When I first saw this book, I was eager to read it. I've read many different historical fiction books based during WWII, especially regarding the women who served. But this was the first time I'd ever seen a book that was focused on the experience of Black women serving in the military. So I was eager to read it.

While I enjoyed the friendships that grew during the story, especially among Judy and her battalion-mates, and I felt for the situations they found themselves in, I did not enjoy some of the inaccuracies and liberties taken with the story, especially in regard to those characters who were based on real people.

Keep in mind, this book is set in the 1940s, yet at one point in time, one of the women suggests creating a system like a database for sorting the mail. However, the first known use of the word "database" was in 1962.

And the commander of the battalion, Charity Adams, frequently refers to her "officers" when discussing the women under her command. But based on the context, she's referring to privates, not officers.

While some of the characters are fictional or composites, Lt. Col. Charity Adams is not. Yet her love life is fictionalized to suggest she was homosexual, and the places that she ultimately lived in real life with her husband and children were recounted as being lived in with her female companion.

There was a powerful and compelling story already here, based on fact, about the impact that the Black women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. To me, the insertion of this sensationalized content detracted from the story and the respect these women deserved.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced review copy.

WOMEN OF THE POST by Joshunda Sanders is an emotionally charged historical fiction based on the true story of the WAC 6888th Central Postal Battalion during WWII. This was the first all-Black, all female Army battalion formed and sent overseas to England to expedite the backlog of wartime mail delivery to the troops.

This novel features several black women’s lives beginning in 1944, but the main protagonist is Judy Washington. She lives with her mother in the Bronx and seeks daily work on the Bronx Slave Market cleaning houses for white women for barely any money. One day Judy is approached by an impressive Black woman in uniform and informed about the Army WAC program. She joins not only to send real money home to her mother, but also to hopefully discover what happened to her husband who went to war, but she has not heard from in several months.

The story follows Judy into the Army and introduces her to lifelong friends as they all are on the path of self-discovery. Besides Judy, you are introduced to Stacy, who is big and built strong who works the family farm in Missouri, Bernadette, who works with her mother in a beauty salon in Chicago, and Mary Alyce who discovers her father was a black man after joining the Army and being raised white. There is also a sub-plot intertwined throughout about the two commanding officers of the Battalion and their love for each other.

There is so much beauty and dignity in the portrayal of these women as they face prejudice and discrimination, not only in the South, but everywhere. I read so much about WWII and yet I had never heard of these women and their service. I am so glad I know about them now.

This is a captivating and memorable historical fiction novel that I highly recommend!

4.5⭐

In 1944, as WWII rages on, Judy Washington and her mother are struggling to make ends meet. Judy’s husband Herbert is off fighting the War, enlisting after the bombing of Pearl Harbor resulted in African American men being drafted into the Armed Services. However, correspondence and money from Herbert had been irregular, forcing Judy and her mother to join the Bronx Slave Market where Black women wait on street corners hoping to be employed for domestic services by White women in exchange for a pittance. With the men fighting the war, there was an opportunity for women to join the Woman’s Army Corps (WAC) and after the massive loss of lives in the D-Day Invasion, Allied soldiers from different branches including those handling the post were also called onto the front leading to short staffing and a lag in postal services thereby creating an opening for women, including Black women to join the war effort. Judy decides to enlist eventually becoming a part of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion or the Six Triple Eight as it was commonly referred to, led by Captain Charity Adams (one of the most high-ranking Black officers in the WAC). The Battalion included approximately 850 Black women who were tasked with sorting and redirecting a massive backlog of correspondence between soldiers and their loved ones back home.

We also meet others from Judy’s Battalion including Stacy McFadden who hails from a farming family in Missouri, Bernadette Moore from Chicago and Mary Alyce Dixon from Vermont whose journey is made more difficult after a personal revelation leaves her shaken. The narrative follows these women over the next year and a half as they complete their training, cross the Atlantic and are eventually stationed in Birmingham, England till the end of the war. We bear witness to their personal struggles and aspirations, their camaraderie and how they become an integral part of one another’s support systems in difficult moments. The story is shared from the perspectives of Judy, Charity and Mary Alyce for the most part and not only details the working of the Six Triple Eight Battalion but also paints a picture of the bigotry, segregation, sexism and discrimination not only in WWII era United States by also within Army ranks and also how their experiences outside their country allows them an opportunity to view life as Black women from a different perspective, which impacts the decisions they make in the aftermath of the war.

