Book Review of
Sisters In Arms
Grace Steele and Eliza Jones may be from completely different backgrounds, but when it comes to the army, specifically the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), they are both starting from the same level. Not only will they be among the first class of female officers the army has even seen, they are also the first Black women allowed to serve.
As these courageous women help to form the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, they are dealing with more than just army bureaucracy—everyone is determined to see this experiment fail. For two northern women, learning to navigate their way through the segregated army may be tougher than boot camp. Grace and Eliza know that there is no room for error; they must be more perfect than everyone else.
When they finally make it overseas, to England and then France, Grace and Eliza will at last be able to do their parts for the country they love, whatever the risk to themselves.
Based on the true story of the 6888th Postal Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), Sisters in Arms explores the untold story of what life was like for the only all-Black, female U.S. battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II.
Lynn's Review
Sisters in Arms was one of the books I got last year from Book of the Month when I was trying to use up my points before I quit Book of the Month Club. I wanted to love this book but it ended up being just an okay read for me.
If I had to give it a star rating I would probably give it two and a half stars.
Sisters in Arms is based on the true story of the 688th Central Postal Directory Battalion during WWII. It was the only all-Black female U.S. battalion to be deployed overseas during WWII.
I found the true story part fascinating and that is the part of the book I loved. Several of the characters were based on real people, but the majority of them were not. They were based on real events, not real people. And that is the part of the story that I struggled with.
I found the two main characters hard to like. I found them annoying at times and struggled with the decisions that they made.
The book was also PG-13 in a couple of spots which I thought was unnecessary. I also found the dialogue and story a bit choppy in places and thought it could have used more editing.
I think the story of the all Black female battalion is an important one, so if you like unusual WWII historical fiction this one might be one that you enjoy.