In bringing to life Georgette ‘Dickey’ Chapelle’s story, author Erika Robuck explores the cost of war.

Dickey was a freelance photojournalist sent to capture the revolutions in Hungary and Cuba and the war in Vietnam. You’ll want to save this compelling story to your ‘must-read’ list because it’s unique historical fiction about the first female war correspondent to die in combat - a trailblazing civilian who was buried with full military honors. Aren’t you curious about what she did that the US Army bestowed these honors on her? Even if this question doesn't pique your interest, perhaps you'll want to see how one of the most unforgiving situations in history fostered the success and transformation of an ordinary woman.

As a voracious reader of historical fiction, I appreciated that Robuck showed me different aspects and locations of wartime conflict. She captured the delicate balance between raw emotions, fascinating settings, and unforgettable characters while honoring the bravery of a woman whose service was overlooked.

By inserting her characters into intense action, allowing them to experience hardship and then granting them the ability to capture it to show those on the sidelines, Robuck exposes the human side of history for her readers. This unique lens captures the resilience of the human spirit and the power of bravery in the face of evil.

If you enjoy intelligence history, trailblazing women in the shadows of war, epistolary format alternating with prose, and are curious about the courage bolstered and witnessed on the front lines, this one is for you!

I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.