Where was this book when I was studying World War Two? I learned more in 356 pages of historical fiction then I did in numerous textbooks. I was able to take this well written story and let it guide me to learn more, to feel more.

I am in awe of the brilliance exhibited by the author. The author uses the adventures of Lee Carson, an American journalist for the International News Service, to tell just a little bit of the story about the Allied invasion.

Through the eyes of Lee Carson, I witnessed battles, bombings, invasions and so much more. She did not take no for an answer. She didn't let being female stop her. She slid into foxholes. She followed different squadrons, risking her life, sharing what she learned. Danger didn't stop her from reporting on the war and letting those back home know about their sons, their fathers, their husbands.

This story transported me to a time we must not forget. It was if I was witnessing what Lee Carson saw. I was looking through her eyes. I experienced the horrors. I cried for those that were lost. I cheered their successes. I sat in quiet distress over the cruelties they discovered. I am so grateful for Jack Ford's words. He took me a jourey I will not forget.

Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears tells of the perils faced by news correspondents who were on the ground during WWII, with a specific focus on Lee Carson, a female reporter who broke barriers to tell the stories of war.

Just as the news reports by Lee Carson captivated the readers of her time, the fictional telling of her life by Jack Ford captured my attention in a way that touched many emotions and provoked feelings of admiration and familiarity, a familiarity similar to what the troops may have felt while being interviewed by Lee Carson. As Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears concluded, I found myself filled with emotion and couldn’t fight back the tears conjured by delving into Carson’s life, a life devoted to getting the true story and making those she interviewed feel like they mattered greatly. She helped them to have hope that their story would be told and their bravery would have an impact during a time when many lives were being lost each day and the difficulties they faced were more than many could ever imagine.
Ford’s story is an absolute must read work and is so important to gaining a better understanding of the courage of women during WWII and the difficulties women faced just to do their job.

Thank you so much to Uplit Reads, Kensington Books, and Jack Ford for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears.

I reviewed this book for the May Issue of Historical Novels Review, and per their policy, I cannot post it online until after the next issue is published on May 1st. I will update my review then.

Alan Collenette
Pen on Fire

This worked well in a duel timeline and had that historical element that I was wanting. The characters were everything that I wanted and was invested in what was happening. I was engaged with what was happening and enjoyed the overall feel of the world. Jack Ford was able to write this well and had me from the first page.

Lee Carson, groundbreaking US female journalist forgotten by history finds a voice in “Beyond this Place of Wrath and Tears” a version of her life reporting from the frontlines in WW2 and then 10 or so years later, an imaginary version of her life untangling a spy scandal at the start of the cold war.

An enjoyable historical fiction, with dual timelines of Lee’s life. At times the writing flowed beautifully, at other times a little disjointed and almost inauthentic. Overall an enjoyable solid 3.5 star read.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Kensington Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy of this historical fiction. I enjoy stories of highly qualified, incredible women who broke through the glass ceiling. This dual timeline novel tells us a true story of a female journalist who defies all odds during WWII and makes her way to the front lines. Many years later she, again makes a name for herself during the Cold War. Jack Ford does not disappoint with this novel.

this book was just okay. It was hard to get through, it was very history-heavy and full of lots of war and it was not my favorite book to read. I think it was okay, not the best nook, but it was entertaining a little bit

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

While I enjoyed the premise of the book and Lee, I found it a bit disjointed jumping back and forth between timelines.
I'm a sucker for historical fiction and Lee Carson is just starting to get the recognition she deserves so I really enjoyed the research and dedication put into this book