I really enjoyed The Surplus Girls, as a fan of historical fiction I already had high hopes but the author really exceeded my hopes. I felt that Belinda's story was one reminiscent of many women who felt left behind after The Great War. This is a story of the women that history fails to remember. Belinda's love for Ben was so palpable and her loss was so clearly felt so deeply - it is so devastating that he is one of many men who were cut down in their prime. Belinda mourned for a very long time and I was extremely frustrated at Ben's family for resenting her for moving on with her life and meeting Richard. I can understand that they were hurt because they envisioned Belinda marrying Ben but I am sure Ben would have wanted Belinda to find happiness in her life following his death. I did really like Richard and I found him extremely endearing. I highly recommend!