I read a lot of WWII books. I love that there are still new stories to be told and from different perspectives. That was part of why I was so excited when I heard about Kaia Alderson's Sisters in Arms. This historical fiction novel just released today and I was interested because it featured two Black women from New York City and their war story - something I haven't encountered before in my (very white) WWII reading. The idea was amazing but the actual execution of the story let me down.

Here's the book's description:
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.
It sounds so good, right? I think my issue was how the story was actually told. Which, uh, wasn't well. There are two main characters but their stories didn't seem to be told in equal measures. For example, there's a Major Thing that happens to one of the women but it took ages for the story to get back to her to find out how she was coping - it was so strange. I also never really got a good handle on either woman. Their actions didn't always seem to match their personalities or what the reader was told, at least, that's how I felt. They also didn't really feel like fully fleshed out characters. So much of what we knew about Grace was her ability to play piano and, for Eliza, it was that she came from a wealthy family. I'm sure Alderson wanted to have two women from very different economic backgrounds to give a better idea of what it was like for these women but I think it would have been better to have it focus on one woman and another just being a really good friend who could tell her stories to the other women.




I also felt like the story dragged on a bit. Which is strange since it started in 1942, years after the war actually started, and ended not too long after VE Day in May 1945. But it felt much longer. I know why it made sense to have the story span all that time - it was important to know why it was such a big deal for these Black women to be accepted into service and the show the struggles they faced even when they were allowed in. Their work was heavily administrative - important work, to be sure - but it didn't exactly allow for an exciting read.

I wasn't surprised to read about the sexist and racist behaviour the women faced. That said, I was still appalled. Their superiors didn't know how to deal with women in the army and they had no interest in even pretending they wanted anything to do with "coloured" women. These women had to work so much harder to prove to white men (and women) that they were just as good as anyone else. They couldn't afford to make any mistake. And what's frustrating is I've read books and interviews from present day where women of colour are still saying the exact same thing. Over 70 years later. Something has to change.

I know Sisters in Arms didn't thrill me but I still think it's an important addition to WWII set novels. I'll keep an eye on Kaia Alderson and see what she writes next.

*An egalley was provided by the publisher, HarperCollins Canada, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

I loved this book. Eliza and Grace endured much and still kept their friendship. I never realized that black women had their own battalion and how upsetting to have to segregate even in the military. The fact that both of these women had special talents (Grace-piano), (Eliza-writing) they still were not given the respect they deserved. They did persevere and they were like sisters. It was heartbreaking what happened to the 3 women from the battalion after the war in France and that part of the story was true. The author did right by those women. This book was insightful, fun, heartbreaking and powerful. This is a must read for historical fiction fans.
Thanks to #netgalley, #williammorris, #bookclubgirlsearlyread and @kaiawrites for an ARC of this book

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), later the WAC, 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. 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.

This is a well-written debut novel. It shows how the girls had to cope with all the prejudices of being Black and female in a predominately White, male army. It also shows the ups and downs of the personalities of the two main characters and how they coped with each other as well as the army. I had no idea this battalion existed during WWII so learned a lot reading this historical fiction based on the 6888th.

Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson is a WWII historical fiction about the first class of black female officers in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps - WAACs.

When it comes to WWII history, I know the least about the WAACs/WACs then other areas women served so I was excited to read this. It was based on the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-black female battalion sent overseas during the war.

I wanted more out of this book. It was good, but I wanted more details about their army life. About the day to day and more on them being officers too and what it was like to lead others. It felt a little too YA for me at times with Grace & Eliza being frenemies. I wished there was a little more character development too. I did like how she showed some of the differences in segregation around the country and their experiences with racism especially being officers.

I'm definitely interested in learning more about the actual women in the 6888 so I'm glad I read this as an introduction to find out about these women but I wanted more!

Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson is a compelling historical fiction novel that centers around the the first black women to join the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II. Grace and Eliza come from very different worlds but find themselves thrust together when they both decide to do their part for the war effort and answer the call for women to join the WACs. Through the ups and downs of training, work in the US, and then eventual deployment to Europe, the women form bonds of sisterhood that are constantly tested.

I really enjoyed this book from the very beginning. I was immediately drawn into the characters. This book dealt with race and gender during the war—although if you’re expecting a super serious illustration of those social issues, you won’t find that in this story. I enjoyed reading about what these women went through and contributed militarily to the war effort. If you like historical fiction, check this one out!

An inspirational debut historical fiction set during WWll era narrating the story of 6888, only Black battalion of Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp!

I felt such great pride in reading and learning about these strong, wonderful, courageous women which is based on a true story!

