When Diane Simmons inherits bric-a-brac from family friend, Eva Eldridge, she discovers a treasure trove of information regarding the societal changes women underwent during the WW2/post war era as well as a fascinating story of bigamy in the 1950s.  

 

The first half of the book focused on Eva leaving the family farm to serve in the women’s war effort.  What began as a focus on serving country soon shifted into an era of independence.  It was apparent that Eva greatly enjoyed the social freedoms as well as that of earning her own money.  Simmons’ well showcases the stark divide between the ideology of previous generations and Eva’s own propensity to remain independent. 

 

As men came home from the warfront and accessibility of women’s jobs lessened, Eva faced an uncertain future.  But in what seemed a turn of fate, she met, fell in love, and married Vick.  However, in a surprising twist, Vick disappeared within the first year of marriage.

 

The second half of the book unfolded as Vick’s life was brought into focus revealing other wives and several children.  

 

Throughout the entirety of the book, there’s also much discussion of PTSD and the life changing affects it had on soldiers.  

 

There were many interesting historical details within the book—especially the women’s war efforts and the newfound freedoms they appreciated.  However, the writing itself often felt disjointed and lacking in cohesiveness.  Rather than one overarching theme and/or goal, this nonfiction title reads as though two books being forced together.  

 

🎧The audiobook narration is soft, breathy, and reticent in nature.  While this seems apropos of the more demure housewives of the time, it didn’t reflect the boldness that I associated with Eva.