A difficult genre and a tall order to keep the narrative of nine women connected in an historical account. The author has woven together a story conjured from the past, using familial detective work, the co-operation of descendants and her own research.
A lot of time and energy has gone into this book, it's clear it has taken a long while to gather information, follow leads and get in touch with strangers that may or may not want to discuss their relatives and share historical artifacts.
I'm impressed that the account is more personal in tone than a text-book detail of information gleaned and supposed. Yes, there are some gaps and artistic licence, but there is also a feeling of discovering all nine characters and personalities in a most bleak and unforgiving era. That the nine women survived at all is incredible, staying together and keeping their friendship for so long is amazing.
A lot of time and energy has gone into this book, it's clear it has taken a long while to gather information, follow leads and get in touch with strangers that may or may not want to discuss their relatives and share historical artifacts.
I'm impressed that the account is more personal in tone than a text-book detail of information gleaned and supposed. Yes, there are some gaps and artistic licence, but there is also a feeling of discovering all nine characters and personalities in a most bleak and unforgiving era. That the nine women survived at all is incredible, staying together and keeping their friendship for so long is amazing.