Having previously read The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles, I was happy to see she had a new book out. Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is set during the Great War and is based on the true story of women who went into France to help the people in the smaller villages that had been decimated by the war.

One of the ways the women helped the people was by re-establishing the local library that had sustained damage to most of the building. Kit Carson was one of the women from America that came to help. Her vision improved the library and became a model for other libraries in France.

Kit and the other women also began a book brigade by driving out to the more rural areas with books for people to check out. The citizens looked forward to the days the book mobile was to arrive.

All of the characters had a unique story and were very different but they made a great team by staying focused on their goal of being there to help with food, medical care and support wherever it was needed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review and recommend this book to other readers who enjoy historical fiction.

4.75 stars

I have always loved historical fiction with multiple POVs and a strong focus on women and their role in important historical events. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade was a well-researched story that captivated you from the start. I read this book not too long after my re-read of The Women by Kristin Hannah and realized that even though both books have a very different tone/approach, both books beautifully demonstrate that women were indeed there in every important war/historical event. Our history books like to focus on the men who fought and never give us a glimpse of what the women did to ensure victory. These women were strong and deserved to be remembered, even if it is through the written word. I will recommend Miss Morgan's Book Brigade and several other recent historical fiction books to every reader I come across.

I was excited to receive an ARC of Miss Morgan's Book Brigade because I enjoyed Janet Sheslien Charles' The Paris Library.

This is a story told from two POV and two timelines. 1918 Jessie "Kit" Carson, a NYPL children's librarian, moves to France to join the CARDS. Wendy, a NYPL employee, stumbles across the story of the CARDS and is drawn in quickly. Wendy is determined to discover what happened to Kit and her friends.

This book fell short for me compared to The Paris Library. I found the story of the CARDS to be fascinating. I had never heard of this group and found their story inspiring and quite remarkable. At times, I felt there were gaps in the story explaining some of the finer details of the story. I am not sure Wendy's story added much to the overall impact.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I found the premise of this book super promising and interesting. I love books based on actual people but adding some flair to what the author thinks may have happened, This one, however, took a long while to get into. The characters are pretty decent but the connection isn't fully there until later on. The switching back and forth is also slightly harder to follow. Some books it is seamless and others not so much. I am bummed I didn't get into this book as much as I assumed I would. I appreciate the opportunity to read this early!

WOW! Historical fiction about books and librarians that I did not finish? How weird. I just could not get into this story. It's not terrible, just not great and it did not capture my attention. I read almost half and decided not to finish. Clearly well researched, but the main character just didn't appeal to me. I'm sure others will like it, but it's a DNF for me.

“Even in the grimmest places, beauty abounded, if you only knew how to look.”

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a dual timeline Historical Fiction beginning in 1918 featuring children’s librarian Jessie “Kit” Carson, millionaire Anne Morgan (daughter of J.P. Morgan), and the international group of women known as the CARDs (American Committee of Devastated France). These women worked tirelessly to help build devastated French communities just miles from the front.

Then in 1987 we meet NYPL librarian and aspiring writer Wendy who stumbles upon Jessie Carson in the archives. She quickly becomes consumed and curious about this elusive librarian.

You guys! I devoured this book. The writing is so beautiful. While it does read as a slow burn at times (as war can be) I absolutely fell in love with these women. I love any books that center around books or libraries, but I bet this will be the first time time you’ve heard of bookmobiles from no longer used ambulances after war.

“Books are bridges. They show us how we’re connected.”

This book will give you so much hope and prove over and over again how important stories can be to escape. How stories connect us. How stories can reach people when they need it the most.

You absolutely don’t want to miss the author’s notes and pictures of the true history of all these women. Simply remarkable!

“What are we fighting for, if it’s not the people we love, the ideas we cherish, the stories we want to pass on?”

4.5 stars

3.5 stars, Felt like the middle dragged on a bit. I did enjoy reading of the creation and renovation of the libraries, as well as women breaking into the male-dominated librarian profession.

There is so much to unpack with regards to this well written, important novel, it’s hard to know where to start. I loved the story of Jesse “Kit” Carson, a librarian from NYPL who went to a France in 1918 to join the American Committee for Devastated France, called the CARD. The devastation brought on by the German offensive in Northern France led to complete ruin, and the group of American, British, Canadian and French women worked tirelessly to restore food, education, libraries and some sense of normalcy. Kit and her fellow CARDS, faced danger but persisted until 1924, during which time Kit’s contribution to French librarianship included the formation of children’s departments and female entry into a male dominated field. I learned so much about an effort I knew nothing about, and I am grateful to the author for this amazing ode to history, librarians, and women. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity.

I love a good historical fiction about the lives of women during war time but, even more so when based on actual people. This book was about the life of librarian Jessie "Kit" Carson from NY during WW1 in 1918. Kit was recruited to France to join a group of high society ladies led by J.P. Morgan's youngest daughter, Anne Morgan, who wished to aid the French people as their lives were being torn apart during the war. Kit, who did not come from wealth like most of the other women there, brought books to the village children and had the goal of starting a library. Through this, she becomes a healing balm for the children and their mothers, nurturing them through story time and to their shock, allowing them check out books to take home, and ultimately bringing joy into their lives which were full of so much loss. I loved learning about the history of these brave women known as "Cards", who risked their lives to help the French villagers.

