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emmacr2024's review
4.0
The Mersey trilogy established Pam Howes as a bright new voice in the women's historical fiction genre and also as one of my favourite authors. Pam writes vividly of life for the women, families and friends left at home during World War Two whilst their men are away fighting against the maniac that was Hitler. The main theme of this new Factory Girls series is that the struggles of war will see friendships strengthen and this couldn't be more accurate.
In The Factory Girls of Lark Lane we are introduced to another strong, resilient and courageous young woman called Alice Turner. Alice is the stalwart of this story and as we journey with her through her experiences of the war and numerous life altering events the reader finds themselves once again hooked just as much as I had been with Dora's story in the previous series. At times, I feel war time family saga series tend to get a bit repetitive in their descriptions of life at home. Thankfully this wasn't the case here as the author manages to keep everything fresh and interesting and the fact I am still discovering new information about the war and how people coped on a daily basis is testament to the wonderful writing and in depth research undertaken by the author.
Alice works with her best friend Millie Markham in Rootes munitions factory in Liverpool. They work in the riveting section making the framework of wings for the planes that will go on to bomb the enemy. Their work is vital for the war effort and they take great pride in it. Alice likes to keep her business to herself but within a factory setting and on the street where she lives everyone knows everybody else’s business. This may seem overbearing to some people but I suppose this could be classed as being only a good thing as in times of need people will know when to step in and offer a helping hand. When we are first introduced to Alice she is bubbling with excitement as she is just about to marry her sweetheart Terry. They have one day before he has to return to training and then god knows how long before she will see him again as he could be shipped away to any place. Even an air raid warning won't stop them enjoying their big day.
We all know life was more than a struggle for people during the war and how it presented so many challenges and obstacles but to always have that threat of the air raid siren blaring out must have had people on edge twenty four seven. The calm, peaceful lives they led pre-war must have been but a distant memory replaced by worry, fear and anxiety. Their normal routine disrupted for six long years and beyond and those they loved the most taken away for them to fight for their country. A life without any luxuries or treats but entertainment and excitement was created wherever and whenever possible even b the tightest if means. Rationing became the norm but Alice proved to be resourceful and I loved how she was always willing to go that extra mile for her family which only highlighted the love and dedication she had for them. She always had a long term goal in her mind that drove her on. She wanted Terry to come back to some sort sort of security and family unit but with so much devastation, loss and upheaval surrounding them could this be at all possible?
Alice and Millie had a united friendship whose bonds were only strengthened through all the ups and downs they go through. I loved how they were there for each other every step of the way even if circumstances and opportunities did take them away for each other at some points. No matter how long the separation they would always reunite. Once you have that deep connection that goes beyond friendship it's hard to break it no matter the mountains placed in your way. Although I did laugh at Millie's attempts to join the Land Army! The only very minor fault that I found with this story, and it's more just a personal opinion rather than any error with the writing, is that I wanted to know more about Millie. I know this was Alice's story to tell but I would have liked to have read a few chapters from Millie's perspective, I wonder will the next book focus on Millie or rather extend and continue Alice's story?
The person who definitely held the spotlight throughout the story was undoubtedly Alice. As Terry leaves after their wedding night it is up to her to continue on. She was the one who had to keep her family going. Her father had died, her mother was very vulnerable and the place where she had worked had closed down. Older brother Rodney was away fighting in France and younger brother Brian had been evacuated to North Wales. Alice couldn't sit down and just let things crumble around her, there had to have been something for Terry and Rodney to return too. That's if they survived the horrors they were experiencing. Alice kept the show running and worked herself to the bone. She proved time and time again how responsible she was and above all else the word loyalty really sums up her character. Keeping enough food on the table, staying alive and one step of the enemy became common place and I felt she dealt with all the curve balls that life threw at her with dignity, respect and confidence. She had her friends and neighbours backs and they did the same for her. The community spirit and camaraderie was evident on the factory floor and this was extended outside of working hours. People didn't want to see friends and family suffer unnecessarily and they all roped in together when needed.
Alice came down to earth with a bang once Terry left and as she discovers something surprising but which will lead to happiness she is tested to the max. Terry's mother, Mrs.Lomax, played a pivotal supportive role throughout the story and Alice would have been lost without her as her own mother had her own issues to deal with. Quite often the mother-in-law in women's fictions books plays the baddie role, the woman we all despise and basically just want rid of so I was thrilled to see Mrs. Lomax hadn't been assigned that form of character. I wouldn't say it was all smooth sailing between herself and Alice but still I thought she really stepped up to the plate when Alice needed help. She wasn't going to let her daughter-in-law suffer when her son was away. She was kind, caring and offered so much help that she became like a surrogate mother to her and it shows during the times of war people put aside any issues or little resentments they might feel and always did what was best for one another. After all the war both on home and foreign soil brought countless highs and lows but this story shows how all women were proud of their war work either at home or in factories or on the land as they know they are doing their bit to prevent one man getting his ultimate way.
