Introduction

An Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestseller.

A novel of love, courage, and danger unfolds as World War II’s brightest heroines—the best of friends—take on the front lines.

1944: Fiona Denning has her entire future planned out. She’ll work in city hall, marry her fiancé when he returns from the war, and settle down in the Boston suburbs. But when her fiancé is reported missing after being shot down in Germany, Fiona’s long-held plans are shattered.

Determined to learn her fiancé’s fate, Fiona leaves Boston to volunteer overseas as a Red Cross Clubmobile girl, recruiting her two best friends to come along. There’s the outspoken Viviana, who is more than happy to quit her secretarial job for a taste of adventure. Then there’s Dottie, a shy music teacher whose melodious talents are sure to bring heart and hope to the boys on the front lines.

Chosen for their inner strength and outer charm, the trio isn’t prepared for the daunting challenges of war. But through it all come new friendships and romances, unforeseen dangers, and unexpected dreams. As the three friends begin to understand the real reasons they all came to the front, their courage and camaraderie will see them through some of the best and worst times of their lives.

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Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE
July 14, 1944
New York City
Dottie, Viv, and I stood together on the deck of the Queen Elizabeth, surrounded by a couple dozen other Red Cross workers and hundreds of US soldiers. The once-glamorous cruise ship, now painted a bland battleship gray for its current role as troop transporter, was making its final preparations for departure to Europe. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. Before reading The Beantown Girls, had you ever heard of the Red Cross Clubmobile Girls of WWII?

2. What surprised you most about the experiences of these women during the war?

3. Of the three main characters – Viv, Dottie and Fiona and their friends Blanche, Frankie and Martha - who did you relate to the most and why?

4. In WWII, the perception was that women did not go to war. And yet in the case of the Clubmobile Girls, and other groups, some did. These women were strong in the face of adversity, but historically have never really been recognized for their efforts – why do you think that is?

5. How have gender roles changed since WWII?

6. Did any parts of the book get your choked up or teary-eyed? Which part(s)?

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by Marcia55 (see profile) 06/10/20

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