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lmn9812's review against another edition
4.0
Well researched and clearly written, this book reveals the highly interesting story of the women--army wives, lady tourists, and nurses, who participated in some way in the Crimean War. As someone who knew little to none about this conflict going in, this was a very informative read that really taught me a lot beyond the mythological 'lady of the lamp' story that every child is taught in school. A brilliant historical book, will definitely be reading more of Helen Rappaport's work.
roseofoulesfame's review against another edition
3.0
Fascinating stuff, takes you through the Crimean campaign from beginning to end and introduces you to women from a wide range of backgrounds, each of whom had different experiences of the conflict. Doesn't shy away from the horrors of war, disease and death, and shows the sexist nonsense nearly all of these ladies had to deal with in some form or other...sigh.
PS: The French cantinières (here mostly referred to as a sort of collective foil to the Englishwomen rather than as individual players in their own right) sound badass and personally I would love a book (fiction or non-fiction) dedicated to their story
PS: The French cantinières (here mostly referred to as a sort of collective foil to the Englishwomen rather than as individual players in their own right) sound badass and personally I would love a book (fiction or non-fiction) dedicated to their story
jeaniehealy's review against another edition
3.0
I mostly read fiction books but very much enjoy anything regarding historical events and history in general. I loved that this book focused on women in the Crimean War and we all know one very famous woman who is associated with it, Florence Nightingale. However, this book doesn't just give you an insight into Florence herself, it tells the story of other women who were just as important to the war effort.
I was genuinely shocked to hear of the horrendous conditions these women endured, having to lie in ditches giving birth and get used to living a life surrounded by horror and death. Rappaport painted a very vivid picture of what life was like during the war and the suffering that both men and women endured.
I found the resilience of the women amazing, from the wives of soldiers, the nurses and even up to the ladies in the camps. The fact that these women willingly gave up their lives and followed their husbands to war or nursed in the almost derelict hospitals with such triumphant attitudes was just so inspiring.
I think the book was very insightful and well written however, I found it jumped too much from one subject to another without much reason. It was confusing in places to follow.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the Crimean War or history. It gave me a great insight into the war and held my interest. It wasn't too heavy and and it didn't feel bogged down in small details.
I recieved this ARC from Agora Books and Netgalley on exchange for an honest review.
I was genuinely shocked to hear of the horrendous conditions these women endured, having to lie in ditches giving birth and get used to living a life surrounded by horror and death. Rappaport painted a very vivid picture of what life was like during the war and the suffering that both men and women endured.
I found the resilience of the women amazing, from the wives of soldiers, the nurses and even up to the ladies in the camps. The fact that these women willingly gave up their lives and followed their husbands to war or nursed in the almost derelict hospitals with such triumphant attitudes was just so inspiring.
I think the book was very insightful and well written however, I found it jumped too much from one subject to another without much reason. It was confusing in places to follow.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the Crimean War or history. It gave me a great insight into the war and held my interest. It wasn't too heavy and and it didn't feel bogged down in small details.
I recieved this ARC from Agora Books and Netgalley on exchange for an honest review.
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