Thank you Net Galley and Atria (Simon & Schuster) publishing for the ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skestien Charles is a WWI historical fiction novel. I enjoy reading about real people (especially unsung women whose stories need to be recognized) within a historical fiction storyline. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is for those who also adore books about books with many literary references sprinkled throughout.
Told in a dual timeline of modern day, NYC (NY public library) and during WWI France. Based upon the life of American Librarian, Jessie Carson, who changed the literary landscape of WWI France by introducing children's libraries and book mobiles bringing literature and optimism to a worn torn rural France.
Sent from the New York Public Library and funded by American heiress, Anne Morgan (of JP Morgan), Jessie is hired to travel into war torn rural France to work as a librarian. Dedicated to helping to rebuild and connecting with the local children who have endured war occupation. She digs in and builds a community of relationships along the way.
In modern day timeline, Wendy is an employee of the NYPL working to preserve documents. She comes across a newsletter of about the CARDS and decides to deep dive into finding more about the women who served. Jessie's story is uncovered.
Don't leave off the author notes at the end!

I would have rated it extra stars if I could…..a truly magnificent story with meticulous research to give a fullness and depth to the narrative. However the dual narrative weakened the book. It would have been a stronger book if it just focused on the World War I account. And the book title left something to be desired. Why no reference to France? The title could have included Voila, Merci, or Viva to give it more flair and a hint of the storyline. But it was such a fascinating story that I have purchased two books mentioned in the text to follow up on Mary Breckenridge and Anne Morgan.
Merci, Ms. Charles!

thebooklovingardener
Book Review:
Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
For those who remember escaping to the pages of the Paris Library during the early stages of the pandemic comes a highly anticipated second novel by Skeslien Charles.
Synopsis:
The year is 1918. Not happy in her job at the New York Library, Jessie Carson takes a leave and head to war-torn France to support the work of Anne Morgan, a millionaire who is dedicating her life to rebuilding the country in the last years of the Great War. As Jesse struggles to comprehend the devastation, she realizes that the best way she can help is through sharing her love of literature. She soon finds ways to soothe the children and provide solace to the villagers and soldiers in that region.
1987:
Wendy Paterson has a dream to become a published author. While she works days cataloging articles in the depths of the New York Public library, she spends her evenings attempting to write and meet the approval of her English professor. Nothing seems to be working until she comes across a short article on the life of Jessie Carson. It doesn't provide much to go on, but Wendy is intrigued and soon becomes obsessed with finding out more about the illusive Miss Carson.
Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this dual timeline historical fiction, which features a minor undertone of romance and coming of age story.
From beginning to end, I was captivated by the cast or colorful charachters and their ability to overcome the hardships of their current situation. With numerous references to book quotes and other literary works, it is very apparent that Charles loves literature and its ability to build connection with even those most broken.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you, @netgalley and @simonschusterca, for providing me a copy. Providing a whole hearted endorsement is my pleasure.
Read if you enjoy:
Historical fiction
A bright cast of vivacious females
Dual timelines
A sprinkling of romance
A coming of age trope
Warnings:
Language: Minor
Romance: one open door scene that is moderately descriptive
Trigger warning: war, loss, death
#bookreview #bookstagram #historicalfiction #comingofage #reader

I've read a lot of novels about both World Wars and I always love when a get a new take. The CARDS are something I've heard of, but didn't know much about. I really enjoyed Kit's story and learning about the part these women played in the wat. I also enjoyed the more modern tie in and learning about where these women ended up. This book did a good job of keeping things upbeat, while still remembering it was about war.

I love historical fiction, especially stories that focus on a lesser known/covered chapter in history. And I love libraries. 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍'𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐃𝐄 brought both together in a transformative and captivating way.

𝘔𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬:
Dual timeline structure between WWI and 1987.

Strong, courageous, gutsy women of the "CARDs" - women who served voluntarily to help the women and children of war torn France.

Many characters were real women or based on real women.

Lovingly and carefully researched.

Female friendships.

Highlighted how books connect us and create community even at the worst of times.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is the story of Kit Carson, a librarian in France during WWI, who works alongside other women to bring books to people who have lost all hope. It is an intriguing story and I am thankful for the chance to read it.

A story that touches upon themes of the horrors of war, trauma, resilience and survival, friendship, compassion and the healing power of books and reading Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is a remarkable work of historical fiction. Based on the true story of Jessie Carson, an American librarian known for her efforts to establish children’s libraries in war-torn France and training young French women librarians, the novel also sheds light on CARD, the American Committee for Devastated France, (Le Comité américain pour les régions dévastées), an initiative headed by wealthy American philanthropist Ann Morgan and the women who volunteered to travel to France to help rebuild devastated French communities near the war front in the aftermath of The Great War.

