Sheffield is once more the setting as we visit the early spring of 1940. Vickers steelworks is under pressure to turn out vital equipment, including the Rolls Royce airplane engines. 'The Steel Girls' sign up to work in increasing numbers as their men are conscripted.
STEEL GIRLS ON THE HOME FRONT follows chiefly the main characters Nancy, Betty, and Patty who appeared in the two previous stories. Archie, whose heart gave trouble, has made a recovery but his girlfriend Patty wants him to take it easy – the opposite of his intentions. There's a war on, and if he can't go to stop Hitler, he'll do his best from Sheffield.
The tale follows families, coming together amid separation. With men sent abroad amid ominous news from Norway and, later, France, the women find the strength they never needed, to haul steel, cook for the workers, knit scarves, and get organized. In today's world of instant televised news and updates, it's important to remember that letters to and from soldiers were slow to travel and lifted morale, while news arrived by daily paper, radio bulletins, some cinema newsreels, and – unfortunately – by telegram. The Phoney War of these months saw no bombs dropping but many air raid warnings, stretching everyone's nerves and disrupting life.
Several of the older characters recall the Great War so they know all about rationing, and we see gardens being dug, hens being brought home to new coops, and unsifted flour being issued. At this time, though, there's still plenty of food and services. Also, plenty of willing hands. Hard as these months are, the Steel Girls talk and help, they work and dig. The strength of character displayed is based on the author Michelle Rawlins' conversations with women who lived through those years, and while she assures us the people are fictitious, several of the events did occur.
If you'd like to read about the ordinary British people, the indomitable spirit and unity of those days, STEEL GIRLS ON THE HOME FRONT and the earlier two Steel Girls books are well worth a read. I enjoy social history and there's usually a bit of romance to warm the story.
As the war rages on, can they be there for each other?
Spring 1940 As the war rages on, Vickers steelworks is busier than ever which is proving tough for Nancy as she juggles working long hours and looking after two young children, all while waiting for her husband to return home safely.
Betty is determined to roll up her sleeves and joins the Women’s Voluntary Service to keep busy and stop from fretting about her fiancé.
But Patty is left worrying about someone closer to home. Sweetheart Archie has been keeping a secret from her, and one that puts him in great danger. Will it threaten to pull them apart for good?
And with life at war tougher than ever, can the factory sisters rally together to find a way through?
© 2003-2025 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy