Great historical fiction, about a lesser-known aspect of WW1.
As the author’s notes at the end explain, this novel is based on the true story of a woman determined to help soldiers disfigured from the war. The masks that she developed for these men with “broken faces” forever changed their lives, from horror to new beginnings.

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

I liked the story and the way the beginning told from several different povs and then came together as the book progressed. However, it seemed to drag in places with filler narratives that just didn't need to be there. I mean how many times do I need to know about meat pies? I have to admit I was more intrigued by Abby's story than anyone else. In my opinion the story could have been better served if it didn't try to incorporate so many different characters and their back stories and just focus on Abby and Coln. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a fascinating story and translates beautifully from the actual events to this fictionalised version. I loved the details of the mask making process and how the different characters brought their distinct skills to the effort. I also enjoyed the information about the induction process for soldiers enlisting early on in the war effort. Where the book fell a little short for me was the nice tidy romances, which seemed very contrived and where the dialogue seemed decidedly out of touch with the time in which the book is set.