The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L Walsh
Product Details
Web ID: 153370413.5 stars
Readers looking for a story about the Wrens will find it here to a point--but it's much more a character-driven story about two MCs, who happen to be Wrens, and their stories during WWI and WWII. The dual timelines ultimately intersect about 2/3 of the way into the read. (Patience, young Padawan!) I almost set it aside at about the halfway point, but picked it up again after reading other reviews, and was glad I did. I do feel I could have seen "the big surprise" coming, once it did actually hit, but I did enjoy still being somewhat surprised! I initially thought it was a Christian-fiction read, based on other books I vaguely recall reading from the publisher, but it isn't. Ergo, there is a little language and a wedding-night scene that I personally wouldn't have minded fading to black just a tad sooner, but was still reasonably tame. Once I settled in after these personal mental shifts, I enjoyed the read and found myself really rooting for the MCs, as well as supporting characters Sara and Rose. Also, having the dual world-war timelines was a unique, new experience for me, and I really liked it; most of my experience has been with present day and one of the wars, not both of them together (and no present day). I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Marvelous
Two women, two wars…one an orphan, one a privileged woman. What do they have in common? They both wanted to join the WRENS - Women’s Royal Navy Service. We meet Marion in 1914 as she enters an orphanage, and finally feels at home because she made a friend - Eddie. We meet Evelyn in 1940 who has been sheltered all her life because of a health issue. We learn of the lives of both women as they struggle through their youth, and make the decision that they want to serve their country. I really enjoyed Marion and Eddie’s friendship and the strength of both Marion and Evelyn. THE CALL OF THE WRENS is an emotional, thoughtful, educational read that pulls you in with Ms. Walsh’s wonderful writing style and story line. The book flows nicely from one time period to the next. Historical fiction fans as well as women’s fiction fans will thoroughly enjoy this marvelous book about loyalty and friendships. Add it to your TBR...you will love it too. 5/5 This book was given to me by the publisher via a win from a TLC Book Tour Giveaway for an honest review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Inspiring
A tale of two courageous women serving their country as Wrens. During the first World War Marion joins the Wrens transporting messenger pigeons on her motorbike, finding a hope and a freedom she's never known. Evelyn Fairchild has grown up with everything she has ever needed, except the freedom to prove herself beyond what others see as weakness. In the face of a second World War she joins the Wrens with the support of her childhood friend. An engaging story that tells the story of two very different women serving in different wars. I liked Marion and how Eddie found her and befriended her, sticking by her side through thick and thin. Eddie is a real gem, and I loved how he saw Marion when no one else did. Marion really finds her voice and a purpose as a Wren. Evelyn's story was no less compelling, though from a very different background. I liked her determination and growing friendship with Percy. Overall, a compelling read with a dual time line read that does eventually converge, with well developed characters. The author does a great of richly bringing history to life in this gripping read. Great for fans of WWII fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A TLC giveaway win!! So exciting!!
5.0 A TLC Giveaway win!! So exciting!! Daring, pride, sisterhood, tragedy… Abandoned as a baby, Marion has grown up in numerous orphanages. In 1917, when she turns eighteen, Sister Florence suggests she join the Woman’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) as a typist. In 1936 , Evelyn , from a well-to-do family , is looking for independence and adventure. Due to a disability, her parents have hovered over her for twenty-one years. Evelyn leaves home and joins the WRENS. Both women will serve as motorcycle dispatch riders. How/why did each learn to ride? A tale of two women— Marion yearns to be wanted. She will value the feeling of purpose and sense of community the service offers. Evelyn aches for acceptance, independence, and a lack of pity. These needs will be fulfilled for both women as members of the WRENS. The WRENS formed in 1917, disbanded in 1919, and reformed in 1939. Why is Marion approached to rejoin? Why did she accept? Marion begins her service as a typist. How did she become a dispatch rider? How does she get involved in pigeon training / transport? * A great ending! * Emotional story! * I was aware of the use of war pigeons but didn’t know any details. I was not aware of the WRENS. * Check online for info about the formation of the WRENS, duties and services provided, number of recruits , and pigeon usage in wartime. Fascinating! Check out 486 and Cher Ami ! * An unique approach to the many available WWII books.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
The Jenny Wrens
