I loved this book for many reasons. Firstly, I love a good dual timeline story. And the timelines for this book were set in time periods that I'm not as familiar with. Emmaline is a volunteer librarian in World War I, while Kathleen is a part of the first class of women allowed into the naval academy. Both of the women were strong characters who had their flaws, but also showed remarkable strength and courage. I loved learning more about their different lives and the challenges that each had to face. Also, I had no idea that there were librarians serving in hospitals during World War I, and I found that fascinating.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction and a strong female main character who isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Historical fiction transports readers into the past and unlocks portions of history. Addison Armstrong pens a novel that straddles the line between 1918 and 1977 where women are thrust into war while fighting against prejudice.

In 1918, Emmaline's bookish dreams take center stage as she dons the cloak of a war librarian and reconnects with a former friend. Sending letters secretly as Nicholas' flame, new feelings spark after meeting him again in person.

Flash forward to 1976 where Kathleen Carre prepares to enter as a plebe in the Navy. Selected as the inaugural group of women, the honor becomes horror as they are mistreated and ridiculed by their male counterparts.
As pieces of the dual-linear puzzle emerge, the stories intertwine. Will the price of glory be too expensive to pay to survive?

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of the #TheWarLibrarian in exchange for an honest review. I love historical fiction and Armstrong's novel is one of the best books I've read this year. Filled with courage, determination and second chances, readers will step into the past to appreciate the future.

I really enjoyed this interesting dual timeline historical fiction novel! Both storylines were strong though they wove together, had compelling stories alone. I felt transported into the World War I era and the post-Vietnam 70s as the two main character women served their country in different ways.

THE WAR LIBRARIAN by Addison Armstrong is an emotionally captivating dual timeline historical fiction story featuring two women finding their voices and standing up for what they believe is right against injustice and inequality no matter the personal cost. So much in this historical story mirrors the ongoing moral struggle occurring in current society.

In 1918, Emmaline Balakin works in the Dead Letter Office. An only child, timid and bookish until she discovers a letter bearing a name from her past. It is the spark she needs to break out of her shell and embark on an adventure that takes her to a frontline hospital in France as a volunteer librarian. She reunites with a man from her past, befriends black servicemen and protests banned books as she discovers she is stronger than she believed until the military steps in.

In 1976, Kathleen Carre is eager to prove herself in the first coed class at the U.S. Naval Academy, but not everyone wants women at the Academy. The harassment only makes Kathleen more determined to succeed until the death of her grandmother who raised her almost breaks her. The solitary Kathleen soon finds herself being accused of crimes that could be the end of her dreams at the Academy unless she learns to trust others and uncover a secret from her grandmother’s past.

I loved this story and the strong, independent women characters. I found the history of the voluntary librarians overseas fascinating and the ongoing discussion of banning books relevant, to my dismay, to this day. The integration of women into the service academies occurred when I had just graduated from high school, and I always found those women to be brave leaders in the fight for equality. To read and realize that some of the problems encountered by the female midshipmen still occurs today, almost 50 years later is at times disheartening and at times maddening. This story opens the readers eyes to so many societal issues that are still considered issues and have never been resolved. This is an emotional rollercoaster with great characters that I could not put down.

I highly recommend this dual timeline historical fiction!

Strong female characters, even stronger female friendships, and a secret that crosses generations.

✨ Book Review: THE WAR LIBRARIAN by Addison Armstrong ✨

📖 Synopsis: Emmaline Balakin and Kathleen Carre are breaking boundaries across two timelines—one serving during the Great War, aka WWI, and another who’s part of the Naval Academy class of 1980, the first graduating class with women. Both must find courage amid harsh environments and against those who do not want to see them succeed. Connected by Emmaline’s Nana and a monumental secret, these two women have much more in common than they think.

😍 Review: Really enjoyed the story, the characters, and all the historical details. Then once the secret was revealed, it all came together even more. Such a good twist! Highly recommend for fans of historical, women’s, and/or family drama fiction.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

🎉 THE WAR LIBRARIAN by Addison Armstrong is out now! Thanks to @NetGalley and @PutnamBooks for the early eARC of this book. I loved it!

Dual timeline? Yep
Family secrets? Yep
Woman trying to find there place in a male run world? 100%

In this book we have Emmaline Balakin, who is serving as a war librarian in France, during WWI, after getting a letter in the Dead Letter Office for her childhood friend, Nicholas Agrapov, in the letter he talks about power of books during the war and how they are a needed escape. Emmaline starts to see the injustices that are happening to some of the soldiers in the war and wants to speak out. Ultimately this leads to her being sent to a war prison.