The most touching aspect of the story was in relation to Edith, Alice's mother. It was written with such sensitivity and tact and was just utterly heartbreaking. I don't know Alice kept going but she did and I thought if Terry could see her at home he would have been so very proud of her. The Factory Girls of Lark Lane was a brilliant introduction to this new series from Pam Howes. The fact I read in one afternoon shows how much I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's true to life of the time and packed full of characters you wish nothing but a happy outcome for. Creating capable, steady irrepressible female characters is Pam Howes' forte. Alice is a stand out character whose story will transport you back in time to a period where a positive outlook and clinging to hope became the factors that got people through the war. Now if Pam Howes could just hurry up and write book two as I am very eager to return to Liverpool and the factory girls to see what happens next.
In The Factory Girls of Lark Lane we are introduced to another strong, resilient and courageous young woman called Alice Turner. Alice is the stalwart of this story and as we journey with her through her experiences of the war and numerous life altering events the reader finds themselves once again hooked just as much as I had been with Dora's story in the previous series. At times, I feel war time family saga series tend to get a bit repetitive in their descriptions of life at home. Thankfully this wasn't the case here as the author manages to keep everything fresh and interesting and the fact I am still discovering new information about the war and how people coped on a daily basis is testament to the wonderful writing and in depth research undertaken by the author.
Alice works with her best friend Millie Markham in Rootes munitions factory in Liverpool. They work in the riveting section making the framework of wings for the planes that will go on to bomb the enemy. Their work is vital for the war effort and they take great pride in it. Alice likes to keep her business to herself but within a factory setting and on the street where she lives everyone knows everybody else’s business. This may seem overbearing to some people but I suppose this could be classed as being only a good thing as in times of need people will know when to step in and offer a helping hand. When we are first introduced to Alice she is bubbling with excitement as she is just about to marry her sweetheart Terry. They have one day before he has to return to training and then god knows how long before she will see him again as he could be shipped away to any place. Even an air raid warning won't stop them enjoying their big day.
We all know life was more than a struggle for people during the war and how it presented so many challenges and obstacles but to always have that threat of the air raid siren blaring out must have had people on edge twenty four seven. The calm, peaceful lives they led pre-war must have been but a distant memory replaced by worry, fear and anxiety. Their normal routine disrupted for six long years and beyond and those they loved the most taken away for them to fight for their country. A life without any luxuries or treats but entertainment and excitement was created wherever and whenever possible even b the tightest if means. Rationing became the norm but Alice proved to be resourceful and I loved how she was always willing to go that extra mile for her family which only highlighted the love and dedication she had for them. She always had a long term goal in her mind that drove her on. She wanted Terry to come back to some sort sort of security and family unit but with so much devastation, loss and upheaval surrounding them could this be at all possible?
Alice and Millie had a united friendship whose bonds were only strengthened through all the ups and downs they go through. I loved how they were there for each other every step of the way even if circumstances and opportunities did take them away for each other at some points. No matter how long the separation they would always reunite. Once you have that deep connection that goes beyond friendship it's hard to break it no matter the mountains placed in your way. Although I did laugh at Millie's attempts to join the Land Army! The only very minor fault that I found with this story, and it's more just a personal opinion rather than any error with the writing, is that I wanted to know more about Millie. I know this was Alice's story to tell but I would have liked to have read a few chapters from Millie's perspective, I wonder will the next book focus on Millie or rather extend and continue Alice's story?
The person who definitely held the spotlight throughout the story was undoubtedly Alice. As Terry leaves after their wedding night it is up to her to continue on. She was the one who had to keep her family going. Her father had died, her mother was very vulnerable and the place where she had worked had closed down. Older brother Rodney was away fighting in France and younger brother Brian had been evacuated to North Wales. Alice couldn't sit down and just let things crumble around her, there had to have been something for Terry and Rodney to return too. That's if they survived the horrors they were experiencing. Alice kept the show running and worked herself to the bone. She proved time and time again how responsible she was and above all else the word loyalty really sums up her character. Keeping enough food on the table, staying alive and one step of the enemy became common place and I felt she dealt with all the curve balls that life threw at her with dignity, respect and confidence. She had her friends and neighbours backs and they did the same for her. The community spirit and camaraderie was evident on the factory floor and this was extended outside of working hours. People didn't want to see friends and family suffer unnecessarily and they all roped in together when needed.
