Author: Jenni L. Walsh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Harper Muse
Release Date: 2022
Pages: 368
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: The Call of the Wrens introduces the little-known story of the daring women who rode through war-torn Europe carrying secrets on their shoulders.
An orphan who spent her youth without a true home, Marion Hoxton found in the Great War something other than destruction. She discovered a chance to belong. As a member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service—the Wrens—Marion gained sisters. She found purpose in her work as a motorcycle dispatch rider assigned to train and deliver carrier pigeons to the front line. And despite the constant threat of danger, she and her childhood friend Eddie began to dream of a future together. Until the battle that changed everything.
Now twenty years later, another war has broken out across Europe, calling Marion to return to the fight. Meanwhile others, like twenty-year-old society girl Evelyn Fairchild, hear the call for the first time. For Evelyn, serving in the war is a way to prove herself after a childhood fraught with surgeries and limitations from a disability. The re-formation of the Wrens as World War II rages is the perfect opportunity to make a difference in the world at seventy miles per hour.
Told in alternating narratives that converge in a single life-changing moment, The Call of the Wrens is a vivid, emotional saga of love, secrets, and resilience—and the knowledge that the future will always belong to the brave souls who fight for it.
My Review: The Call of the Wrens tells the little known story of The Women’s Royal Navy Service (also known as the Wrens). The wrens were women who rode motorcycles and carried messages across the frontlines. In this novel, it focuses on two wrens named Marion and Evelyn. These two women are from different backgrounds. However, they formed a unique bond during World War II.
Marion is older than Evelyn. Marion was born a mute. She forms a romance with her childhood friend, Edward. When Marion joins the war, Edward also joins. It was interesting to see Marion’s experience during WWI and how her experiences shaped her for WWII. Evelyn was born with a club foot. She comes from a rich background. She has a passion for motorcars. I liked the friendship between Marion and Evelyn. Both of them have a strong patriotism for their loyalty. They are also very brave and courageous. Therefore, I found both of them fascinating and strong heroines. I rooted and sympathized with them throughout the novel. I also hoped that they would have a happy ending.
Overall, this novel is about war, first love, and friendship. The characters seemed very realistic and complex. There were a few things I did not like about the novel. The beginning started out very slow. The romance seemed unnecessary. Much of the description of emotions are told rather than shown. Still, I like the historical details that are interwoven with this novel. It also enlightened me on a subject that I knew very little about. The novel was also very short and made for a fascinating read. I recommend The Call of the Wrens for fans of When We Had Wings, Daughters of the Night Sky, and The Flight Girls! The Call of the Wrens is a stunning tribute to the incredible women who served in WWII.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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