The Call of the Wrens

The Call of the Wrens

Jenni L. Walsh

Publication date: November 15, 2022 by Harper Muse

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 5 👢👢👢👢👢

Summary: Introducing the little-known story of the daring women who rode through war-torn Europe,  carrying secrets on their shoulders . . .

1917 England

An orphan coming of age without a penny to her name, Marion joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service (the “Wrens”) as a motorcycle despatch rider on the Western Front, assigned to train and deliver carrier pigeons to the front line. Despite the hardships and constant threat of danger, Marion feels as if she finally belongs and that she has a purpose. Meanwhile, she and her childhood best friend, Eddie, dream of a future after the war—until tragedy strikes.

1936 England

A society girl, Evelyn has overcome a childhood disability and has found her true passion in automobile racing. When England enters WWII, Evelyn sees an opportunity to use her skills as a despatch rider, but her parents threaten to cut her off if she doesn’t start acting like a lady and marry the man they have chosen for her.

Meanwhile, a fellow Wren shows up at Marion’s door with an unwelcome call to return to her service.

Told in alternating narratives that converge in a single life-changing moment, The Call of the Wrens is a vivid, emotional saga of love, war, secrets, and resilience.

My thoughts: In this book author Jenni L Walsh stretches her legs. Her previous adult works have been biographical in nature. With The Call of the Wrens, Walsh pays tribute to ALL of the women who volunteered to brave the elements of war to transport messages during WWI and WWII.

Both Marion and Evelyn have emotional baggage. Marion struggled to make friends and fit in her entire life. Not only that, as a child Marion never truly felt wanted or loved. Evelyn was thwarted in her attempts at independence from early on in her childhood, in large part due to her physical disability. Evelyn was granted every advantage and was indulged more than most. She knew she was loved but she sometimes felt like she wasn't heard. Service with the Wrens gave each woman a chance to prove themselves.
Walsh creates a tale of determination, bravery, friendship, and love. Both characters are so relatable that the emotions jump off the page. Walsh places the reader in the appropriate time and place with vivid descriptions and accurate representations. A haunting and beautiful tale that will not disappoint.

I received a copy of this title via the publisher.