01/11/2021
Willig (The Summer Country) draws on the Smith College Relief Unit’s experiences in France during WWI for this immersive novel. In 1917, Smith graduate Kate Moran joins fellow alumnus Emmie Van Alden to travel to France and help villagers whose lives have been upended by an earlier German occupation. The unit, composed of 17 women, resides in army barracks near an abandoned chateau in Grecourt, where they provide locals with food, medical care, and education. The villagers’ lack of bare necessities is eye-opening for the Smith women, many of whom have led privileged lives. Kate, meanwhile, remains sensitive about her humble beginnings—she gained admission to Smith through a scholarship—and becomes upset when she discovers that Emmie paid for her trip to France. (Emmie had told her they were funded by donations from Smith alumnae). As the war rages on and the German army once again advances on Grecourt, Kate and Emmie’s friendship grows stronger when they reveal their deepest insecurities to one another. Willig expertly uses historical details in her seamless, well-plotted tale. This will entice readers from the very first page. Agent: Alexandra Machinist, ICM Partners. (Mar.)
A compelling tale of love, resilience, expectations, bravery, and above all, the powerful, redemptive bonds of female friendship." — Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names
“With heart and humor, Willig explores the complexities of female friendships—feuds, forgiveness, and all. A touching portrait of triumph and found family in the midst of war. Bravo!” — Stephanie Dray, New York Times Bestselling author of America's First Daughter & The Women of Chateau Lafayette
“An inspiring ode to the indomitable strength of women and the fierce, indelible bonds of female friendship, a tale of she-roes that will make you both laugh and cry.” — Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Queen’s Fortune
“An affecting and memorable tale of women and the way their friendships are tested by a changing world and the unforgiving crucible of conflict. Altogether it’s an utterly entertaining and enlightening work of historical fiction. Brava!” — Jennifer Robson, bestselling author of Our Darkest Night
“Willig expertly uses historical detail in her seamless, well-plotted tale. This will entice readers from the very first page.” — Publishers Weekly
“Band of Sisters spotlights a fascinating group of young women who braved the strains of world war to help those caught in the crossfire and left direly in need. Through snappy dialogue and endearing characters, Willig delivers a heartwarming tale powered by sisterly support, forgiveness, and the strength found together—and within.” — Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday
"A crackling portrayal of everyday American heroines…A triumph." — Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue.
"Captivating! The ever-masterful Lauren Willig beautifully celebrates these singular women.” — Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Mysterious Mrs. Christie.
“Brimming with a cast of characters to love and root for, and based on actual events and the lives of truly brave women, BAND OF SISTERS is the perfect story for our troubled times. This is the historical novel you’ve been hungering for.” — Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things
An affecting and memorable tale of women and the way their friendships are tested by a changing world and the unforgiving crucible of conflict. Altogether it’s an utterly entertaining and enlightening work of historical fiction. Brava!
"Captivating! The ever-masterful Lauren Willig beautifully celebrates these singular women.
A compelling tale of love, resilience, expectations, bravery, and above all, the powerful, redemptive bonds of female friendship."
With heart and humor, Willig explores the complexities of female friendships—feuds, forgiveness, and all. A touching portrait of triumph and found family in the midst of war. Bravo!
An inspiring ode to the indomitable strength of women and the fierce, indelible bonds of female friendship, a tale of she-roes that will make you both laugh and cry.
Band of Sisters spotlights a fascinating group of young women who braved the strains of world war to help those caught in the crossfire and left direly in need. Through snappy dialogue and endearing characters, Willig delivers a heartwarming tale powered by sisterly support, forgiveness, and the strength found together—and within.”
"A crackling portrayal of everyday American heroines…A triumph."
Julia Whelan’s superb narration enhances this engrossing novel inspired by the real-life experiences of 18 women from Smith College who traveled to a French village during WWI to provide relief aid. Willig based her characters on actual participating Smithies, drawing mostly from their letters, and Whelan delivers distinct characterizations so deftly that the listener becomes immersed in the personalities and astonishing events. Whelan’s portrayal of Kate, an alumna who always felt inferior to her well-to-do classmates, depicts growing confidence as Kate flourishes in the face of unimaginable hardships in war-torn France. The women find humor in their challenges—such as their realization that their chickens are barren because what they bought are actually roosters. Through it all, they discover camaraderie, loyalty, and even romance. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Julia Whelan’s superb narration enhances this engrossing novel inspired by the real-life experiences of 18 women from Smith College who traveled to a French village during WWI to provide relief aid. Willig based her characters on actual participating Smithies, drawing mostly from their letters, and Whelan delivers distinct characterizations so deftly that the listener becomes immersed in the personalities and astonishing events. Whelan’s portrayal of Kate, an alumna who always felt inferior to her well-to-do classmates, depicts growing confidence as Kate flourishes in the face of unimaginable hardships in war-torn France. The women find humor in their challenges—such as their realization that their chickens are barren because what they bought are actually roosters. Through it all, they discover camaraderie, loyalty, and even romance. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