The brilliant Author’s Note sheds light on the real events and people who inspired this novel while also detailing the facts and fictionalized elements that have been woven into the narrative.
Overall, I found Women of the Post by Joshunda Sanders to be an impeccably researched, informative, insightful and engrossing read that highlights the contribution of African American women to the WWII effort. This is the first work of fiction where I have come across this aspect of the war effort and I commend the author for the beautiful way she has told this story. With its excellent writing, superb characterizations and a rare glimpse into a part of history that is rarely talked about, this is an exceptionally written novel that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy WWII fiction inspired by true events/people.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row Books for the digital review copy and a special thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

5 out of 5 stars! A fantastic read!

Women of the post is a dynamic read and the first historical fiction I had read that focuses entirely on the Black actors during the war. It was educational, refreshing, a fantastic read. This story alternates between three women's perspectives, highlighting why they joined the military, their experiences as they help the war effort and adjust to life overseas as part of their all Black battalion. Separated to low positions, working through the backlog of mail that has piled up, millions of letters waiting to connect loved ones during the war.

I loved the comradery, the blonging each woman finds and the individual journey each goes on. I honestly read this book so fast I cannot wait to go back and read it again, soak up the pieces that didn't have time to sink in,

Overall, this was a wonderful debut novel, I cannot wait to hear more from Sanders.

Thank you Netgalley and Park Row for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Historical fiction enlightens readers by expanding our knowledge of times and events through the lens of fictional characters (who are often based on real people.) Joshunda Sanders novel, Women of the Post, takes readers back to WWII and shares the stories of the Six Triple Eight Battalion.

The Six Triple Eight Battalion was an all-Black unit of women Army Corps recruits who were assigned to sort through the over one million pieces of mail that was backlogged. Their assignment took them to England where they were to catalog and get mail to and from the armed services members fighting in the war. It was felt that getting mail to these men and their families would boost morale at a critical time in the war.

Judy Washington is a newlywed whose husband is fighting overseas. At first she received regular letters from him, but that soon stopped, along with the small amount of money he was able to send home.

Whereas white women could find factory jobs while the men were fighting overseas, Judy and her mother could only find work at what was commonly called the Bronx Slave Market. Judy and her mother would go to the Bronx and wait for wealthy white women from the suburbs to drive up and offer a paltry amount of pay for a day's work cleaning their homes. When one woman stole money from Judy's own wallet to pay her, that is when Judy had had enough.

Judy saw an opportunity to join the Six Triple Eight Battalion as not only a chance to make a decent wage, but also to be closer to finding out what has happened to her husband. We follow Judy through basic training in Kansas, where she makes friends with three other women, and we meet Second Officer Charity Adams, who will lead the battalion overseas. (Charity Adams was a real person, the highest ranking Black female officer in WWII.)

Each of the characters is interesting and has her own reasons for being there. Charity is hiding a relationship with a fellow female officer, and Mary Alyce discovers a secret that her family kept from her for years that changes her life forever.

I learned so much from Women of the Post. I had heard of the Six Triple Eight before, but reading of their accomplishment and how they managed to not only complete the task of getting the mail but create a cataloging system for doing so was so interesting. Joshunda Sanders takes us right into their day-to-day life in basic training, and what it was like to be an almost forgotten part of the military. I was intrigued by her characters and bond of friendship they formed.

I had never heard of the Bronx Slave Market, and I wish more people knew about this part of New York City history. It was shocking to me and yet not so unbelievable that it would exist. I'd like to read more about it. I will also be looking for more information on Charity Adams.

If you are a historical fiction fan, Women of the Post is a book to put on your list. Fans of Lauren Willig's Band of Sisters and Margot Lee Shetterly's nonfiction Hidden Figures will enjoy it, and I give it 5 stars.