The narrative is shared through dual timelines set in 1918 France and 1987 New York City. The 1918 timeline is shared from the perspective of Jessie, as she travels to CARD Headquarters in the village of Blérancourt, France, where she joins fellow volunteers. Miss Morgan and CARD president Dr. Anne Murray Dike. Hoping to begin her work as a librarian immediately upon arrival and share her love for favorite books and reading with the children in the village providing them with moments of much needed respite, she is unprepared for the sounds of shelling coming from the front, the hazards of the Red Zone and the destruction in the wake of the retreating German forces. The narrative follows Jessie and her friends as they go above and beyond in their efforts to offer support to the communities who are struggling to rebuild their lives after experiencing unimaginable losses.

The 1987 timeline follows aspiring writer and NYPL employee Wendy Peterson, who finds several old CARD bulletins published in 1918 that describe the work of CARD volunteers in Northern France. When she comes across a brief reference about Jessie, she is inspired to find out as much as she can about the NYPL librarian and her work – not an easy task because of limited source material and the fact that there is not much mention of Jessie in existing records. Wendy’s quest inspires her to reevaluate her own life and priorities.

Compelling characters, a strong historical backdrop and vivid prose make for a rewarding reading experience. The author deftly weaves past and present timelines into an engaging narrative that flows well. I enjoyed the 1918 timeline more and though I enjoyed following Wendy’s research in 1987, I wish the narrative had followed Jessie a little longer in her timeline. However, I did like how the author brings everything together in the end.

I loved the author’s The Paris Library and was eagerly looking forward to reading her latest offering, and I’m happy to say that I was not disappointed. Well-researched and informative, this is an exceptional work of historical fiction that I would not hesitate to recommend. I always enjoy historical fiction from which I can learn something new. I appreciate the author’s effort to highlight the contribution of this group of women in WWI. I loved Jessie’s story and was inspired to read more about her and the other real characters featured in this story. Do read the Author’s Note wherein she shares details of the people, places and events that inspired this work of historical fiction.

Many thanks to Atria Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book details the lives of the CARDS - American women, who during WWI, volunteered near the front in France to lend aid, medical help, and supplies to the local villages. Run the “the two Annes” - Anne Morgan, youngest daughter of millionaire J.P. Morgan, and Anne Murray Diker, M.D., they helped organize the relief aid, run out of Blerancourt. We follow the story of Jessie “Kit” Carson, who was recruited to establish a library. Most of the houses and farms have been decimated, so she first must gain the villagers’ trust before they will accept any kind of aid. Trying to bring a bit of normalcy back to the children, she stands her ground that the library is needed, even though the houses there need repair as well. Only 40 miles from the front, it is impossible to imagine what these women went through - and as if the war wasn’t bad enough, there was the Spanish Flu that ran rampant and took some of the villagers and volunteers. With the end of the war, many could have left to return home, but many of them - including Kit - stayed. She had the ingenious idea of repurposing ambulances into bookmobiles. Several novel ideas with that - bringing books to the masses that they could check out for 2 weeks, open shelves where you could peruse the books, and everyone was welcome at the actual library.

In the 1980’s, Wendy Peterson works at the NYPL and aspires to be a writer. None of her chapters of her story have hit the mark with her professor, and when she finds the story of the CARDS, she knows she must tell Kit’s story. It’s very satisfying how the author weaves the past with the present. Absolutely loved this book - I learned so much, which is why I love historical fiction. Be sure and read the author’s notes at the end - these were based on real women. Also, she talks about the “Red Zone” - over 460 square miles in France where to this day nothing lives, and it’s too dangerous to safely clear the area for habitation by anything. I had absolutely no idea about this or about the CARDS - very brave women! Out now, and I highly recommend! Thanks to NetGallley and Atria publishing for an ARC of this book; all opinions are my own.

Loved the story! The parts in the past were great to read. The parts from the 80's were not very good. I'm so glad I got to read about these wonderful women from WWI!

When I read the synopsis of this book, I was immediately intrigued. I aboslutely loved learning about Jessie Carson (nicknamed Kit) and her work as a CARD, bringing books to French citizens near the front lines in WWI, training librarians, and setting up libraries.. It was just so fascinating. I was drawn in initially by the present-day timeline with Wendy, but that didn't hold my interest quite as much--but that could be because Wendy was fictional whereas the CARDS were real people, and it's always a pleasure to learn more about the contributions of real historical figures. At the same time, I think there could easily have been an entire story about Kit and the CARDS, but I can't say the same for Wendy's storyline. I also think the sexual content could have been left out. All in all, I loved the historical storyline but for more conservative readers, this might not be the best pick. For those not bothered by content, this book as a lot to offer.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

What a great story of adventurous women during WWI in France. Working 40 miles from the front, this group, American Committee for Devastated France (CARDS) helped French families rebuild their homes and lives. The group was founded by JP Morgan's daughter Anne Morgan and other international women. But it's the story of Jessie Carson, a New York City librarian who is "loaned" to this group for 2 years much like a library book. It's the real life comments of Jessie who is a single working woman and the society women who are now her work mates that make this book such a terrific historical fiction read. The love of books and life propel this story of courageous and wonderful women. Thank you to Janet Skeslien Charles not only for a well written book but for bringing forth the story of these women, they are not forgotten.