This book is so different from any other WWll historical fiction I have read before. Two black women Eliza and Grace, join the battalion of Women’s Army Corp! They fight against the criticism from their family members at home along with the indifference and biases from the white soldiers they are stationed with. The challenges and obstacles these group of women faced were remarkable and their dedication to serve the country was admirable.

Thank you Bookclub girls, William Morrow books and Netgalley for the complimentary galley which hits the shelves on August 3rd, 2021

3.5 stars

I received a complimentary Kindle book from The Book Club Girls group on Facebook. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Kaia Alderson, William Morrow, The Book Club Girls group on Facebook, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

My expectation for this book was VERY high. It delivered on historical accuracy but slipped into contemporary language at times which was jarring. I really enjoyed the characters; however, I wanted more insight into their lives while they were training in Iowa, overseas in England and France, and when they returned. I think that I could have learned so much more. However, this book has given me the impetus to learn more about the "Six Triple Eight" WAC division.

Please don't get me wrong - I enjoyed this book. I liked it, but I was expecting to LOVE it. So I was somewhat disappointed.

RECOMMEND

Every time I read a new historical fiction novel lately I seem to find out more information that I never knew, including people I knew nothing about. This is another one of those cases where it was something I knew nothing about. I had no idea that there was a WAAC formed in the first place, and to find out all they went through to help during the war, regardless of how poorly they were treated. It amazes me!
This book follows Grace and Eliza; two African American women who came from two very different backgrounds and decided to sign up to join the first African American Woman's unit to be trained to help with the war. Both women go through so much, in different ways, and manage to stay in the service until after the war is won by our country. They drive each other crazy, but when push comes to shove, they always have each other's backs.
This is a novel that explores another part of our history that we don't hear enough about, and it is another great example of African American women's contributions to our history.

This was a very interesting book about these 2 black women women grace was the one who had a mother who really didn't understand her very well who wanted her to be appianosed and that's what she really didn't want to do and the other 1 was a very wealthy woman and and she was writing for her father's paper and she was very well educated and how she really wanted to do more with her life so she joins the army woman on record and Halley's 2 women finally meet and how they have different perspectives on life And how grace connected to only on the girl's nerves because she knew more I was around more The tables they got lack of clothes but I think they did a marvelous job what they had to do I do and showed aversity especially when they were going overseas and they have that they're gonna get hit by torpedo and how the other girl really couldn't understand the other girl what she went through with that attack and it was interesting

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC of Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson. I just started reading historical fiction a year ago and I never thought I would enjoy it. I have found to the contrary that I thoroughly enjoy the subject.

Sisters in Arms brought a little known (to me) aspect of World War II to my attention. Two young ladies from different socio-economic backgrounds. Eliza working for the family newspaper under the thumb of her overbearing father. Grace trying to live out her mother's dream of becoming a concert pianist. Both looking for their own meaning and way in life. The characters were likeable and the plot easy to follow. It was light reading and easy to pick up where I left off if I put it down for a couple of days. I felt this story was more about the lives of Grace and Eliza who happened to join the WAAC (WAC) as opposed to actual army/war life. Overall, it was an interesting read.

Enjoyed a bit of a different look at World War II with following the first Black WACs through their recruitment, training, and overseas service. Grace and Eliza were compelling enough characters and it was easy to root for their success. Grace's relationship with Jonathan was a little frustrating because it didn't seem all that clear whether they had strong feelings for each other, so the relationship kind of plodded along for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

During WWII Eliza and Grace are young Black women who enlist in the only all Black battalion in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). Their backgrounds are totally different, and they struggle to get along. Yet each is determined to do her part in spite of the segregation and racism that they face on and off base in the US and Europe. It is unlike anything they have experienced in their lives up north. In fact, all the women in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion are determined to succeed and prove their worth. The women pull together knowing that they cannot be less than perfect at all times.

For readers interested in untold stories of WWII, this is an important entry as it tells of Black women who deserve to be remembered. I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Historical fiction is a favorite genre of mine, especially novels that take place during World War 2. I did not think there was much new I could learn about this time, however, this book proved me wrong. Two women, Eliza and Grace, join the first all Negro unit of WAC. Each woman has her own reason for enlisting, and when they first meet do not like each other. Prejudice and bigotry follow this unit in the states and also in Europe where the unit is sent to resolve a massive problem with the delivery of mail to the soldiers. Eliza and Grace develop a tentative friendship that faces many obstacles and missed opportunities. Their relationship is well developed and their individual personalities shone through.

