A unique look at the daring women in the only black battalion of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp during WWII.   

 

Grace and Eliza are strong, independent women needing to break away from their domineering families.  At the same time, the Six Triple Eight was being formed, setting the perfect stage for their coming of age transitions. 

 

While set in a historic timeframe, this book is primarily a character study. Grace and Eliza grew up in very different households, and their temperaments and personalities highlight that. Eliza is bubbly and charismatic, while Grace is curt and prickly.  In different circumstances, these women would not likely be friends.  But in war, they must learn to depend on one another.  Just like real sisters, we watch Grace and Eliza bicker while also having each other’s backs.  

As the women transition from training to boots on the ground, both show great strength, resilience, and heart.  Alderson creates a depth in both unique women and their relationship as the book progresses. 

 

The depth seen in the characters takes the space I desired for the historic backdrop.  Ultimately, the storyline lacked the richness of details in the work of the battalion and how these women served a vital role in the wartime mission.  I longed for much more background on this unit and their historic operation.  

 

Overall, this is an enjoyable story that focuses on this courageous sisterhood and the daring black women of the Six Triple Eight.

 

Thank you Kaia Alderson, William Morrow and Custom House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.