Camaraderie
Victory For The Sewing Factory Girls by Posy Lovell is a marvellous historical novel and one that I just could not put down. I absolutely loved it.
The novel is set at Clydebank, Scotland in 1916. It surrounds the munitions factory. We see how everyone does what they can for the war effort. It is a dangerous environment with the risk of explosions and the girls turning yellow and damaging their health. Health and safety is unheard of, but the factory owner listens to the concerns of the women.
With the menfolk away at war, the women step into their shoes. “The men have gone… and it’s up to the women to keep things going.” The women have a camaraderie as they help and support each other where they can. The gap between the classes is bridged as the factory owner’s daughter rubs shoulders with the women on the factory floor, helping where she can.
There is no welfare state. It is up to the women to organize relief for themselves.
Football is in its’ infancy. The women in the factory relax and enjoy kicking a ball around. Factories all over the country decide to organize themselves and play each other. This brings the communities together. The town offers support, uniting people.
There are losses in war. “It [grief] sneaks up on you.” No one is immune as everyone knows young men fighting in all the services. Sometimes the words ‘missing in action’ bring despair. For others, it keeps hope alive. Without hope, the people perish.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. The community of women experience it all – highs and lows; ups and downs – all the usual disagreements of life but through it all, there is much love and support.
Posy Lovell has constructed a marvellous tale that entertained from the start as the reader enters the world of the munitions factory girls.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
Victory for the Sewing Factory Girls
1916, Scotland.
Five years after leading a strike at the sewing factory, newly pregnant Ellen is rushed off her feet at the Clydebank Clothing exchange, the heart of the community. Ellen is missing her husband James who is away with the Royal Navy, and worried about how to make ends meet. She desperately wants to confide in her best friend Sadie. However, Sadie is hiding a heart-breaking secret of her own which places strain on their friendship.
Ignoring concerns from her sister Sadie, seventeen-year-old Rachel has signed up as a munitions worker at the former sewing factory in Clydebank. Together with the other women nicknamed ‘the munitionettes’ she finds fun and friendship as they start a local football team.
When Ellen is forced to return to the factory to earn money for her growing family, she clashes with Sadie, who is angry about the working conditions. Several of the women and their babies are falling ill, despite assurances from management that the factory is safe.
As the war rages on, can the women help each other cope through the difficult times ahead?
Purchase Link – https://bit.ly/3N0W8fW
Author Bio –
Posy Lovell is a pseudonym for author Kerry Barrett, who has several historical fiction novels with HarperCollins.
Social Media Links –
- Instagram: @kerrybean73
- Facebook: @kerrybarrettwrites
- https://x.com/kerrybean73