Kathleen Carre, 1976, is in the first class of female midshipman for the Naval academy. Her story follows a similar path of wanting to fight injustices but then after her grandmothers death she finds a letter that her grandma wrote to Nicholas Agrapov and it changes her life forever.

This book is really well written and the story was an interesting take on woman’s rights and the power of the writtten word. This book will stay with me for a long time and I truly enjoyed it. I read along to my digital copy, thank you to @berkleypublishing @netgalley and @addjson.Armstrong.author , while listening to my digital copy provided by @prhaudio. The audiobook was done with two narrators, Saskatoon Maarleveld, and Karen Ezzo. The narration kept me engaged and wanting to see what the connection was.

My only critique of the book was that the family connection to the past during times of was has been done a lot lately. It is a great way to learn about the past but I kinda just want the one timeline sometimes instead of having to have the two.

I really, really enjoyed this highly readable dual timeline historical fiction book about Emmaline, a war librarian serving in WWI and her granddaughter, Kathleen, who is among the first coed class at the Naval Academy in 1976.

It was fascinating reading about Kathleen's experience trying to fit in and the prejudices she faces as a woman in a male dominated world. Mirrored by her grandmother's work bringing books to soldiers in a hospital and setting up a book club that discussed subversive and banned books.

Intertwined through both timelines is the mystery surrounding Kathleen's grandmother's true identity and the lost love of her life. Highly recommended for fans of The Paris library and great on audio. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Favorite quote: "Books are the best place to hide when the world is just too much."

Two Brave Women

This is a dual timeline story of two brave women who knew what they wanted and went for it despite the disrespect shown to them by some of their male counterparts.

It is a story of hard work, determination and breaking the gender prejudice cycle.

Emmaline is in WWI, 1918, she sets her sites on becoming a war librarian after reading a letter she found in the dead letter office addressed to an old friend she cared for. She faces prejudice not only as a woman not to be taken seriously by the officers but desperately trying to make all soldiers feel better by finding them books to read and reading to them. She is taken aback by the prejudice against the black soldiers. A letter she composes against it has long lasting effects even into the next generation. A secret that is held by her best friend Nellie but never revealed.

The time goes to 1976 and a young woman named Kathleen dead set on becoming a cadet at the United States Naval Academy. She wants to be in one of the first classes that women are accepted. Her Grandmother who raised her tries to discourage her but she is determined. She soon finds out that her grandmother was correct it is not easy to be a female cadet in a school that has been male only for so long. She finds a letter in her grandmother's letters after her death that will unlock an old untold secret which will change her life forever.

This was an great book featuring strong willed, determined women fighting to be recognized for their efforts and fighting every step of the way. I love how the dual storyline comes together at the end and I did love the ending.

This was a great book to read and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Addison Armstrong for writing a great book, to Penguin group at G.P. Putnam and sons for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me to read and review.

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!

The War Librarian is a duel timeline story set between the end of WW1 and 1976. I found the story very interesting and great meshing back and forth between the generations. If you like historical I think you will enjoy this.

A dual timeline! My favorite! The War Librarian is pleasantly pleasing historical fiction novel.

In 1918, Emmaline is a war librarian in France. In 1976, Kathleen is one of the first women accepted into the United States Naval Academy. The book is told in alternating points of views and the women’s experiences and struggles mirror each other.

I found the 1976 storyline to be the more interesting of the two. Kathleen’s struggles with the misogyny of her fellow cadets was a bit mind boggling and difficult to read at times.

