Genre: Historical Fiction
Length: 400 pages
Audiobook Length: 11 hours and 8 minutes
First Published: 2021
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Rachael’s Review
Wanting to help their country during World War II, Grace Steele and Eliza Jones enlist in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) to become one of the first class of women’s officers in the Army. Coming from the North, Grace and Eliza are not used to the segregated military and find they must be better than perfect as the first Black women in the service.
Inspired by the true story of the 688th Postal Battalion, Sisters in Arms was an interesting but forgettable historical fiction read. Alderson does give you an insightful look at racism in the military. However, the narrative didn’t have much action to push it along, leaving you underwhelmed with the story.
Publisher’s Description
Kaia Alderson’s debut historical fiction novel reveals the untold, true story of the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps, who made the dangerous voyage to Europe to ensure American servicemen received word from their loved ones during World War II.
Grace Steele and Eliza Jones may be from completely different backgrounds, but when it comes to the army, specifically the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), they are both starting from the same level. Not only will they be among the first class of female officers the army has even seen, they are also the first Black women allowed to serve.
As these courageous women help to form the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, they are dealing with more than just army bureaucracy—everyone is determined to see this experiment fail. For two northern women, learning to navigate their way through the segregated army may be tougher than boot camp. Grace and Eliza know that there is no room for error; they must be more perfect than everyone else.
When they finally make it overseas, to England and then France, Grace and Eliza will at last be able to do their parts for the country they love, whatever the risk to themselves.
Based on the true story of the 6888th Postal Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), Sisters in Arms explores the untold story of what life was like for the only all-Black, female U.S. battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II.
About Kaia Alderson
Kaia Alderson is the author of Sisters in Arms as well as the romance books Calling Her Bluff and A Secret Desire under the penname Kaia Danielle. Visit the author’s website →
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