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deas87's review against another edition
I'm generally not a massive fan of the dual narrative and dual timeline combination as one character's story is generally more interesting or more thoroughly developed than the other, but that's not the case here - I found both characters and storylines equally compelling. Our two protagonists initially seem to be quite different, but they are of the same ilk: both are much more than they seem to be, and both endure lonely childhoods before finding purpose, belonging, and sisterhood with the Wrens.
I appreciate that the author chose to focus on a little-explored aspect of WWI/WWII historical fiction, that of the fierce female motorcycle messengers. I've also rarely encountered a character in historical fiction who serves in both wars, but of course that was the reality for a certain generation - they survived the Great War, the "war to end all wars", only to be faced with same-but-different horrors just 20 years later.
The historical research is sound, the pacing is right, and the characters are well developed, though the romance aspect is predictable. I found the flow to be somewhat disrupted by the short chapters which force us to go back and forth between the two narratives very frequently - I felt that I was just settling into one storyline right when the second would come along. Finally, I believe that no work of historical fiction is complete without a comprehensive author's note at the end that details their research process and sources, historical elements that have been altered to suit the fictional narrative, and contextual background about the time, place, and people the book is based on - and I had nothing to complain about in this regard.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC.
I appreciate that the author chose to focus on a little-explored aspect of WWI/WWII historical fiction, that of the fierce female motorcycle messengers. I've also rarely encountered a character in historical fiction who serves in both wars, but of course that was the reality for a certain generation - they survived the Great War, the "war to end all wars", only to be faced with same-but-different horrors just 20 years later.
The historical research is sound, the pacing is right, and the characters are well developed, though the romance aspect is predictable. I found the flow to be somewhat disrupted by the short chapters which force us to go back and forth between the two narratives very frequently - I felt that I was just settling into one storyline right when the second would come along. Finally, I believe that no work of historical fiction is complete without a comprehensive author's note at the end that details their research process and sources, historical elements that have been altered to suit the fictional narrative, and contextual background about the time, place, and people the book is based on - and I had nothing to complain about in this regard.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC.
katie_the_kindle_queen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Overall, this was a great audiobook listen and re-introduction back into the world of historical fiction for me. I went into it knowing nothings about the WRNS/Wrens (Women's Royal Naval Service), and I loved seeing this perspective of the same organization over two different wars and timelines (the characters are fiction but based on women who were in this service in the British military in these wars. I also loved the representation of the two main women where one lived in an orphanage before joining the Wrens when she aged out and the other one being born with a disability and navigating being a Wren and the service's training with that.
While I'd recommend this for historical fiction fans, and it was an enjoyable read, I did guess one of the major plot points (not sure if it was supposed to be a big twist or not) earlier on than I think the reader was supposed to. Still looking forward to reading another historical fiction book by Jenni L. Walsh soon though!
While I'd recommend this for historical fiction fans, and it was an enjoyable read, I did guess one of the major plot points (not sure if it was supposed to be a big twist or not) earlier on than I think the reader was supposed to. Still looking forward to reading another historical fiction book by Jenni L. Walsh soon though!
julshann's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
srcanedo's review against another edition
3.0
3 is harsh its 3.5 stars but I rounded up not down bc it was cookie cutter and basic story line. Its well written and compelling tho. You won’t regret reading but you don’t have to read it either.
annemariebookaholic's review
4.0
This is the second book I have read about Wren dispatchers on motorcycles this year. Both stories historical fiction and both books were good.
This is the first book I have read by Jenni L. Walsh and I really enjoyed her style of writing. She captured my interest right from page one until the end. A dual timeline and dual narratives until it became a single timeline which was quite interesting. I realized what was going on about halfway through but that doesn't mean that the rest of the book wasn't good. I had a gambit of emotions during the reading of this book. It was brilliant.
The characters pulled at my heartstrings and were well developed. I would have to say that Marion was my favourite character. Stuck in orphanages all of her life she decides that talking really isn't important. Kids teased her but she had the courage to survive, and she is turning 18 and to survive life outside of the orphanage she joins the Wrens with the help of a nun. Her story is one of survival and heartache.
Highly recommend if you like Historical fiction
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me to read an advanced digital copy of The Call of the Wrens for an honest review. These are my words and my words only
This is the first book I have read by Jenni L. Walsh and I really enjoyed her style of writing. She captured my interest right from page one until the end. A dual timeline and dual narratives until it became a single timeline which was quite interesting. I realized what was going on about halfway through but that doesn't mean that the rest of the book wasn't good. I had a gambit of emotions during the reading of this book. It was brilliant.
The characters pulled at my heartstrings and were well developed. I would have to say that Marion was my favourite character. Stuck in orphanages all of her life she decides that talking really isn't important. Kids teased her but she had the courage to survive, and she is turning 18 and to survive life outside of the orphanage she joins the Wrens with the help of a nun. Her story is one of survival and heartache.
Highly recommend if you like Historical fiction
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me to read an advanced digital copy of The Call of the Wrens for an honest review. These are my words and my words only
kkjg's review against another edition
4.0
Historical fiction of WWII. I always find this interesting and there was a sweet story line.
dwkiley's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
arianenewell's review against another edition
3.0
barely 3.0 this is too contrived to ring true. I was glad to learn a little about the WRENS but that was the only worthwhile part.
jennitarheelreader's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, this book. I discovered Jenni Walsh’s writing through her books on Bonnie from Bonnie and Clyde fame. I was so excited to read her newest, The Call of the Wrens, and will tell you outright, hist fic fans, don’t miss this one.
About the book: “Introducing the little-known story of the daring women who rode through war-torn Europe, carrying secrets on their shoulders . . .
Told in alternating narratives that converge in a single life-changing moment, The Call of the Wrens is a vivid, emotional saga of love, secrets, and resilience—and the knowledge that the future will always belong to the brave souls who fight for it.”
Did you know about the women who rode motorcycles delivering carrier pigeons during the war? The Call of the Wrens is about both Marion in 1917 and Evelyn in 1936. The challenges they face are not just due to wartime and the peril of of their work. I’m pleased to say that I adored both timelines, and how the two converge.
Overall, The Call of the Wrens is more than worthy of its rating on @goodreads. The pacing is consistent. It feature strong female characters overcoming hardships. It’s emotional and resonant and has a well-researched historical backdrop.
Highly readable and full of heart, I’ll be thinking about The Call of the Wrens for a long time.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “Introducing the little-known story of the daring women who rode through war-torn Europe, carrying secrets on their shoulders . . .
Told in alternating narratives that converge in a single life-changing moment, The Call of the Wrens is a vivid, emotional saga of love, secrets, and resilience—and the knowledge that the future will always belong to the brave souls who fight for it.”
Did you know about the women who rode motorcycles delivering carrier pigeons during the war? The Call of the Wrens is about both Marion in 1917 and Evelyn in 1936. The challenges they face are not just due to wartime and the peril of of their work. I’m pleased to say that I adored both timelines, and how the two converge.
Overall, The Call of the Wrens is more than worthy of its rating on @goodreads. The pacing is consistent. It feature strong female characters overcoming hardships. It’s emotional and resonant and has a well-researched historical backdrop.
Highly readable and full of heart, I’ll be thinking about The Call of the Wrens for a long time.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader