“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 … 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?
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This story, of Smith College graduates who go to France during World War I is an amazing character exploration of reaching beyond society’s expectations and those we place on ourselves and seeing how far one go with nerve, grit and determination. This is a wonderful book.
I loved this so much, and not just because I went to Smith! This story of the Smith College Relief Unit’s brave activities during World War I, right behind enemy lines, was so engaging and inspiring. I loved all the characters. And I so appreciated that this wasn’t women as spies or anything, but women doing the hard work that doesn’t often get appreciated but is vital in any disaster.
I am so glad I got my hands (or rather, ears) on this heartbreaking AND uplifting story by Lauren Willig. The audiobook version is narrated by the immensely talented Julia Whelan. This story started our really slowly for me, and you may find the same. But please don’t give up on it! As the tale moved along, I couldn’t help but be drawn into the lives of the women of the Smith College Relief Unit. The most amazing thing is the story was based on real people, which made it that much more meaningful.
Kate Moran is a graduate of the prestigious Smith College; she’s a Brooklyn girl who attended on scholarship. Her best friend at Smith was Emmeline Van Alden; they remained friends after graduation, though Kate’s replies to Emmie’s letters became less frequent and shorter. Emmie heard a speech at the Smith College Club given by a woman who was forming the Smith College Relief Unit to help French civilians who were devastated by the Germans in the war and she decides to help make a difference. When one of the women drops out, Emmie begs her old friend Kate to take the woman’s place; and in April 1917 they set sail to France. They arrive in Grecourt, France to find it has been nearly decimated, as have the other surrounding villages located near the Front. What follows are the adventures of the Smith College Relief Unit in France, mainly seen through the experiences of Kate and Emmie.
After a slow start, I was caught up in the storyline and wanted to take the long way to work and home so I could listen to the book in the car. I didn’t care for Kate through half of the book. She had an experience that made her feel she was looked down on by the others and she had a chip on her shoulder. As things progressed, however, I couldn’t help but like her strength. Emmie I loved from the start. Her main strength, or so she thought, was the titled family from which she came. I loved watching her grow from an insecure woman to one who could commandeer a hotel and set up a place for the displaced French citizens and the troops. The relationship between Kate and Emmie was complicated and I cried when things came to a head. I really enjoyed all the characters, even the ones who were not particularly likeable, like Maude. There was a lovely little romance between Emmie and “Captain Biscuit” that had me on the edge of my seat for a while.
What was marvelous about this book was that the story of the Smith College Relief Unit was true and the characters were based in part on real people. Each chapter started with a letter home from a “Smithie”. Those were some of my favorite parts of the book. Some were funny and snarky, and others would break your heart. These woman were truly inspiring! The part of France they went to was near the front lines of the battle, and had basically been destroyed; they had to rebuild just about everything from scratch. What the civilians in France went through was unbelievable, especially the children. There was, of course, bickering and arguments between the women, but in the end they truly became a “Band of Sisters”. It was quite obvious Ms. Willig did her research; make sure to listen to the afterword where she tells some of the stories of the real women in the Relief Unit. Narrator Julia Whelan did an amazing job bringing this story to life. If you need a reminder of the goodness of humanity, this is the story to remind you.
I received an ARC of this audiobook courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I listened to the audio book of Band of Sisters and have to commend the narration by Julia Whelan!!! She captured the character of the women of Smith College to perfection and I felt like it really added depth to the story telling.
I read a lot of Historical Fiction set in WWII, so I was highly anticipating reading this WWI era book. The story is based on real life events told through letters written by the 18 alumni of Smith College who risked their lives in France to help villagers whose lives had been destroyed by the German army. These women are now known as the Band of Sisters from the Smith College Relief Unit.
None of the women knew what they were actually signing up for when they volunteered to go to France….how could they even imagine facing such poor living conditions, the lack of resources and food, the missing and dead family members, the sickness and injuries of so many villagers. These brave women set up camp in a bombed-out chateau right behind the front line and went to work to do what they could to help the people in the village with little to no support from the British army. The story is told in such detail that you actually feel like you are on the front line with these dedicated Smith women facing the struggles, horrors and triumphs they faced together.
