This is the story of a headstrong young woman, Molly James, who gets banished from Adelaide society to the Victorian countryside, just prior to the outbreak of World War 1. After being involved in a minor scandal, Molly’s parent’s pack her off to stay with her Aunt in the sleepy country town of Rainbow.
There she meets two brothers Thom and Archie who are experimenting with early flying machines on their wheat farm. When World War 1 breaks out, both brothers sign up to the fledgling Australian Flying Corp and are dispatched initially to Egypt, then Gallipoli and later France. Molly and her best friend, Joanie, follow the boys to Europe to become nurses and contribute to the war effort.
I found it fascinating to read about the early days of aviation – it must have been amazing to see the dream of flying become a reality for the first time. This book certainly captures the romance, adventure and danger of the early attempts to fly. I also enjoyed learning about the role of pilots in the first world war.
One of the best things about this book is that it’s inspired by the author’s grandfather’s experiences in Gallipoli. James Clancy signed up underage, was discharged twice due to illness and injury and signed straight back up again both times because ‘You can’t leave your mates to face it alone.’
That spirit of mateship and loyalty runs through this heartfelt book, along with a passionate wartime romance.
If you enjoy books by Natasha Lester or Belinda Alexander, this will be right up your ally.
-Katrina Roe, RRL
