Women at War

Evocative period photographs and dramatic personal reminiscences honor the contributions of women to World War II, from the women in home and in industry to women in service and intelligence, on both sides of the war effort.

Adult/High School-Beginning with the years directly preceding the conflict, this book documents the changes in women's roles and their importance during the war years. Themes include the willingness of women to help in the war effort however they could; the prejudices they encountered working at historically all-male jobs; the particular hostility directed toward black women in the U.S.; and the positive self-image that resulted from participation in the workforce, armed forces, and other fields, which carried over into the 1960's women's movement. The emphasis is on the U.S., although Great Britain and Canada are also discussed, and other countries, such as Russia, are mentioned. Personal reminiscences enliven the text, and numerous photographs, illustrations, and reproductions of posters give a feeling for the period. Easy to read and to understand, this is an informative book.
Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.