The Great Western Railway Girls by Jane Lark #Review #TheGreatWesternRailwayGirlsBook1

 

I am delighted to introduce Book 1 in a new series by Jane Lark, set in the Second World War. The Great Western Railway Girls is published today by Boldwood Books.

 
September, 1939.

When war is declared, Lily sees an opportunity to escape her domineering father: she will join the Great Western Railway factory to win her financial independence and move out of home.

Maggie doesn’t want to simply follow in her sisters’ footsteps and work in the laundries at the GWR. So, when the chance comes to volunteer for men’s work in the machine shop, she’s the first to raise her hand.

Catherine, a clerk in the GWR office, has been helping with London’s evacuation efforts, organising trains to move children out of the city. But when her task is completed, will she defy her family and fiancé’s wishes and sign up for a more dangerous role?

Taking on demanding new duties, Lily, Maggie and Catherine – and others – develop an unexpectedly close bond.

But will friendship be enough to carry them through the ups and downs of life at war?

The first instalment in a brilliant new wartime series set in Swindon's Great Western Railway works.

My Thoughts

 I loved this opening to a new series. It was full of period detail and conjured up the start of the Second World War beautifully. There are so many lively characters to follow. As you follow their lives and see the different decisions they are making,you get involved in their lives. Family and friendship are most important to keep everyone going and the ties they gorge at work shine through. You certainly believe that they are all working for the war effort but struggling to keep going at times. 

    It is fascinating to see the different lives of the classes with a strict pecking order shown through their clothes and home lives. The role of women are central to the story and you can sense that there are big shifts coming in the attitudes, particularly towards married women working. In the early days of the book, women are looked down on at work, paid less and assigned more menial work but you can see their capabilities coming through, Not all families are happy with instances of neglect and brutality hiding behind the curtains. However, there are also kind and close families looking out for each other. I am looking forward to Book 2 to see where the GWR Girls go next in propping up the Home Front.

In short: great historical fiction

About the Author

Jane Lark is an internationally bestselling author of both historical fiction and psychological thrillers. She has twice been shortlisted for the RNA Awards. The first in her new wartime saga series, The Great Western Railway Girls,will be published in February 2025

You can follow Jane here:  

Facebook: @Janelarkauthor

Twitter: @JaneLark

Instagram: jane.lark

Bookbub profile: @janelark

Book links 

Thanks to Jane Lark, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Look out for the rest of the tour!