I love reading unknown stories and this was an incredible one! It is a significant part of our history, one that might never have been told if it wasn’t for Lauren Willig and should be read by any history enthusiast. It is a story that will stay with you long after you read it!
I LOVED THIS BOOK. It might be my favorite Lauren Willig book ever. Plus, it’s not World War 2 – a nice change of pace.
I finished this book a few weeks ago and I’ve been missing the characters ever since. Band of Sisters is an inspiring tale of adventure about a group of Smith graduates volunteering in France during WWI. It’s filled with good deeds but never preachy, the characters are courageous but never plucky. This is the perfect story to inspire people to take action and help people.
Too repetitive
This was a fabulous listen and my favorite narrator brought it to life. I’m amazed at all the voices Julia Whelan can do! A great story inspired by a real group of ladies. Then book was more about each of them and their personalities and their duties than a war story. I enjoyed each and every one of them.
I quickly became invested in this story of young women from Smith College stepping out of their comfort zones to aid French women & children during WWI. This novel is part adventure tale, coming-of-age saga & historical recreation, with a touch of romance (between exactly the right characters). Much of the focus is on one of two girls, Kate, because of how much she grows and changes. But I loved Emmeline! Give me a character who goes out of her way to show kindness & make the world a brighter place for those around her & I’m hooked! (If that sounds too dull & Pollyanna-ish, it’s not!) Probably neither girl’s story would be as interesting alone, since they help each other find their place in the world. A highly enjoyable listen from author Lauren Willig & narrator Julia Whelan!
Thank you, Lauren Willig , for writing this book. This is a bit of history that needed the light. I’ve been recommending it to everyone who will listen.
I was so excited to receive an ARC of the Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig. I loved her Pink Carnation book and the Glass Ocean she co-wrote with Beatriz Williams and Karen White. She is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors! I have also been drawn to books about WWII lately and I wanted to read this one to get a better understanding of the impact of the first war on the people of France. I was also intrigued by the idea of well bred women from Smith College risking their lives in France during the height of the war. I can imagine being swept up by the charisma and passion of Betsy Rutherford’s speech. I can see how she recruited the women to join the Smith College Relief Unit. I wonder if I would have been (naive?) and brave enough to stay when they discovered the living conditions and true extent of the need. I appreciated how this book had some funny moments (I would not have known how to pick chickens either) to counteract the heartbreak of reading about all the devastation and loss. As a reader it was even harder knowing that another war was coming that would destroy these revitalization efforts. I loved getting to know the characters in this story knowing that they were based in part on the real women from Smith College and the stories from the letters they sent home. I was invested in Kate and Emmie’s friendship and was happy to see Julia’s growth (even though I liked her snarky side). I enjoyed the romance because it was not a major theme in the book. It did not feel forced. Finally, many of the books that I have read lately have used dual timelines so it was nice for a change to read the events as they unfolded. I recommended this one to our book club and it was a solid 4 out of 5 stars for our group. Thank you #netgalley #bandofsisters
Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig is, in my opinion, historical fiction at its best. I was captivated from the very beginning by the group of courageous, resourceful women from Smith College who go to France to help starving women and children in villages during World War I as they face the dangers of the Germans advancing closer to the front lines. The author did a fantastic job on research and the characters were expertly developed. I felt as though I knew each of these women, and admired and respected their tenacity to getting the job they came to France to do done. These opinions are solely my own. I rated it a high five.