Overall, this is a satisfying read for historical fiction fans.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A remarkable story about “the magic and power of words to give comfort and effect change.” Addison Armstrong weaves this dual timeline of the upbringing and youth of Emmaline Balakin and Kathleen Carre into a tale of women who are filled with stamina, courage, and leadership.
Emmaline’s story set in 1918 France during WWl is based on the letters of real-life war librarian Mary Frances Isom. With Armstrong’s deeply researched details of soldiers in the trenches and sensory filled descriptions of the war-ravaged French countryside readers are truly “mired in the muddy lanes” and politics of war as Emmaline delivers her wheelbarrow of books to soldiers. Emmaline draws strength from memories of her parents and why they left Russia; not because the Czar was banning weapons, but because he was banning books. “Ideas are more dangerous than war” energizes her passionate belief that books are for everyone, no matter race, religion, political beliefs, or economic standing. Armstrong’s depictions of the colored soldiers’ treatment places readers squarely into the remote crowded tents with no heat and lack of prompt medical care. The scenes of Emmaline reading aloud to the colored soldiers “being more comforting than mama’s blackberry pie and like a magic carpet” caused tears of joy as she shared the love of reading. Emmaline’s beliefs and courage to do what’s right has a life changing effect on her service as a war librarian.
Emmaline’s war experiences are alternated with Kathleen Carre’s 1976 experiences in the first class of females at the United States Naval Academy. Kathleen’s grandmother, Nana, having served in the WWl Motor Corps, is her hero and the driving force for Kathleen to serve her country. Armstrong creates strong conflict and presents the prejudices of females intruding in a “man’s world” as Nana so aptly warns her. The insecure male cadets, hoping to force the women to leave, were relentless in their cruel treatment, slurs, and ransacking of rooms; only considered hazing by the USNA. This maddening harassment and the collective strategies of the female plebes truly sets these women apart and makes them heroes for exposing the truth. This emotionally challenging read requires some calm down breaks! Addison Armstrong’s The War Librarian accurately depicts racial injustices without being offensive and focuses on obvious gender biases. Read for satisfying justice in the end.

The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong is a strong historical fiction book that stands out in a crowded field of war-era historical fiction. It is told from the popular dual narrative, which I sometimes find tiring, but this one still felt original to me.

The first timeline introduces us to Emmaline in 1918 as she travels from her New Jersey home to war-torn France to be one of the first "war librarians." As a librarian myself, I was fascinated and proud to learn that the American Library Association joined with the government's war department to provide millions of books to soldiers stationed overseas. They realized that books were a vital lifeline as they served to both distract and enlighten soldiers who were fighting in battles or those who were recovering in hospitals. Emmaline has more reasons for taking on this adventure, as she is hoping to come across a certain young man she used to know.

The other timeline features Kathleen Carre, who in 1976 is part of the first U.S. Naval Academy class that allowed women to be admitted. Kathleen lives with her nana, as she is somewhat estranged from her mother who travels for her job. Nana is Kathleen's biggest cheerleader, but seems less than thrilled when Kathleen gets accepted into the academy. Nana is dealing with her own past, as she served as a Red Cross driver during World War 1 and witnessed unspeakable tragedy. She seems to sense what Kathleen may be taking on, and she is not mistaken; Kathleen and the other female plebes face plenty of hostility from classmates and instructors who are not pleased by their presence.

The pace of the story moves quickly, and I found myself invested in both timelines, even though I usually find myself preferring one timeline much more than the other. Both characters were strong and mostly believable. The tie between the two women was one I did not see coming but found very fitting. There is even a little romance that does not detract from the plot. There is a strong theme of books wielding the power to comfort, heal and teach. In fact, the author states in her author's note that she does not consider this a book about war, but a book about the magic and power of words. I couldn't agree more!

I will recommend this book to readers who like historical fiction as a standout in that crowded genre.

Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I've been reading a ton of WWII Historical Fiction, so it was a nice change to learn more about our efforts during WWI in this enlightening novel. The author really brought to light something I thought so little about: the need for soldiers to escape their reality through books. I never thought of the need for war librarians and donations of books. But this novel was so much more...

The author created a story that underscores the importance of books to provide comfort but also to enlighten and inform. She brings to light the fact that in these United States, book banning was an issue back in the early 1900s as it still is today. As she states in the author's note: "...𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑫𝑺 𝑯𝑨𝑽𝑬 𝑷𝑶𝑾𝑬𝑹."

Ms. Armstrong delved into women's never-ending struggle to prove themselves in a male-dominated society, despite their exemplary contributions throughout history. And she even threw in a storyline that highlighted the racist attitudes that have mired our history.

I was duly impressed by not only the affecting tone of the novel, but the impressive dual timeline with which she chose to tell her story. Both protagonists were strong, capable women that effected change in their own world.

Bravo @addison.armstrong.author ! What an important novel with such strong messages.