This was a part of WWII history I was never taught in school and I enjoyed learning about it through Sisters in Arms. Alderson did a good job of bringing these characters to life, illustrating the challenges and inequities they faced, both as women and as women of color. And those challenges didn't only come from the Caucasian military. The obstacles they had to overcome in order to serve their country originated in their Black families and communities as well. They truly were trailblazers.

Overall, I thought the author did a good job of showing both the overt as well as the subtle racial aggressions these women were subjected to - at boot camp, after being commissioned, and when out in the communities - and how that impacted the evolution of these characters. Knowing many of the incidents were based on actual events and people made them all the more raw, realistic, infuriating, and heartbreaking. They also provided the opportunity to explore the resilience, strength, and evolving maturing of Grace and Eliza throughout their journey. The women who returned home following their service in Europe were vastly different from the girls who impulsively applied to serve their country.

While the pace of the story was steady and kept my interest engaged, I eventually grew a bit tired of the petty personal differences between Eliza and Grace. There were more than a few times when I wanted to tell them to grow up (they do...eventually). Also, the ending seemed rushed and open ended. By that time, I had become invested in these two women. I wanted more information about their lives following their return. Though hints are dropped and the ending is hopeful, I guess I wanted that package wrapped with a big bow of details. Overall though, Sisters in Arms was a solid read detailing an important chapter in our history and putting college-educated, hard-working, vulnerable, but determined, Black female faces to the historical facts. I recommend it.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

A good read about WWII and the American negro units. I didn't know much about the topic so I enjoyed the historical elements that are weaved into the novel. The main characters are developed well. There are moments of violence, one slightly graphic. The ending left me wanting more. It seemed to end abruptly and not complete wrap up the story. I'm not sure if a book 2 is planned and that's why the ending was the way it was but it was a bit of a cliff hanger.

Sisters in Arms highlights many “never befores” in its story of courageous Negro women (the term used in the book).

I won’t go into all of the "never befores" and spoil the story, but the main one is the newly formed Unit of Negro WACS during WWII. As a group, they accomplish many feats and successfully overcome many obstacles that had never before been done. Many of these are a first for the Army and for their race.

Grace and Eliza are the main characters who guide us through this unprecedented period of time. Through them, the author helps us feel the anguish of their parents as they send their daughters off to the army and to situations unknown. We struggle with the female soldiers as they face racism and rancor. We cheer for Grace and Eliza as they, in their own way, pave a path for future generations.

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I especially like the author notes at the end and all the research she did to write this story. Thank you #netgalley #sistersinarms and #williammorrow/customhouse for an arc of this book.

Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson is an excellent historical novel about the Black WAAC (Women’s Army Auxiliary Crops).
I really enjoyed this book and didn’t want it to end. Grace and Liz, two black women from NYC join the Black WAAC for different reasons. One came from money, one didn’t. When they first meet at the induction center and butt heads, they hope to never see each other, but that doesn’t happen.
I leaned so much from this book. It opened my eyes as to what these women had to fight in order to serve their country. Discrimination here in the US, as well as in the army, being female. What strength they had. I wanted to learn more about Major Charity E Adams and I’m thankful that Kaia Alderson included all her resources for this book. One book I want to read now is One Woman’s Army: A Black Officer Remembers the WAC by Charity Adams Earley
I highly recommend this book for WW2 historical fiction fans.

A wonderful WW2 story, about a little known part of the American forces--the first African American women's unit, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

Both Grace and Eliza have been raised in the north--Grace to a working class family, Eliza to a wealthy newspaper publisher. They are college educated, and while there are plenty of issues for blacks in NYC, it is nothing compared to the south or the segregated army they both become apart of. Both women become officers as they form the first black women's unit, sent to Europe towards the end of WW2.

The novel focuses on the friendship and difficulties Grace and Eliza face, trying to prove that they are capable of serving and serving well, The unit itself isn't well known historically and Alderson does a great job showing the challenges these women faced both home and abroad.

This historical fiction tells the story of the only black women’s battalion during WWII. It’s based on a true story, and was filled with heroic women facing racism and terrible odds,. I loved it.

Sisters in Arms, the debut novel by Kaia Alderson, tells the story of the 6888th Postal Battalion, a unit of the WACs during WWII comprised entirely of Black women. I love historical fiction in general and WWII fiction in particular, and enjoyed learning something new and reading about experiences of women in the war of which I was largely unaware.

The two main protagonists come from quite different New York City backgrounds - their relationship develops throughout the novel as they move from recruits to experienced officers stationed abroad. I was surprised by the amount of prejudice they experienced throughout their careers, wrongly assuming that the army was more racially egalitarian at the time. Not unexpectedly they both believed that they had to more than prove themselves given their sex and race. Their journey of mistakes of successes provides an interesting and inspiring story.