novel you've been hungering for." -- Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things
Readers Top Reviews
Julie LinkerPeggy
Band of Sisters is a bit of a departure from the author’s previous works, but her compelling writing style and enthusiasm for the characters will quickly have you engrossed in this fascinating and inspiring tale, which is based on true events. Highly recommend!
Kim SmithJulie Li
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction story. There were times when the story was slow but picked up again. In end it was a great story, with characters I cared about. I loved the bravery of this group of women.
Kindle Kim Smith
This is an amazing book that transports you back to World War I in France. You become a member of the BAND OF SISTERS helping the local French people and trying to survive in a war zone. The letters at the beginning of each chapter give great insight into what it was like for the Smith women.
Joanna CazdenKind
Truth-based tale of of idealistic college women who volunteer to serve civilians devastated by WWI. Loyalties and rivalries, class conflicts, and early feminism, thread through this gritty, witty portrait of life in bombed-out French villages just behind the front lines. Character studies in perseverance and (sometimes grudging) friendship amidst bombing raids, plus both dashing officers and dastardly cads. A very satisfying read!
haloBJoanna Cazde
So, I'm not understanding the negative reviews. It is like they were expecting some great thesis on what the Smith girls did in France. This is still a historical fiction novel with a story to tell and entertain. Since I am a self-proclaimed Willig groupie, I guess I am was more realistic as to know what to expect because I follow her notes, blogs, website, etc. How much more detail can be thrown in on characters and keep it from becoming War and Peace length? Either that, or it becomes a series. I would have voted for a series on this. For me, I liked the fact the heroines were far from perfect. You felt their ups and downs, insecurities and frustrations. There were some things, to me, that were started and not developed enough ( Courcelles, almost assualt consequences, Nick/Julia/Kate ) while some things had too much (Liza/Maud). In the end, I enjoyed this book very much. Like all of Lauren's books, the research into the historical of her fiction is 2nd to none. I walk away educated as well as entertain. Signed Groupie wanted to be review #100
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