Playing Their Part

The Steel Girls by Michelle Rawlins is a wonderful historical novel celebrating the brave women who did their bit in Sheffield’s steelworks during World War II.

The novel is set in 1939 as Britain enters the war. It is an unsettling time as young men go off to war leaving their families behind. Life was hard but everyone wanted to help the war effort. For some women this meant entering the world of traditional men’s jobs. For others it was providing childcare. The women did whatever they could.

War brings out the very best and the very worst of humanity. In this novel we witness the indomitable bulldog spirit of those left behind.

Life in the steelworks was dirty, dangerous and hard. The women faced the prejudices of some men and the unwanted advances of others.

The Steel Girls follows three young women from different walks of life who bond in the factory and form a friendship. It was an entertaining and realistic read that I enjoyed.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON