Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson
A Review By: LC
Kaia Alderson’s debut historical fiction novel reveals the untold, true story of the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps, who made the dangerous voyage to Europe to ensure American servicemen received word from their loved ones during World War II.
Grace Steele and Eliza Jones may be from completely different backgrounds, but when it comes to the army, specifically the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), they are both starting from the same level. Not only will they be among the first class of female officers the army has even seen, they are also the first Black women allowed to serve.
As these courageous women help to form the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, they are dealing with more than just army bureaucracy - everyone is determined to see this experiment fail. For two Northern women, learning to navigate their way through the segregated army may be tougher than boot camp. Grace and Eliza know that there is no room for error; they must be more perfect than everyone else.
When they finally make it overseas, to England and then France, Grace and Eliza will at last be able to do their parts for the country they love, whatever the risk to themselves.
Based on the true story of the 6888th Postal Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), Sisters in Arms explores the untold story of what life was like for the only all-Black, female US battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2021
An installment in a Series? No
Narrator (s): Shayna Small
This is Kaia Alderson’s first novel and she did a fabulous job. Upon reading this I learned it was based on a true story. She even used the real names from the WAAC (Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps). She touched on how women and men of color were treated while serving in the US military. The novel also describes in detail the camaraderie between the two women in the book. How they go from tolerating each other and go on to be the best of friends. There is a slight indication of a love story but it did not develop. The way Ms. Alderson completed the ending leaves room for another story.
This isn’t my first novel with Shayna Smalls narrating. She never disapponts and adds life to each of the characters. This performance was excellent. No complaints.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: 5 (I need another one!)
Content Warnings? Physical abuse/violence
