Review of: Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson

Synopsis: 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 U.S. battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II. 

An unlikely friendship, a journey of self discovery and the brave women breaking down barriers at the heart of World War II.

I absolutely love novels that surround the events of World War II. I picked this one and have been extremely pleased by the story and characters.

This book gives a great introduction of the two female protagonists. Breathing life into them and their very different lives. They are both running from something – and it leads them into joining the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp (WAAC). They pioneered a new path not only for women but also for people of color. During a time when racial segregation was still going strong throughout the country. The two main protagonists end up forming the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (the Six Triple Eight). Their journey from New York City to the army and inevitably overseas is truly awe inspiring.

Based on a true story it paints their relationship from ‘frenemies’ to sisters-in-arms to friends is one that makes the story truly a pleasure to read. They are almost exact opposites and yet have in common a drive to prove they are just as good as the boys. Perils of traveling in uniform as colored female officers is never more than a page turn away. While there are moments of darkness both women have a way of using their inner strength to triumph over their adversities.

One of my favorite moments in the book was when they were traveling via train in their officer uniforms and a “nosy” white woman makes a fuss because there was no way two women who look like them could be officers. The closing of the interaction (no spoilers) is very satisfying.

The author weaved a color picture of their life from enlistment, to boot camp, to heading overseas. Capturing in one swoop the excitement and apprehension they all most likely had it their real life journey. The internal dialog made them relatable in their struggles to not just be accepted by their peers; but to also prove their work was just as good as anyone else’s. Time and again through adversity they prove that the power of the sisterhood can be measured in the success you help others achieve. And when we work together there isn’t anything that can’t be accomplished.

Overall an excellent read, and I will be looking forward to the next story the author decides to tell.

Overall Rating: 7/10

Re-readability Rating: 4/10

Audiobook Narration: 9/10