A review by theavidreaderandbibliophile
The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong

4.0

The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong is a dual timeline historical novel featuring courageous women. We get to meet Emmaline Balakin who went from working in the Dead Letter Office to a librarian in an army camp in France in 1918. Kathleen Carre is admitted as one of the first women into the United States Naval Academy in 1976. Each woman will face obstacles as they enter areas dominated and run by men. I thought the author beautifully wove the two storylines together. The book contains good writing with realistic characters. I enjoyed getting to know Emmaline, Kathleen, and Nellie (Emmaline’s friend in France). We get to see what life was like for them. It was especially difficult for Kathleen who was not wanted by the male cadets or the people who ran the school. Prejudice, banned books (censorship), secrets, lost love, courage, and bullying are the themes in The War Librarian. It was interesting learning about the Library War Service who was responsible for getting books to servicemen training in camps and those overseas. At first blush, it would seem that the two storylines would be worlds apart. As the story progresses, we get to see the similarity. The twist was something I saw coming, but I enjoyed seeing how it played out. I do want to let readers know there is bullying, mild foul language, and an intimate situation. If you are someone who has been bullied, you might find it hard to read one of the scenes. I was shocked at what the female recruits were subjected to at the academy. That they were expected to carry a purse and wear three-inch heels was idiotic. I understand they are training soldiers, but I do not know how recruits put up with the demanding routine, the yelling, and all the rules (some of them are ridiculous). The War Librarian is an emotional story with a special ending. The War Librarian is a captivating tale that historical fiction lovers will enjoy.