Judy is tired of working for pennies. She joins the WAC. She wants a steady paycheck and she wants to know where her husband is. He joined the army and she has not heard a word from him. She ends up becoming friends with several other women in her group. They all end up overseas (even though they are not allowed to go!) with specific orders to fix the mess of the mail.

Well! I am a huge WWII reader (if you have not guessed!). And I had never heard of the women who straighten out the mess of the mail in WWII. I learned so much reading this novel.

First of all, I didn’t know about the African American women in the Army. I didn’t know all the trials they had to overcome. But these women were amazing. Then there is the Slave Market in the Bronx during the 1930s and 1940s. You can read more about that piece of awful history here. Plus, Mary McLeod Bethune is mentioned in this novel. She has a special place in my childhood reading so I learned more about her in these pages.

There is so much that this novel encompasses. Not only is it full of rich history, it is also full of friendship, strength and a bit of romance.

Need a unique, well researched, WWII tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

A new topic about WWII awaits you in this book: a historical fiction about the 6888th Central Postal Battalion, a Black unit of the WACs, which was the only unit sent overseas. Their duty was to sort for distribution through an enormous backlog of mail to the troops. I enjoy reading about a topic I had not read before. The author has accomplished it in more than just the seemingly impossibility task of sorting the GIs mail in just a few months while describing unfair practices to Blacks and particularly Black Women both overseas and at home in the US. A tragic side story is that of the Bronx Slave Market. Joshunda Sanders Acknowledgements should not be missed; it was invaluable to me in understanding such items of France at the end of the war. Thanks to NetGalley and Park Row Books for an ARC; this is my honest review.

Women of the Post focuses on the contributions of black women during World War II, which was fascinating. The story alternates between the perspectives of three women in the all-Black battalion of the Women's Army Corps. Their job was to sort through millions of pieces of backlogged mail, so soldiers and their families could communicate. This was also a story about female friendship, love, and belonging. The three narratives were woven very well.

I received a free copy of this book via Hear Our Voices Tours and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I loved this book and learned a lot along the way. Based on true events, it is about the all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps that served in Europe during WWII. Their mission was to sort over one million pieces of mail that had backlogged in Europe. To boost the morale of the soldiers, it was imperative that this mail be delivered to the soldiers and their families.

Told from the perspectives of three members of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion, I learned a lot about why these women took the radical step of joining the military at a time when Black men were still fighting to be accepted, so the women had an even bigger fight ahead of them. The story of the Bronx “slave markets” endured by Judy Washington and her mother was heartbreaking and infuriating.

Judy, Stacy, Bernadette, and Mary Alyce become close friends almost from the start. It took a little longer for Mary Alyce to accept the others. Mary Alyce finds her mother kept a secret from her, a secret that would change every aspect of her life. She discovers that the father that died before she was born was Black. Having fair skin, she had loved her life as a White female with a White mother. I could not even begin to imagine the change this knowledge set into play in her life. The battalion is led by Charity Adams, one of the VERY few Black female officers in the Army.

This is a story of finding purpose in one’s life, of strong female friendships, and of stepping out of your comfort zone.

It is obvious that the author did extensive research for this historical fiction novel. While I am burned out on WWII stories, once I became aware of the specific topic, I could not resist reading it. I am so glad I did. I highly recommend it.

I received an advance copy of the book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Thanks to Park Row and HTP for my copy of Women of the Post.

This is a World War II Historical Fiction about the incredible women of the 6888, the all-black battalion of the Women's Army Air Corps who sorted the mail and were the only unit of black women to serve overseas.

I enjoyed this book and the main characters of Judy, Charity, Bernadette and Alyce - four women who all joined the WAC for different reasons. I loved the sisterhood and solidarity these women showed as they worked hard and proved to others that they could do anything.

The author's note at the end was really good in the fact vs fiction as most of the characters in the story were fictional. While I enjoyed this book, I read Sisters in Arms when it was published in 2021, also about the 6888 so already had some background on these women and Charity Adams. I did find the Bronx Slave Market part very interesting as well.

If you want to know more about this amazing group of women check out Women of the Post.

