Daughters of War was an emotional and gripping experience. Historical detail saturates the story, vividly portraying the dangers and harsh realities of wartime France. I asked, “Would I be as brave as these three sisters in the face of such adversity?” My honest answer? Probably not.
Set in the small village of Dordogne in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, this novel introduces us to three sisters—Hélène, Élise, and Florence—who each grapple with the weight of war in unique ways.
Hélène, the eldest, shoulders the heavy burden of keeping her family safe, often at great personal cost. Élise, headstrong and rebellious, risks everything by aiding the Resistance, while Florence, the dreamer, holds onto hope for love and a brighter future. When Allied soldiers arrive at their doorstep seeking help, the sisters face impossible choices. Emerging secrets from their past test their courage further, threatening their unity and survival.
While the book’s 544 pages occasionally could have benefitted from tighter editing, the terrific characters and storyline kept me invested. The author beautifully developed the sisters’ relationships, offering moments of tension, loyalty, and love that felt authentic and heart-wrenching.
Jefferies blends suspense, romance, mystery, and history seamlessly. The vivid descriptions and fascinating tidbits about France during WWII made the setting come alive. I also supplemented the print book with the audiobook, and narrator Stephanie Racine’s performance was excellent.
4 stars.