Many thanks to @NetGalley and @putnambooks for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

This is actually a story of two women - Emmaline Balakin and Kathleen Carre - and two different times in history. Emmaline is shy, living in her books and working at the Dead Letter Office when an envelope crosses her path with a name she recognizes from her childhood. This emboldens her to volunteer as a librarian to the troops on the frontlines of France during World War I. After a harrowing journey across the Atlantic, she encounters the horrors of the wounded as her “library” is located within a large field hospital and overcomes many of her insecurities while confronting many social issues that also affected the war effort. Kathleen has been accepted into the first class to admit women to the US Naval Academy. Her first challenge, along with 80 other females plebes, is to gain acceptance among the predominantly male midshipmen. She must overcome prejudice and discrimination to succeed in her goal of serving in the Navy. Armstrong has delivered an interesting story as she goes back and forth in alternating chapters revolving around these two women. Some of the obstacles and societal challenges both women overcome are well incorporated into this interesting read. My thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

The War Librarian is a multigenerational inspiring tale of two brave women facing challenges… Emmaline heading to the frontlines as a volunteer librarian during WW1 and her granddaughter, Kathleen, joining the first coed class at the naval academy in 1976. I found both of their stories very compelling and was relieved I was not in either of their shoes as they both battled obstacles in their way. I love the way Addison Armstrong’s writing made me feel as if I were right in the midst of the obstacles. My heart was pounding as Kathleen faced the men harassing her and her commanders. How frustrated she must have been. And Emmaline facing the deploring living conditions and racism, along with all the devastating injuries the men suffered from.
Nicholas stole my heart in both storylines. Loved the revelation towards the end. Also appreciated the information in the Author’s Note as well as the Conversation with Addison Armstrong. My favorite books are those that teach me something and this read certainly fulfilled that. Librarians have been among my very favorite people from the time I started school so I love the spotlight this places on the importance of books in our lives.
My sincere thanks and appreciation to Addison Armstrong, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, and NetGalley for affording me the pleasure of reading an arc of this compelling story.

This book grabbed my attention from the start. There were parts that were slower than I would have liked and I wish that we got to know the characters and their relationships in more depth, but the overall story is amazing, powerful and important. The writing is captivating and despite wanting more depth from the characters, they are strong and determined. Told stories of two women, during two different time frames, this book details the sacrifice and courage that women needed (and maybe still need!) to serve the U.S. Military.


1918 - Emmaline loves books. When an envelope with meaning crosses her desk at the Dead Letter Office, she finds herself volunteering to become a librarian at the frontlines in France. She participates in a book club with injured soldiers, she finds romance blooming, and the need for courage to be stronger than ever.

1976 - Kathleen is accepted into the 1st coed class in the US Naval Academy to make herself and her Nana proud. One there, she finds things aren't as easy as she expected and that she must learn to trust others even when discovering difficult secrets.


Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

This was a Five Star Read for me! I loved this dual timeline historical fiction book following the lives of two heroic women who served their country.

Historical fiction readers get many dual timeline historical fiction novels to choose from that take place during WWI and WWII; this one was a little different.

I liked that the WWI timeline was pretty narrowly focused on a female volunteer librarian and censorship. The more recent timeline was also very interesting and covered a point in recent history that was fascinating to me. Learning about the first class of women at the U.S. Naval Academy and what they went through was disconcerting and fascinating!

With the World War I timeline, there were a lot of convenient coincidences, but they help move the storyline along. Because of this, we get more about Emmaline’s ideals and personal beliefs than just a story about a woman living in a World War I hospital as a librarian. I also loved all of the details about the library books and how they were donated to the soldiers by the people back home.

Lastly, the ending is bittersweet but hopeful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Group for sending me an ARC of The War Librarian in exchange for an honest review.

The War Librarian centers around two different timelines: one about a girl named Emmaline who is serving as a hospital librarian in France during World War 1, and one about a girl named Kathleen, who is a US Naval Academy midshipman.

I genuinely enjoyed this book from start to finish. I identified with different characteristics within Emmaline and Kathleen, namely Emmaline's love for books and always wanting to help other people, as well as Kathleen's determination and strength. This book has so many different twists and turns that keep the reader guessing throughout the story and the two timelines come together in the most beautiful culminated way that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

This book also tackled some very important issues that occurred in the United States Military throughout the war, namely the treatment of African American soldiers as opposed to the treatment of white soldiers. The author also tackled the extreme opposition of women joining miltary service and the struggles women faced to be accepted as equals.

I would definitely suggest looking up trigger warnings on this book in case you are sensitive to several topics such as targeting/hazing.

Overall, I would give this book an extremely strong 5/5 stars! If you enjoy historical fiction, do yourself a favor and go purchase a copy of this incredible book!

The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong is an amazing historical novel. What a pleasure to learn this information about war librarians and the ALA in such an informative and entertaining way.