Band of Sisters

A Novel

By: Lauren Willig

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

"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 best-selling author of America's First Daughter and The Women of Chateau Lafayette)

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 best-selling 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 17 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?

©2021 Lauren Willig (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

A Joy!

What a great story and Julia Whelan’s narration was better than ever (is that even possible for Julia?).

I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Willig’s take on the story of the Smith College ladies in WW I. I also learned a lot.

Humbly, I offer major compliments to Ms. Willig for bringing these honorable ladies to light. Very well done and though a tear jerker at times, this was a deeply enjoyable listen. I didn’t want it to end. Bravo, ladies!

Women in war

I am always surprised of how little credit women get in contributions of service in wartime. I found the stories of women inWW 1
Amazing. American women helping families in Desperate conditions in France near war zone inspiring. Highly recommend this book

Exciting and captivating

What an imaginative and intriguing account of women serving in a war zone in WWI. Having served in the military and overseas in a war zone, I related to the adventures and exploits of some of these ladies. I really enjoyed their letters and how the author portrayed the group dynamics. Take this book along as you travel, it'll make time fly!

sometimes the chat and snark

drove me insane...but truly this is a remarkable story and worth a listen. I always like stories based on true events.

Wonderful Inspiring Book

I loved this book ! It was so inspiring to read about how this group of women worked together to do things they weren’t sure they could do, to help people they didn’t even know in a very dangerous place and time.
Don’t forget to read the Historical note at the end In which the author divulges how many of these adventures actually did happen.
I appreciate all of the research the author put into writing this book and I hope she will some day write the historical version of these stories as she says “in some cases the truth is more incredible than fiction.”

Wonderful historical Novel

one of the better historical novels I've read in a while. I'm fascinated by the era of the book, and the future of the next several decades, and the beginning of WWII.

historical fiction beautifully portrayed

historical fiction beautifully portrayed, beautifully narrated. will definitely look for more titles from this author

Sacrifice and Friendship during WW1

Slow start however, quickly captured my attention. A good story about a group of strong caring young college women who sacrificed their safety during the Nazi invasion in Europe. The epilogue really gave a lot of insight into the lives of the American women. Beautifully written and read.

WWI Historical Fiction and American Women

This is a great story about WWI social workers and their persistence in their efforts with people in war torn France. The group of college graduates from the United States, comprised of various years, all worked together.

Captivating

Although it was difficult at first to keep track of the characters their distinctive personalities soon became apparent. I specially appreciated that story components were based upon carefully researched actual events.