Pages

Wednesday 11 September 2019

Book Review: The Spitfire Girls by Soraya M. Lane

Last Updated: 20 September 2021

The Spitfire Girls by Soraya M. Lane book cover

Three skilled aviators determined to help win the war. Three brave women who know their place is not at home.

At the height of World War II, the British Air Transport Auxiliary need help. A group of young women volunteer for action, but the perils of their new job don’t end on the tarmac. Things are tough in the air, but on the ground, their abilities as pilots are constantly questioned.

There is friction from the start between the new recruits. Spirited American Lizzie turns heads with her audacity, but few can deny her flying skills. She couldn’t be more different from shy, petite Ruby, who is far from diminutive in the sky. It falls to pragmatic pilot May to bring the women together and create a formidable team capable of bringing the aircraft home.

As these very different women fight to prove themselves up to the task at hand, they are faced with challenges and tragedies at every turn. They must fight for equal pay and respect while handling aircraft that are dangerously ill-equipped; meanwhile, lives continue to be lost in the tumult of war.

Determined to assist the war effort doing what they love, can May, Lizzie and Ruby put aside their differences to overcome adversity, and will they find love in the skies?


Packed with action, adventure, and unimposing heroism, The Spitfire Girls tells the tale of three incredibly brave women, set against the backdrop of World War Two.

The story's three heroines are very different women from very different walks of life, but when duty calls, they are all prepared to fight for their right to serve their country. May, Ruby, and Lizzie may have their own demons to face, but when they work together, there isn't much that this talented trio can't achieve when they put their minds to it!

Although each of the main characters does have a clear weakness, I enjoyed reading about them as strong, independent women - yet also very human women who are not afraid to show emotion for the people they care about most. As their bond grows stronger, the solace that each woman finds in the others is incredibly touching to read.

The book is loosely based on a true story. The actions of the real-world heroines who went out there, under heavy criticism, and flew planes to help the war effort may not be widely known. However, these women's stories deserve to be told. True feminists before their time, these courageous ladies stood up for themselves and their abilities and, against all odds, their dedication and perseverance finally paid off.

In my opinion, every single one of those selfless women who put themselves in danger every day - yet still did not receive the recognition they deserved - is a true heroine.

The Spitfire Girls is a great read with a poignant message, remembering the sacrifices made by our women during World War Two.

Rating: 3 stars

The Spitfire Girls is available to buy now.

If you like the sound of this book, you might also enjoy...


Will you be reading the book? Let me know in the comments below! 

5 comments:

  1. Wow, it's not the sort of book I do tend to read, but I love that it focuses on the work of these amazing women. I'll definitely put it on TBR list.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds a good read. I've read a number of WW2 stories but none with flying heroines #readwithme

    ReplyDelete