BAND OF SISTERS

Julia Whelan's superb narration enhances this engrossing novel inspired by the real-life experiences of 18 women from Smith College who traveled to a French village during WWI to provide relief aid. Willig based her characters on actual participating Smithies, drawing mostly from their letters, and Whelan delivers distinct characterizations so deftly that the listener becomes immersed in the personalities and astonishing events. Whelan's portrayal of Kate, an alumna who always felt inferior to her well-to-do classmates, depicts growing confidence as Kate flourishes in the face of unimaginable hardships in war-torn France. The women find humor in their challenges--such as their realization that their chickens are barren because what they bought are actually roosters. Through it all, they discover camaraderie, loyalty, and even romance. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2021]