Band of Sisters: A Novel

In this novel based on a true story, a group of young women from Smith College risk their lives in France during World War I to help French civilians devastated by the German war machine. The Smith College Relief Unit brings welcome aid and hope to the region, but can they survive their own differences and the threat of being ousted by the British army?

Format: Hardback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In this captivating novel, Lauren Willig takes readers on a journey back to the tumultuous times of World War I, where a group of young women from Smith College bravely ventured into the heart of France to offer aid to the devastated French civilians. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a war-torn Europe, where the horrors of trench warfare and the devastating impact of the German war machine were taking a toll on the innocent people.

The protagonist of the novel is Kate Moran, a scholarship girl from Brooklyn who had always dreamed of attending Smith College. However, her illusions were shattered the summer after graduation when she realized that she did not quite fit in with the privileged Mayflower descendants. Determined to make a difference, Kate reluctantly agrees to join the new Smith College Relief Unit, which was formed to provide aid to the French civilians.

The Relief Unit consisted of seventeen Smithies, including two trailblazing female doctors, who were determined to make a positive impact in the war-ravaged region. Armed with money, supplies, and good intentions, the volunteers set sail for France, hoping to bring relief and hope to the people they encountered.

However, their journey was far from easy. The chateau that was to be their headquarters was a half-burnt ruin, and the villagers they met were in desperate straits. Women and children huddled in damp cellars, their crops destroyed, and their wells poisoned. The volunteers faced constant shelling from the Germans, French bureaucracy, and the threat of being ousted by the British army.

Despite these challenges, the Smith volunteers persevered, bringing welcome aid and hope to the region. They worked tirelessly to distribute food, medicine, and other supplies to the villagers, and their selfless efforts were met with gratitude and appreciation.

As the war dragged on, the volunteers faced numerous hardships and terrors. They witnessed the devastating effects of the war on the people they were trying to help, and they struggled to cope with the emotional toll it took on them. Kate and her colleagues found themselves in situations that tested their courage and resilience, and they had to rely on each other to survive.

Through their experiences, the Smith volunteers learned valuable lessons about the power of compassion, resilience, and teamwork. They also discovered the importance of standing up for what is right and fighting for a cause they believe in.

In the end, the Smith College Relief Unit's mission was a success, and the volunteers returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who had served before them. The novel serves as a tribute to the bravery and resilience of everyday American heroines who risked their lives to make a difference in the world.

Lauren Willig's writing is masterful, and she brings the characters to life with vivid detail and emotional depth. The novel is a skillful blend of historical fiction and romance, and it will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted.

In conclusion, "The Smith College Relief Unit" is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, romance, or stories about heroism and selflessness. It is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right and fighting for a cause we believe in.

Weight: 678g
Dimension: 164 x 236 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062986153