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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
What a wonderful audio book! Author Runyon has spun a truly enjoyable tale of the Hello Girls of the Army Signal Corps in WW I.
I enjoyed this book and found it really interesting, but it seemed to drag on way longer than neccessary. I found myself speed reading the last 6 or so chapters.
Summary: After Ruby Wagner’s brother is killed in one of the earliest battles in World War I, she decides to follow in his footsteps and aid her country in the war effort. She reads a notice that the Army Signal Corps is looking for female switchboard operators.
Ruby currently works as a switchboard operator for the local telephone company in Philadelphia. Thanks to her upwardly mobile mother, Ruby is also fluent in French and has excellent elocution. Ruby takes the exams and passes with flying colors. Much to her parents’ dismay, Ruby heads near the front lines in France, connecting calls and translating messages between Generals. She is also assigned to be the leader of her group, sometimes making difficult decisions as she balances duty with the women’s personal needs.
As part of the Main Line in Philadelphia, Ruby’s life was mapped out for her by her parents. They encouraged an engagement to a suitable young man and Ruby feels duty-bound to see the marriage through if they both survive the war. But the social changes brought about by the war, her new-found inner strength and her relationship with a young medic make her question the path she was expected to follow.
Comments: When I picked up Girls on the Line , I didn’t have high expectations, despite the glowing reviews on Amazon. And indeed, for the first few chapters of the book, the story seemed a bit simplistic and predictable. I was also put off by the narrator’s clipped tones. But as I got into the story, I not only came to feel deeply for the characters, but I also learned a lot.
My schooling rather breezed through World War I, and being a child of the 60’s, I wasn’t taught about women’s accomplishments. I’d never heard of the Hello Girls, the group of women on which this novel was based. The author does a credible job of bringing their experiences to life and it is obvious she did a lot of research. In the afterward, Runyan discusses some of the material she had access to as she wrote their story.
Highly recommended for readers of Historical Fiction, especially novels concentrating on World War I.
Ruby currently works as a switchboard operator for the local telephone company in Philadelphia. Thanks to her upwardly mobile mother, Ruby is also fluent in French and has excellent elocution. Ruby takes the exams and passes with flying colors. Much to her parents’ dismay, Ruby heads near the front lines in France, connecting calls and translating messages between Generals. She is also assigned to be the leader of her group, sometimes making difficult decisions as she balances duty with the women’s personal needs.
As part of the Main Line in Philadelphia, Ruby’s life was mapped out for her by her parents. They encouraged an engagement to a suitable young man and Ruby feels duty-bound to see the marriage through if they both survive the war. But the social changes brought about by the war, her new-found inner strength and her relationship with a young medic make her question the path she was expected to follow.
Comments: When I picked up Girls on the Line , I didn’t have high expectations, despite the glowing reviews on Amazon. And indeed, for the first few chapters of the book, the story seemed a bit simplistic and predictable. I was also put off by the narrator’s clipped tones. But as I got into the story, I not only came to feel deeply for the characters, but I also learned a lot.
My schooling rather breezed through World War I, and being a child of the 60’s, I wasn’t taught about women’s accomplishments. I’d never heard of the Hello Girls, the group of women on which this novel was based. The author does a credible job of bringing their experiences to life and it is obvious she did a lot of research. In the afterward, Runyan discusses some of the material she had access to as she wrote their story.
Highly recommended for readers of Historical Fiction, especially novels concentrating on World War I.
I listened to the audiobook. I liked the story but didn't care for the narrator. Listening to it at double time helped.
I loved reading about Ruby knowing her worth as a woman-and wanting to do more in the midst of WW1. I find this time period one of the most important eras in American history-for all the women who worked to achieve the same rights, and wasnt treated equally-especially during their time in service. It was fascinating watching Ruby blossom and grow and get the courage to stand up for her beliefs and rights-and finding someone who respected her in the same way. How talented she had to be to deliver messages via the phone lines for generals in the middle of the Great War.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am really, really kicking myself for not getting to this book sooner. From the first chapter to the last, this was an amazing story that I just could not put down. And reading this so close to a very important election, the epilogue was very timely and well thought out.
This incredible, intense story makes me want to scoop up the rest of Aimie Runyan's work. I appreciate how she gives unsung heroes of WWI their due.
This incredible, intense story makes me want to scoop up the rest of Aimie Runyan's work. I appreciate how she gives unsung heroes of WWI their due.
I received this from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.
Ruby follows her heart and answers the Army Signal Corps’ call for women operators to help overseas.
Interesting story based on real history. But the conversational language was rather sophomoric.
3☆
Ruby follows her heart and answers the Army Signal Corps’ call for women operators to help overseas.
Interesting story based on real history. But the conversational language was rather sophomoric.
3☆