A wonderful novel regarding the assistance provided by women in World War 1. Additionally, it provides an important look at WW1 as well as the bonding of women during stressful times in addition to the amazing tasks that can be accomplished when we work together. While WW1 was still raging a group of young women from Smith college wanted to do more than just knit socks or make bandages. They formed the Smith College Relief Unit, made their way to France and sought out the villages that were heavily bombed. Through their efforts they were able to help many women and children get the aid that they needed to get them back to where they could once again raise livestock and farm for themselves. Band of Sisters was based on the true story and events of eighteen incredible, determined, and courageous Smith College alumni women. Kate Moran attended Smith College on a full scholarship. She had grown up in Brooklyn, New York. Her family was far from what might be considered well off or well connected as most of the Smith College students were. Kate had never felt comfortable at Smith College or that she fit in. She had one true friend, Emmeline Van Alden. After graduation from Smith College, Kate secured a teaching position. Kate and Emmeline, or Emmie as everyone called her, kept in touch through mail. As the years progressed, their letters became less frequent and shorter and shorter in length.
In April 1917, Miss Betsy Rutherford, an archeologist and humanitarian, gave a very enthusiastic speech at the Smith College Club. In record time, Miss Rutherford accumulated enough volunteers, funding, backing and supplies to launch the formation of the Smith College Relief Unit. Emmie was determined to convince Kate to join the unit. One of the members had backed out and Emmie begged Kate to take her place. Reluctantly, Kate finally agreed. Little did she realize how much her life was about to change from this experience.
The unit arrived in Paris in July 1917 to find out that half of the inn they were to stay in had burned and was a big pile of ruins. There also were not enough rooms for all the girls in their unit. One of the members of the unit convinced the proprietor to house them dormitory style in the attic. At least they were all kept together. When they arrived at their final destination, their challenges would only begin to occur. The women who were to become the drivers for the unit, had to actually build their own vehicles from scratch. This was more than any of the women had bargained for. Nothing could have prepared the for the challenges the were about to face. Their agriculturist was delayed so the woman filling in for her, having little prior experience with farm animals before arriving in France, bought roosters instead of hens. No wonder why there were no eggs! They set out to build libraries with lots of books for the children, schools, and houses. The women provided food, milk and medical supplies to the people in the villages. There were two female doctors that were also part of the eighteen women in their unit. They all wore uniforms that were gray with a touch of French blue. One time a group of the women went to one of the nearby towns. They were greeted by a group of children. Someone threw a ball to one of the children and a child began to cry uncontrollably. The ball had been mistaken for a bomb. The children had gone through so much and had seen things that no child should have had to witness. When France became very dangerous with the imminent invasion of Germany, the women of the Smith College Relief Unit were told to evacuate. They ignored the warnings and instead drove into danger to the surrounding towns and villages to help evacuate those in the most danger from the Germans. All of these things really happened. What incredible and strong women they were. What a difference they made in the lives of those they were able to help. The women were always up for the challenge and always went the extra yard to make it happen. All the women from the Smith College Relief Unit survived the war.
This was an incredible story about bravery, determination, kindness, friendship, love, thinking outside the box, courage and strong women. I was so glad to have learned about these women and their involvement in the war effort.
Well-Done Historical Fiction Deeply Rooted in Fact
Novel and Audiobook Review
I love historical fiction that draws from fact, and clearly, from the author’s note, this one does. In fact, as I listened to it (and followed along with the eBook), I was inspired to look up information about the actual Smith unit. I had no idea that a small group of young women, all graduates of Smith College, went to France during World War I to help villagers near Grecourt. The author has fictionalized history, giving the young women fictional names and otherwise mixing fact and fiction, but many key events actually happened to these brave young women. The author did her research, reading the actual letters of all these young women. The author gave an immediacy to the horrors of war as lived on the homefront, as these young women tried to help the surrounding villages without many resources. The young women faced personal privation themselves yet still tried to do all they could for the beleaguered French countrymen. The author writes of the horrific scars and the crude medical techniques of the time. Toward the end of the book, the frontline encroaches upon them, forcing them to flee as battles come their way. The book has a quite large cast of characters to keep track of, but the author managed to keep them distinct, each with her own story, goals, and motivations. There’s some infighting, of course, and hiccups along the way, but these young women truly do become what the title states, a band of sisters. I love historical fiction that shows women’s perspectives in times of war or other world difficulties. I thought this was very well done. Highly recommended.
