
The year is 1916. Inspired by the story of Edith Cavell, twins Floss and Doss decide it is time for them to do their bit for the war effort. Their brother and father are already away at war - and the girls get jobs at a local munitions factory. From there, Floss soon moves on to work at the hospital, and eventually goes overseas to work at a Field Hospital in France. There she is taken prisoner by the Germans and starts working behind enemy lines, nursing injured German soldiers and British prisoners. The novel follows the dramatic, and traumatic, wartime experiences of the two sisters.
Driven by the patriotic fervor of 1916, twin sisters Floss and Doss commit themselves to the war effort, setting in motion a series of events that pull them into the heart of the conflict. With their father and brother already serving on the front lines, the sisters seek employment in a munitions factory before their paths diverge. Floss eventually secures a position at a hospital, leading to an overseas assignment in France where she is captured by German forces. The narrative tracks their experiences through a third-person perspective, contrasting the domestic reality of wartime England with the harrowing conditions of a field hospital and life behind enemy lines.
Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to balance the domestic struggles of the home front with the visceral realities of the battlefield. Discussion often centers on the character development of the twins as they transition from sheltered lives to the harsh demands of wartime service. Critics note the effectiveness of the historical atmosphere, which provides a clear sense of the social shifts occurring in Britain during the Great War. The narrative is often praised for its focus on the often-overlooked contributions of women during this period. Readers appreciate how the story maintains a consistent pace while addressing the traumatic consequences of the conflict on the individual characters.
Page Count:
160
Publication Date:
2001-07-05
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192718541
ISBN-13:
9780192718549
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