“The Marriage Bureau” by Penrose Halson

Right before the start of WWII, friends Heather and Mary decide to open a marriage bureau.  The bureau gained quick popularity and became a life altering way for couples to meet.  The book draws on their experiences by providing fun and compelling stories of their triumphs and failures.  This was a super fun read, highly enjoyable!

“Goodnight from London” by Jennifer Robson

American journalist Ruby Sutton moves to London to report on WWII.  There she joins the writers of the Picture Weekly to put her unique slant on war time trials and tribulations.   She also develops a friendship with photographer Mary and editor Kaz.  

As the Blitz takes out her apartment, she finds herself leaning on mysterious Bennett, a soldier.

I really enjoyed the storytelling and character development throughout the novel.  It was not a typical wartime romance where the female is left helpless and afraid.  Instead Ruby is a dynamic woman who is determined to succeed.   I would love to read more from this author.  Overall, highly recommended.

“Night” by Elie Wiesel

At the age of 15, Elie was forced into a cattle car with his father, mother and younger sister.  His mother and sister were immediately sent to the chimney.  He and his father struggled to survive in the concentration camp, enduring death, and destruction of the soul.  This was a heartbreaking book.  I was particularly touched by the forward and the author’s words when receiving his Nobel Peace Prize.  I also found it of important that he fought to get this manuscript published in a time where no one spoke of the holocaust.  His words remind us to never forget.

“After Oz” by Gordon McAlpine 

After a tornado sweeps through Kansas, 11 year old Dorothy Gale is missing.  Four days later she turns up with a fantastical story.  At the same time, a local woman is found dead, burnt with acid.  Dorothy, who claims to have melted a witch, is immediately under suspicion.  After a hearing, she is sent to an insane asylum, where she meets Dr. Evelyn Grace Wilford, who interviews her at length.  Despite her new circumstances, Dorothy maintains that following the tornado, she was in the magical world of Oz.

This was an engaging story with a unique perspective.  I enjoyed the characters and the pace of the story.  I didn’t particularly like the letter writing in the middle of the book, I think this time could have been done differently.  Despite this criticism, 4 out of 5 stars.

“Born Survivors” by Wendy Holden

This book follows the wartime journey of three women who gave birth during internment.  Miraculously their children survived the inhuman conditions.   I am having a hard time reviewing this book.  These three women showed unimaginable courage and determination.  However, the book itself was painfully slow.  The author assumed the reader knew nothing about WWII, Germany, the Nazi party, or anything surrounding the holocaust.  This took away from the women’s stories and their courageous journeys. 

“Women in the Valley of the Kings” by Kathleen Sheppard

This book outlines the history of women in Egyptology.  Set during the gilded age, few women had the means to follow their dreams.  The women outlined in this book lived, breathed, and dreamed egypt.

Overall, I thought this book could have used some editing.  The book was a bit repetitive.  The author continually told us that women were important in the field of Egyptology, instead of just letting their actions speak for themselves.  After a few chapters, the women seemed to blend together.  Overall, not a book I would re-read or recommend. 

“When We Were Enemies” by Emily Bleeker

The daughter and granddaughter of award-winning actresses Elise Branson avoids the spotlight. When her fiance encourages her to be part of docuseries about her grandmother, Elise reluctantly agrees.  Alternating with the past, Vivian is a small-town girl determined to be a star.  She finds work at the nearby POW camp, where she find it hard to reconcile her Italian heritage with the Italian enemy held within.

I did not enjoy the modern day storyline.  I did not like Elise and found her to be very tedious.  Vivian seemed to lack personality and just fell flat.  Overall, not a book I would re-read or recommend.

“Masquerade” by O.O. Sangoyomi

Ododo is a blacksmith, a group of women shunned as witches.  When the warriors of Yorubaland conquer her hometown, no one is sure what will happen next.  After being abducted, Ododo is taken across the Sahara to be the wife of the Yoruba king.  Excited about her change in station, Ododo must learn to balance her fiancé's affection with her own desires.

This book was a story in contrast.  The contrast between the lives of blacksmiths and royalty.  The poverty of the people and the opulence of the court.  The contrast between Odobo’s desires and her obligation to her mother and fellow blacksmiths.  At times the book felt predictable and moved slowly.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Set in the 1960’s this book follows 5 intertwined characters in the midst of the Biafra revolution.  Ugwu, a teenage houseboy, serves Odenigbo, a university professor with a passion for revolution.  Olanna, the professor’s love, is a twin to Kainene, who is loved by Richard, an English transplant.  

The characters throughout this novel were dynamic and well rounded.  The story itself felt slow paced, it seemed to take a long time to build up the plot.  The war itself was heartbreaking and horrible.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.