The narrator of the audiobook did a fantastic job. Even though the book had so many female characters, she was able to make each sound unique. I even liked her voice for the British captain, the love interest of one of the women.
I received a free copy of this book (and audiobook), but that did not affect my review.
A historical-based work of fiction detailing the Smith College alumnae supporting the humanitarian efforts of WWI. I loved a glimpse into their personal sides reading their letters home.
A war, women and danger…it’s all in this book.
I’ve never read anything by Lauren Willig before this book and I’m glad I rectified that. This was an interesting book. It’s not for everyone, in that it describes war times and could be a trigger for some readers, but honestly, it’s a fascinating read.
The plot moves along well and kept my attention. I rooted for these women. They’re in a difficult place trying to make the world better, in their own little fashion. I liked the variety of characters, despite the fact that there are a lot of characters and it can be a little confusing trying to keep them all straight. Still, the story plugs along just fine and kept me interested.
There is a lot of description about war and the destruction that comes with it. As I’ve noted, this might be a trigger for some readers, as there is mention of injury, death and the death of children. Read with caution, but do let the story take you away.
If you’re interested in a book that’s a good mix of history, war and a little bit of romance, then this might be the book you’re looking for.
Author Lauren Willig has stumbled onto a little-known historical episode from World War I and turned it into compelling fiction. Who knew that a group of Smith College graduates traveled to France during the height of the war to provide aid to suffering rural families?
In the early 1900s, women who attending elite colleges like Smith were usually wealthy, privileged, and Protestant. Unless you happened to be one of the scholarship students, like Kate – a Catholic girl from a working class background who always feels like an outsider. Still, Kate and her Smith roommate, Essie find they seem to complement each other strengths and weaknesses. So, in 1917, when a controversial Smith professor organizes the Smith College Relief Unit, Essie makes sure Kate goes along.
Finding themselves serving several small towns in the French countryside, they initially work on feeding, housing, and schooling local families. But as the war reaches its climax, these women must face the kind of devastation, injury, and fatigue that was beyond what I could have imagined. Not one of the women was prepared for the discrimination, devastation, and demands they would face.
This personal test impacts each woman differently. And Willig’s extensive primary research (described in the Afterword) helped flesh out all her characters. Especially Kate, Essie, and Julia. They are fully multi-dimensional, with egos and foibles, but with a growing dedication to the work they are doing. There is also quite a bit of believable self-awareness that comes along with the work. And growing acceptance by others.
As a reader, I was hooked from the very beginning of this novel and only became more so as the book progressed toward a very suspenseful ending. This is a very powerful read about some very brave women whose story deserves to be told. And one that is likely to bolster your belief in the essential goodness of humans during difficult times.
I love Willig’s writing, so I was surprised to find I wasn’t really connecting right away to the Smith Unit women. I get why: these women came from privilege, from a whole other life than rural France in the middle of a war zone. And it makes perfect sense, because of course those women are going to change through their experiences! That being said, it did make it a little rough going for me in the beginning. HOWEVER…I know Willig. I knew it would be worth it, and it so was. Through their hard work and hard times working at the front, Emmie, Kate, and Julia (those three especially) were able to become THEMSELVES, because in the end, it is a person’s actions and heart that determine who they are, not their address, last name, or bank balance.
Sometimes people need room to be brave, generous, and forgiving. And when that happens, friends become sisters.
I love a historical novel based on a real situation and admire the fastidious job the author has done in retelling the story of a group of Smith College grads who work selflessly in France during WWI. Brava, ladies and brava, Lauren Willig.
Band of Sisters is outstanding and perfect to read in March for Women’s History Month. It shares the exploits of 18 women, all Smith College alumna, who left their relatively comfortable lives to voluntarily serve civilians in war-town rural France during WWI.
The novel held my attention because I was never sure what the Smith College Relief Unit would experience next. This is especially impressive as the plot is based on actual events documented in the letters members sent home to their families.
A fabulous reader’s guide is available on the author’s website; it contains spoilers so time your reading accordingly.