Well Told Story Based On Real Unit/ People. This is a story probably unlike most any other you've encountered in historical fiction of WWII. Even if you've read about mail carrriers (there are a few such books out that I'm aware of, and likely more that I'm not), you likely haven't read about *these* mail clerks. Even if you've read about African American servicemembers during the war, you likely haven't read about *these* African American servicemembers during the war. Even if you've read about LGBT people during the war... you get the idea.

One thing that became interesting to me as I read this was thinking of the grandmother I don't often think of much, my mom's mom. But this was the grandmother that was married during WWII, and who bore her first child - my oldest uncle - just months before D-Day. Her husband at the time, my grandfather, I've spoken of a fair amount in reviews of WWII books, including his Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge. But here, the connection is with his wife, back home in Georgia alone (presumably with family around) with their infant son. You see, even when I knew her almost 40 years later, during the dawn of the Personal Computer era and as the Net was coming online (she would die a few years after the Dot Com Bust of the mid 2000s, having outlived both of her husbands and sharing this earth for over 23 years with me)... that woman always *loved* writing and receiving letters. Actual, handwritten, long form, letters. As with my grandfathers and their experiences in WWII, I can't *know* what she went through living through that era - I never once asked her about it. But seeing how letters and morale were stressed so dearly in this tale here, and knowing her own situation at the time, I can maybe make some assumptions about how *I* would feel in similar situations, and it brings another level of depth to both this tale and my memories of her life.

Even if you don't have a personal connection, however tenuous, to the subject here though, this really is an interesting and clearly at least somewhat well researched tale showing a "based on" level tale of real people who really lived and did and likely experienced these very things during that period, up to and including the Klan burning crosses in their front yards and the active discrimination that was so rampant even after the war, even well after supposed "integration".

About the only suspect detail here is the idea that lesbians could live more comfortably in post-war Ohio than in South Carolina, but that is perhaps explained away as being able to get to an area where neither person is known by anyone, and thus be able to craft your own identity and reputation away from those who have ever known anything but what you tell and present to them. Which, one could argue (and build a genuinely solid case for) is simply no longer possible in today's hyper-connected world.

Overall truly a great work that shows the complex yet all too real lives of some WWII veterans you've likely never heard of. Very much recommended.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Women of the Post is well written and informative book in which we learn of the 6888th Postal Battalion. The different POV’s of Judy, Mary Alyce and Charity allows you to immerse yourself in the very different ways these women navigated things before, during, and after the time spent in the Women’s Army Corps.

In one ordeal Judy works hard all day cleaning and at the end of the working day she is paid using her own money, which the woman stole from her(meaning she worked for free). It has been months since Judy has heard from her husband or been sent any money to survive on. Growing tired of this Judy enlist in the Women’s Army Corp (WAC).

During basic training Judy becomes friends with Stacy, Bernadette, and Mary Alyce, who only finds out she’s black when she enlists. After finishing basic training the women wait to find out where they will be sent. The army eventually decide to send them to Birmingham, England where they will be sorting the back logged mail. These women work tirelessly to get the mail out knowing that mail received serves as a boost of morale for the troops.

Thank you Hear Our Voices Tours, Park Row and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars.

This story highlights the contributions an all Black female army troop made during WWII, and because this is a less "mainstream" WWII storyline, I learned a lot! The plot is told through the POVs of three members of the Women's Army Corps, who are the first to travel abroad to help the war effort. While they do not fight along the frontlines, they have the important role of sorting through mail. Although a menial task, it was actually essential to the war efforts, as communication between soldiers and their loved ones sustained morale during the war. Additionally, this story speaks to the variety of experiences Black women encountered during the war, including the perspective of Charity Adams who was a highly ranked Black officer. The intersectionality of Blackness and womanhood is an essential part of this book, and it is heartbreaking to see the layers of discrimination Black women faced. This is such an important book and it is from a debut author! Fans of historical fiction, particularly less "mainstream" WWII stories will love this one.

After reading this title, I am left thinking about whether or not a story really needs a climax because nothing really happened in this story.