This is a story spanning two World Wars and secrets that lasted through both. It is about courage and friendships and romance . 1917 as many are enlisting in the Great War better known as WWII, two young people made their way to the desk to sign up. Two orphans, Eddie and Marion grew up together in an orphanage. When it was Marion's time to leave it was suggested she enlist in the service and Eddie did not want to be separated so he lied about his age and enlisted as well. Eddie was given the job of a Dispatch Rider delivering important messages as he owned a motorcycle. Marion was put in a typing job as that is what she had been doing at the orphanage. She met a fellow recruit named Sara and they became friends until Sara was sent to another post. Marion wanted to be a dispatch rider, she hated her typing job. when one of the young female dispatch riders named Sylvia is frightened to go on her run Marion does it for her and is caught. Because of the breaking of rules she is given a post in France transporting carrier pigeons at the front. She finds out that Sara her old friend is who she will be working with. They are fast friends and working together until a horrible tragedy at the end of the war ends that friendship and life as Marion knows it. She is devastated and she is sent back home just a few weeks before the end of the war. Fast forward to 1940. A young privileged girl named Evelyn Fairchild finds out from her friend Percy about the Wrens and their motorcycle dispatch riders. She is intrigued and wants to become a Wren. Her parents are against it and tell her if she does this they will disinherit her and cut her off from all funds. She "Borrows" Percy's motorcycle and enlists in the Wrens taking the motorcycle with her to become a dispatch rider. Meanwhile Sara has talked Marion into reenlisting as a Wren in the second World War as her expertise is badly needed and finally Marion agrees. Evelyn meets Marion as Petty Officer Wren Smith. This is the officer she will be reporting to in her new role as a dispatch rider. When a horrible event and an accident leads to Marion sharing a long kept secret with Evelyn. As the two wars come together and the secrets are revealed it is life changing for both women. I loved reading about the pigeons in WWI and the job that Marion and Sara had carrying pigeons on their back in a crate atop a motorcycle to take them to the different stations at times in great danger to themselves and to the pigeons. To me this was the most incredible part of the book and I found it most interesting. I loved every part of the book and the ending was perfect. This was a really good read and I recommend it. Thanks to Jenni L. Walsh for writing a great story, to Harper Muse for printing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Strong Women in the WRENS
Two time periods (WWI and WWII) and two female protagonists who serve as WRENs (Women’s Royal Navy Service). When I saw a description of THE CALL OF THE WRENS, I knew I wanted to read it. My dear war bride mother-in-law served as a transport driver in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during WWII. I always enjoyed hearing her stories. Each of our protagonists had obstacles in their lives. Marion grew up in orphanages prior to becoming a WREN in WWI. She was treated badly until she arrived at St. Anne’s where she found acceptance and Eddie, a close friend. She had to leave the orphanage when she turned eighteen and was fortunate to find a place in the newly created Wrens. She found a great friend, Sara. and also was able to renew her friendship with Eddie. I particularly liked Marion’s love of Jane Eyre (a favorite book of mine) and how the author referred to the book several times throughout the story. Marion’s job is to help train and transport pigeons to various places to send messages. At times, the job was dangerous. Evelyn came from a wealthy family. She was born with a club foot and loved racing. She decides to join the Wrens at the beginning of WWII. She had to pass rigorous physical tests to become a motorcycle dispatch driver. It wasn’t easy. Her mother is against her doing this. I loved how the author brought the two stories together. There were times in the middle of the book that I feel some editing would help to move the story along. I think this story would make for good discussion in a book club. My thanks to Harper Muse for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
An emotional and moving historical saga!
1917 England. Marion grew up in a series of orphanages, the last being St. Anne’s Home for Boys and Girls in Birmingham. Marion is about to turn eighteen, she has to make her own way in the world and she joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service and frees up a man for the fleet. She’s sent to France as a dispatch rider, her fellow Wren Sara is in charge of a pigeon loft, and Marion is to help her. Carrier pigeons were used by the army to send messages and information and they played a vital role in maintaining communications. Marion finally feels like she belongs, she has a cause and she’s shocked when Eddie her best friend from the orphanage arrives in France. 1936 England. Evelyn grew up in a wealthy family, she was born with a clubfoot and endured numerous operations as a child. Evelyn enjoys car racing, her mother is horrified by her unladylike hobby and she wants her to marry her childhood friend Percy. When WW II starts, Evelyn wants to serve her country, they need women dispatch riders, she runs away and joins the Wrens. Her parents are furious, they threaten to cut Evelyn off and they don't believe she's physically capable? Evelyn has to pass basic training, it’s not easy for her and she has no idea that she’s about to be tested in so many ways. Jenni L. Walsh's dual timeline narrative is well written and it’s told from two alternating points of view. An emotional and moving historical saga about war, sacrifice, duty, friendship, being useful, achievement and personal growth. A fascinating read, about two courageous women and a big secret is revealed and five stars from me.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Women as motorcycle couriers
Women served as motorcycle couriers with Britain’s Women’s Royal Naval Service, or Wrens, in both WWI and WWII. Marion grew up in an orphanage, aging out right when she had the opportunity to join the Wrens and worked with pigeons. She returns in WWII to instruct the younger women, and meets Evelyn. I took a while to get into the story, but then it moved along at a fast clip.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com