A REVIEW
This was the first historical fiction I’ve read heavily based upon the war, as opposed to those where war lay at the peripheral causing no immediate threat or impact. The closest I had read prior were those based upon rural struggles with small amounts of personal resonation and relatability. However, The War Nurses, a fictional story based upon factual references, set within the heart of the war, ensured I experienced a variety of emotions ranging from tears to chuckles.
Midway through my reading journey of The War Nurses, ANZAC Day was commemorated, I watched on as wreaths were laid amongst heart felt speeches. I now hold a deepened respect and wider perspective for those fallen. The Author’s Notes at the conclusion of the story were highly beneficial and provided further insight to the lives of the characters.
My two favourite characters would have to be Beth and Margot. Beth’s strength, quick wit, wry humour, and sly remarks peppered with hints of sarcasm left me giggling at various points throughout the story. She was also the character who provoked my tears through her fierce protectiveness of her beloved fellow room share sisters. She couldn’t save them all though, and when she let out her raw inner emotions, that was when my tears fell.
As an outsider looking in through the eyes of the nurses, I felt a strong sense of camaraderie with Margot at its core. I felt her to be the glue that held the remaining nurses together. Her sense of comfort and compassion towards those whose deaths were imminent, provided a sense of warmth and nurturing. I felt as though she stepped up to the role of ‘matron’ throughout their dire ordeal.
As someone who hasn’t researched or read anything of Australia’s involvement in the wars since the prescribed readings of high school, I was truly enlightened and now further understand the depths of struggles that those involved in the war endured. Hearing the statistics alone doesn’t strike the heart as fiercely as the beautifully and respectfully written story of The War Nurses. Thank you, Anthea.
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