Thematically, it has the potential to be a great story because it follows how an all Negro woman battalion help sort mail to increase morale during World War 2. Topics discussed include sexuality, racism, passing, and sisterhood. The historical piece is the most exciting because it really situates the story.

However, I got really bored towards the end. I no longer really cared for the characters or the story. Fortunately the pace was great so that it was a simple read. I do believe that this would be a great movie or series.

A well researched novel about black women who joined the WAC during WWII but know that this is as much about racism as it is about their contribution to the war effort. Judy's husband joined up but she hasn't heard from him in months and she's desperate financially. Mary Alyce sees the WAC as a way to get out of her small Vermont town but there's a surprise waiting for her. And Charity, daughter of a pastor, loves her best friend, joins in part because of her, and becomes the leader of the 6888th Battalion. I liked learning about the 6888th, which has only recently come to general attention. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. The anger is palpable as these three and the others in the Battalion navigate their lives. Don't miss the afterword.

This is a beautifully written part fictional account of the first Black women to serve in the United States Army-the Six Triple Eight Battalion.

Recruited and enlisted during the Second World War and the deep divide and racial segregation in the US, the women ‘fought’ hard to tell their story in a predominantly white and male setting.

It is a story of courage, grit, determination, hard work and hardship. These women had everything working against them.

The opening was hard and raw. It brings back the past we are trying to forget but it must be told so we do not forget where we have come from and the experiences that make us who we are.

The plot was amazing. I loved how the author used the chapters to tell each person’s story giving us an inkling into their background before they all got together.

The author told each character’s story in such a way that you can’t help but feel every of their emotions- from their anger, tears, joy to their happiness.

We all need a Gen Barrows in our corner- someone who believes in us when the world can’t see what we have to offer. I love Charity- a no nonsense, badass, no shit taking woman.

From the Bronx to the South and even to Birmingham, England, the setting was spot on. A couple of the places are familiar to me and I could see that the author’s sterling work on the settings.

This is one book you need to read this year, I highly recommend it.

WWII keeps preferring up tons of untold stories that are eagerly snapped up by readers.
Sanders tells the story of the black women who served in the 688th Battalion and slogged through the mail backlog in 1944.
I knew black women had served in the WACs but had no idea on specific duties.
That’s why I love reading historical fiction like this since it allows me to explore the story.
The author gives a very thorough historical note in the afterward.
Don’t miss this one!

Women of the Post is a well-researched, eye opening story of Black women who enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. The women want to make a difference and to find opportunities that are otherwise not available to them. The women featured in the book come from various backgrounds and experiences. They form friendships and explore what they can do after the war when they return home, back to Jim Crow. Based on real women, this book is a keeper. I will add this to my high school library to enlighten the students and introduce them to the little known facts of the Black experience in the military both on the battlefield and upon their return home.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Women of the Post is the enlightening story of the strong African American women of the 6888th Battalion.

This is a little known group of strong women and the book starts with the formation of the group We see the ladies get recruited and then off to training.

It is a time of hope for Judy Washington and Mary Alyce Dixon and their journey and story is one I admired and got lost in.

The book is beautifully written and I loved all the characters .

Women of the Post is a must read and certainly opened my eyes to another aspect of those who contributed to the war and such an important part of history seldom addressed.

Please take time to read the author's notes that adds so much to the story of 6888th Battalion.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harelquin Trade Publishing Park Row for a fascinating story and one I wont soon forget.

The only reason I would not adopt this book into my curriculum is because I teach in Florida, but I will definitely be using facts and references from this work when I teach WWII and this time period in United States History. This book taught me so much and the writing! THE WRITING!

The characters were from all walks of life, the information was detailed and historically accurate, and their stories were so compelling and heartfelt and the pacing was just right.

I loved the turns it took, how the characters developed, how their friendship developed, and picking up on historical facts that are taught in mainstream American History and giving them context as to how those events/policies affected black women and the enormous contributions made by black women in the war effort/American society in general.

This book, the information in it, is instrumental to understanding the state of American politics and culture during this time period and how that extends to our present society, both in terms of the home front and abroad.

I would recommend for groups who love history and those who could do without it.