When We Had Wings - Book Review

 

When We Had Wings

Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, Susan Meissner

3.5 stars


 

 

 

 

I have read a lot of books about WWII, but this is the first one set in the Philippines and the battles that ensued there. With the writing from three established writers (all new to me) I had anticipated more depth.

Granted I did learn more about Corregidor, that the Philippines was originally a Spanish colony, and that the military and civilians were pretty much left to their own devices for their survival.

The three nurses, Eleanor, Penny and Lita all ‘escaped’ their individual difficult lives and headed to a war that did it’s best to destroy them, physically and emotionally. Their friendship as the centrepiece for their survival is commendable but I did not feel the attachment to the characters that I expected.

There were also instances when the dialogue was more congruent with current times, too casual and flippant. That in itself, stopped the flow of my reading, as it just didn't seem to 'fit'.

The deprivation of daily necessities and starvation should have been piercingly painful but it was not for me. Each of the characters endured terrible circumstances but except in rare descriptions, the wording seemed distant and was lacking to inspire the guttural feelings of loss. Although, I was satisfied with the conclusion, I was not surprised or relieved, it was so-so.

I’m torn as to whether I’d recommend this book as I feel there are many stronger versions, better prose and more fulfilling learning experiences in other books. 

If you are a history buff however, you will appreciate the documentation of facts and the civilian/military vulnerability in exposing ‘too much truth’ for a period in history that is considered one of the biggest military disasters and management blunders.

Do you prefer to read fiction, non-fiction or a mix? Tell me!


 


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