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bariatricbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to the publisher, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this ARC! I was truly not expecting to get so hooked in. I sometimes find historical genres to almost be repetitive, but this kept my focus and made me want more every time I tried to step away. Being able to follow the journeys of both strong women during such pivotal moments in history was keeping me on the edge of my seat. Not to mention the ending of chapter 23…I did not expect that at all.
This will definitely be one I will purchase in physical copy when it’s published in August.
This will definitely be one I will purchase in physical copy when it’s published in August.
elisahall's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dreamer101's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
5.0
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
I’ve grown to love historical fiction books that follow a dual timeline, one in the past and one in present day. The War Librarian (Amazon) is different in that the timelines are WWII France and instead of a modern timeline, we get a look at the US Naval Academy circa 1976 when women were first allowed admittance.
The War Librarian is all about female empowerment, which I loved. Emmaline is not a character who seems out-of-place in her time as sometimes happens with historical fiction’s feminists. She’s a free thinker because of her love of books, and after several years working in the Dead Letter Office in Washington, D.C., she gets a job as a librarian on the front line in France. Kathleen is also a free thinker who was raised by her grandmother who served as a motor car driver in France during WWI. She is facing the challenge of being in the first class of midshipmen women at the naval academy.
Both women face adversity throughout the book. There’s a romance for Emmaline, but it isn’t heavy handed and the love scene was not too graphic. Kathleen’s character wisely does not have romantic entanglements, which is good because she’s got enough to worry about, trying to fit in with the 1200 men at the academy.
I was shocked to learn that the author, Addison Armstrong, is relatively young, because her writing does not betray that fact. It’s crisp and clean, she keeps the narrative going smoothly and quickly. It only took me a few hours to read this book because it was interesting and written so well. I do have to say that there was one aspect of the book that had my scratching my head for most of the book, wondering why we were following one narrative but not another, but it all made sense as the story progressed and neared it’s conclusion.
Overall, The War Librarian was a very satisfactory book. I learned about the ALA’s efforts during WWI, and I also learned about the groundbreaking class of 1980 midshipmen at the US Naval Academy. I highly recommend this book!
I’ve grown to love historical fiction books that follow a dual timeline, one in the past and one in present day. The War Librarian (Amazon) is different in that the timelines are WWII France and instead of a modern timeline, we get a look at the US Naval Academy circa 1976 when women were first allowed admittance.
The War Librarian is all about female empowerment, which I loved. Emmaline is not a character who seems out-of-place in her time as sometimes happens with historical fiction’s feminists. She’s a free thinker because of her love of books, and after several years working in the Dead Letter Office in Washington, D.C., she gets a job as a librarian on the front line in France. Kathleen is also a free thinker who was raised by her grandmother who served as a motor car driver in France during WWI. She is facing the challenge of being in the first class of midshipmen women at the naval academy.
Both women face adversity throughout the book. There’s a romance for Emmaline, but it isn’t heavy handed and the love scene was not too graphic. Kathleen’s character wisely does not have romantic entanglements, which is good because she’s got enough to worry about, trying to fit in with the 1200 men at the academy.
I was shocked to learn that the author, Addison Armstrong, is relatively young, because her writing does not betray that fact. It’s crisp and clean, she keeps the narrative going smoothly and quickly. It only took me a few hours to read this book because it was interesting and written so well. I do have to say that there was one aspect of the book that had my scratching my head for most of the book, wondering why we were following one narrative but not another, but it all made sense as the story progressed and neared it’s conclusion.
Overall, The War Librarian was a very satisfactory book. I learned about the ALA’s efforts during WWI, and I also learned about the groundbreaking class of 1980 midshipmen at the US Naval Academy. I highly recommend this book!
booksadoodle's review against another edition
4.0
“Books are the best place to hide when the outside is too much to take.” - Emmaline Balakin. If you are a lover of books and WWII historical fiction then this is one you should definitely have on your TBR list! Emmaline Balakin leaves her job at the dead letter office to travel to France to help the soldiers in the war effort by providing distraction, respite, and hope through the power of books as a war librarian. I loved the alternating timelines between WWII and 1976. The audiobook version is fantastic, and really brings the story to life, submersing you in the harrowing aspects of war, and finding friendship and love in the most unlikely place. One to check out for sure!
fantasy_witch's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
penguins_save_lives's review against another edition
4.0
"The War Librarian" by Addison Armstrong is an enchanting historical fiction novel that immerses readers in a world of courage, love, and the transformative power of literature during wartime. The author takes on the tired story of wartime-librarian and infuses it with new life. Armstrong brings the setting to life, vividly capturing the challenges faced by the librarian and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel beautifully weaves together elements of romance and adventure, creating a compelling and heartwarming narrative.
Through the protagonist's journey, readers are reminded of the unwavering strength found in literature and its ability to provide solace even in the darkest of times. "The War Librarian" is a captivating tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring love for books that will leave readers inspired and deeply moved. Perfect for readers that enjoyed "The Paris Librarian."
Through the protagonist's journey, readers are reminded of the unwavering strength found in literature and its ability to provide solace even in the darkest of times. "The War Librarian" is a captivating tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring love for books that will leave readers inspired and deeply moved. Perfect for readers that enjoyed "The Paris Librarian."
day_fisher's review against another edition
4.0
A classic historical fiction with dual perspectives that connect. I enjoyed seeing the perspective of women in roles new to their sex, eager to prove themselves and make an impact.