“The call of the Wrens” Jennie L. Walsh

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Harper Muse (HarperCollins). (Includes “Author’s Note” and “Discussion questions.”) Published November 15, 2022.

The Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) was formed during World War I as part of Great Britain’s Royal Navy so women could fill jobs men couldn’t do because they had to fight. Known as Wrens, the women served heroically in many roles within the organization. After the war it was disbanded but restarted when World War II began. This is the story of the brave women who served their country during both wars.

Marion had lived in orphanages ever since she was born. It was the only life she knew, so she was terrified when she aged out in 1917. Since the nuns had showed her how to type she signed up with the Wrens, but wound up training carrier pigeons and delivering their messages. She was thrilled to serve as a motorcycle dispatch rider alongside Eddie, her best friend. He refused to stay behind in the orphanage and enlisted so they could serve together.

Evelyn was the only child of wealthy parents and resented her mother’s insistence that she attend finishing school, marry, and have children. Evelyn wanted to race cars because she loved the thrill of flying around the track, and a staid life was not in her future. When World War II began and she learned about the WRNS, she defied her mother and signed up to be a motorcycle dispatch rider. As a Wren she could live the adventurous life she craved, without fear of being boxed in by her mother’s demands.

In alternating voices Marion and Evelyn tell their stories of life as a Wren during two different wars. Their stories are filled with longing, hope, fear, love, tragedy, resourcefulness and strength. While both working for the WRNS during World War II, secrets are revealed that will change both of their lives forever.

I loved this book, and learning about the WRNS. I had read books about American women who worked during World War I and World War II, but had never read about Great Britain’s female contributions during these wars. “The call of the Wrens” is an enlightening look into their lives.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review