Well researched historical fiction, illuminating an untold story too long ignored. The author's afterword details each change she made for narrative purposes. Usually I dislike it when an author gives one historical person's story to another character bearing the name of a different historical person or takes an actual historical figure and changes their actions or characteristics. But the author explains her own motivations quite well and it's acceptable to this reader--although descendants or relatives of the historical persons affected might well feel differently, especially about fictional romance. Sanders also provides a list of the published resources (pitifully few!) so that readers can learn more, including the memoir of Charity Adams Earley which I will definitely seek out. ( )

Women of the Post by Joshunda Sanders fictionalizes the story of the 6888 (6 triple 8) central post battalion. It is a story of incredibly strong, independent women who made a significant contribution to the war. The book introduces romances, which are historically inaccurate, and, to me, irrelevant to that story. The story of the war, the racial inequity, and the sisterhood is enough, and that history is what I will take from this book.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/12/women-of-post.html

Reviewed for NetGalley. ( )

4.5⭐️

“Segregation in civilian life was still very much the law of the land, but the wartime needs in all areas of the military forced the government to admit that they would need to make some exceptions in order to win the war.”

In 1944, as WWII rages on, Judy Washington and her mother are struggling to make ends meet. Judy’s husband Herbert is off fighting the War, enlisting after the bombing of Pearl Harbor resulted in African American men being drafted into the Armed Services. However, correspondence and money from Herbert had been irregular, forcing Judy and her mother to join the Bronx Slave Market where Black women wait on street corners hoping to be employed for domestic services by White women in exchange for a pittance. With the men fighting the war, there was an opportunity for women to join the Woman’s Army Corps (WAC) and after the massive loss of lives in the D-Day Invasion, Allied soldiers from different branches including those handling the post were also called onto the front leading to short staffing and a lag in postal services thereby creating an opening for women, including Black women to join the war effort. Judy decides to enlist eventually becoming a part of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion or the Six Triple Eight Battalion as it was commonly referred to, led by Captain Charity Adams (one of the most high-ranking Black officers in the WAC). The Battalion included approximately 850 Black women who were tasked with sorting and redirecting a massive backlog of correspondence between soldiers and their loved ones back home.

“No mail, no morale. It will be our mantra.”

We also meet others from Judy’s Battalion including Stacy McFadden who hails from a farming family in Missouri, Bernadette Moore from Chicago and Mary Alyce Dixon from Vermont whose journey is made more difficult after a personal revelation leaves her shaken. The narrative follows these women over the next year and a half as they complete their training, cross the Atlantic and are eventually stationed in Birmingham, England till the end of the war. We bear witness to their personal struggles and aspirations, their camaraderie and how they become an integral part of one another’s support systems in difficult moments. The story is shared from the perspectives of Judy, Charity and Mary Alyce for the most part and not only details the working of the Six Triple Eight Battalion but also paints a picture of the bigotry, segregation, sexism and discrimination not only in WWII era United States by also within Army ranks and also how their experiences outside their country allows them an opportunity to view life as Black women from a different perspective, which impacts the decisions they make in the aftermath of the war.

“Everything in America, in life, made it clear that remembering one’s place meant remembering your inferiority to anyone white. The signs, the looks, the treatment—what waited for her back home was now the inferior version of a run-down waiting room, a crowded hospital, a diner’s back entrance or a broken water fountain.”

The brilliant Author’s Note sheds light on the real events and people who inspired this novel while also detailing the facts and fictionalized elements that have been woven into the narrative.
Overall, I found Women of the Post by Joshunda Sanders to be an impeccably researched, informative, insightful and engrossing read that highlights the contribution of African American women to the WWII effort. This is the first work of fiction where I have come across this aspect of the war effort and I commend the author for the beautiful way she has told this story. With its excellent writing, superb characterizations and a rare glimpse into a part of history that is rarely talked about, this is an exceptionally written novel that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy WWII fiction inspired by true events/people.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row Books for the digital review copy and a special thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. ( )

3 stars, Inspiring WW2 Veterans

WOMEN OF THE POST
by JOSHUNDA SANDERS

A lot of readers may not be aware of the role of African American women in WW2. Their stories are inspiring. They wanted "fair work, for a fair wage," which is all anyone wants.

I especially liked the core four characters, Judy, Mary Alyce, Stacy, and Bernadette. Their job was sorting mail for the many service personnel stationed overseas was overwhelming and amazing.

Some areas of the story were a touch unbelievable, but the story flowed together well.

I received this complimentary copy of #WomenOfThePost from #HarlequinTradePublishers #NetGalley I was not obligated to post a review. #multicultural #WWII #WW2 #DiverseReads #DiverseAuthor #DiverseFiction ( )

Judy is tired of working for pennies. She joins the WAC. She wants a steady paycheck and she wants to know where her husband is. He joined the army and she has not heard a word from him. She ends up becoming friends with several other women in her group. They all end up overseas (even though they are not allowed to go!) with specific orders to fix the mess of the mail.

Well! I am a huge WWII reader (if you have not guessed!). And I had never heard of the women who straighten out the mess of the mail in WWII. I learned so much reading this novel.

First of all, I didn’t know about the African American women in the Army. I didn’t know all the trials they had to overcome. But these women were amazing. Then there is the Slave Market in the Bronx during the 1930s and 1940s. You can read more about that piece of awful history here. Plus, Mary McLeod Bethune is mentioned in this novel. She has a special place in my childhood reading so I learned more about her in these pages.

There is so much that this novel encompasses. Not only is it full of rich history, it is also full of friendship, strength and a bit of romance.

Need a unique, well researched, WWII tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. ( )