Helpful Score: 1
When bestselling authors Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Meissner combined their outstanding talents to write a novel, I knew the result would be powerful and feature an important subject. This is definitely true of When We Had Wings.
This World War II novel based in the South Pacific was inspired by the true experiences of a group of nurses known as "the Angels of Bataan." The story is told through three character with very different pasts: Eleanor, a US Navy nurse; Penny, a US Army nurse; and Lita, a Flilpina nurse. They become friends while serving at a military base in Manila, but are sent to different internment camps when the war intensifies with Japan's attacks on Pearl Harbor and the Philippines.
These military and civilian nurses became the first female prisoners of war of WWII, and were forced to endure horrible living conditions, including malnourishment, yet continued to provide medical care to their fellow internees with very limited resources. Several scenes depicting the horrors of war were difficult to read, but the personal relationships between the main characters and the people in their lives kept me connected to the plot. The novel is ultimately hopeful and is a tribute to the enduring power of the human spirit.
I appreciated reading this audiobook skillfullly narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the review copies of this memorable novel.
This World War II novel based in the South Pacific was inspired by the true experiences of a group of nurses known as "the Angels of Bataan." The story is told through three character with very different pasts: Eleanor, a US Navy nurse; Penny, a US Army nurse; and Lita, a Flilpina nurse. They become friends while serving at a military base in Manila, but are sent to different internment camps when the war intensifies with Japan's attacks on Pearl Harbor and the Philippines.
These military and civilian nurses became the first female prisoners of war of WWII, and were forced to endure horrible living conditions, including malnourishment, yet continued to provide medical care to their fellow internees with very limited resources. Several scenes depicting the horrors of war were difficult to read, but the personal relationships between the main characters and the people in their lives kept me connected to the plot. The novel is ultimately hopeful and is a tribute to the enduring power of the human spirit.
I appreciated reading this audiobook skillfullly narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the review copies of this memorable novel.
Helpful Score: 1
An inspiring, compelling read of courage, perseverance and hope set in the midst of war. The story follows three young women who are nurses in Manila before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Their mettle is seriously tested throughout the war years, as they continue to serve during the enemy occupation of the Philippines.
This well written story pulled me in from the first page with descriptions of the situations, emotions, ethical dilemmas, romantic tension, and threats of violence surrounding them. They were so brave! Their fortitude amazed me as they continued to work hard, helping others, showing mercy, despite the awful conditions. I could feel their despair as they were severely tested. It had me holding my breath at times and wanting to pray for them even, it felt so real. I wept at the end--a rarity for me--it so moved me. It had a lovely, sighworthy wrap up, leaving a feeling of hope at the end.
Highly recommend for WW2 fans, especially those who are interested in the Pacific and prisoner of war stories. It is a wonderful tribute to the real "Angels of Bataan".
5 stars!
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
This well written story pulled me in from the first page with descriptions of the situations, emotions, ethical dilemmas, romantic tension, and threats of violence surrounding them. They were so brave! Their fortitude amazed me as they continued to work hard, helping others, showing mercy, despite the awful conditions. I could feel their despair as they were severely tested. It had me holding my breath at times and wanting to pray for them even, it felt so real. I wept at the end--a rarity for me--it so moved me. It had a lovely, sighworthy wrap up, leaving a feeling of hope at the end.
Highly recommend for WW2 fans, especially those who are interested in the Pacific and prisoner of war stories. It is a wonderful tribute to the real "Angels of Bataan".
5 stars!
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
