If you like Family Saga set in the wartime this is definitely for you. Young girls going to work on Waterloo Bridge from different backgrounds. The highs and lows of everyday life. Love Love Love it

Sadly I struggled with the book. Reading it during the covid-19 lockdown period I found it quite depressing. Joan and Gwen both had sad stories. I warmed to Gwen but throughout the book had no interest in the Joan story and found it far-fetched. The title of the book gave the impression of readers learning more about women's war work but it was thin and they could have all worked anywhere together. I found the references to the war seemed to jump in the second half of the book - one day it was D-Day then suddenly the end of the war. Even the pieces about the V1 and V2 rockets didn't seem to explain the severity of them to Londoners life and the fear that residents felt. The end of the book left lots of unanswered questions about each of the characters which is always a disappointing way to end.

booklover BEV 



London WW2 1940, Evelyn and Sylvie Draper both sister's nothing alike in their ways decide to change job's and begin working as construction work on Waterloo bridge. Evelyn faces a big challenge after formerly been a teacher, joins Joan and Gwen under the gaffer Jim Adams. This is the author's first book, and as you read a lot of research has been put in that's truly delightful to read. It's captured the girl's working and private lives, and is an inspiration to read. I really got pulled into the story right from the beginning, and look forward to reading more by this new author in the future.

What a treat to read historical women's fiction in which the lead characters do more than chase, pine for, or lust after men! "The Women of Waterloo Bridge" passes the Bechdel test, and the relationships between friends, siblings, and colleagues take precedence over romance (though of course there's a bit of that too). The characters were believable and well fleshed out, and while the stories of each of the three protagonists come to resolutions of sorts by the end, things are not all tied up with a pretty bow. The story moved at a good clip, and it was lovely to watch the characters grow throughout the course of the war and the book. Extra points for the sensitive description of one woman's depression.

Thank you, NetGalley and Aria, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely story of women working in construction during the 2nd world war and of their friendships and family,i found this a lovely book to read and i felt for Gwen a woman suffering deep pain,Evelyn is determined to get her to mix with the girls working on the bridge.I can highly recommend this book 5*