Alice came down to earth with a bang once Terry left and as she discovers something surprising but which will lead to happiness she is tested to the max. Terry's mother, Mrs.Lomax, played a pivotal supportive role throughout the story and Alice would have been lost without her as her own mother had her own issues to deal with. Quite often the mother-in-law in women's fictions books plays the baddie role, the woman we all despise and basically just want rid of so I was thrilled to see Mrs. Lomax hadn't been assigned that form of character. I wouldn't say it was all smooth sailing between herself and Alice but still I thought she really stepped up to the plate when Alice needed help. She wasn't going to let her daughter-in-law suffer when her son was away. She was kind, caring and offered so much help that she became like a surrogate mother to her and it shows during the times of war people put aside any issues or little resentments they might feel and always did what was best for one another. After all the war both on home and foreign soil brought countless highs and lows but this story shows how all women were proud of their war work either at home or in factories or on the land as they know they are doing their bit to prevent one man getting his ultimate way.
The most touching aspect of the story was in relation to Edith, Alice's mother. It was written with such sensitivity and tact and was just utterly heartbreaking. I don't know Alice kept going but she did and I thought if Terry could see her at home he would have been so very proud of her. The Factory Girls of Lark Lane was a brilliant introduction to this new series from Pam Howes. The fact I read in one afternoon shows how much I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's true to life of the time and packed full of characters you wish nothing but a happy outcome for. Creating capable, steady irrepressible female characters is Pam Howes' forte. Alice is a stand out character whose story will transport you back in time to a period where a positive outlook and clinging to hope became the factors that got people through the war. Now if Pam Howes could just hurry up and write book two as I am very eager to return to Liverpool and the factory girls to see what happens next.
islapol's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
The Factory Girls of Lark Lane by Pam Howes takes us back to December of 1940 in Liverpool, England. Alice Turner and her best friend Millie Markham work at Rootes Munitions Factory. While Alice’s sweetheart, Terry Lomax is home on leave they are getting married at the Mount Pleasant Registry Office. After a one night honeymoon, Terry returns to the division and Alice must continue with her life at home without him. Alice lives at home with her mother and younger brother, Brian. Her older brother, Rodney is fighting in France. Life is difficult at home with air raids, rationing and missing loved ones. Alice’s life changes when she discovers she is pregnant. As the war proceeds on with no end in sight, someone dear to Alice is missing in action, her mother’s health declines and she finds it is a struggle to keep a roof over their head and food in the cupboard. Alice feels blessed to have Millie’s friendship during these trying times. How will they overcome these challenges and survive the war?
The Factory Girls of Lark Lane is a well-written novel that transports readers back in time. I found that the author captured time and place. Ms. Howes did her research. I felt The Factory Girls of Lark Lane is an accurate portrayal of home life during World War II. I did struggle with some of the British slang (such as “sarnie”). Millie and Alice’s friendship is heartwarming and enriches the story. They are close friends who help each through the worst times of their lives and are there to celebrate the good times too. We see the importance of family and neighbors. It was amazing how neighbors and co-workers’ band together to take care of their own. Rationing made it difficult to prepare meals and people had to get creative. The National Loaf was the bread they had to eat (with white flour severely rationed) and new clothes were a thing of the past. The ending did feel incomplete to me, but this is only the first book in the series. The Factory Girls of Lark Lane is an emotional story that will tug on your heartstrings and it will hold your attention until the very end. I look forward to the story continuing in The Shop Girls of Lark Lane.
The Factory Girls of Lark Lane is a well-written novel that transports readers back in time. I found that the author captured time and place. Ms. Howes did her research. I felt The Factory Girls of Lark Lane is an accurate portrayal of home life during World War II. I did struggle with some of the British slang (such as “sarnie”). Millie and Alice’s friendship is heartwarming and enriches the story. They are close friends who help each through the worst times of their lives and are there to celebrate the good times too. We see the importance of family and neighbors. It was amazing how neighbors and co-workers’ band together to take care of their own. Rationing made it difficult to prepare meals and people had to get creative. The National Loaf was the bread they had to eat (with white flour severely rationed) and new clothes were a thing of the past. The ending did feel incomplete to me, but this is only the first book in the series. The Factory Girls of Lark Lane is an emotional story that will tug on your heartstrings and it will hold your attention until the very end. I look forward to the story continuing in The Shop Girls of Lark Lane.
btpbookclub's review
5.0
I fell in love with this story from the get go, the characters, the town, the friendships and families. It was perfect. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and this was just what I needed! Heartwarming, heartbreaking, emotional and filled with plenty of hope.
A real page turner, fast paced, easy to read, addictive and brilliant! Will take the reader right back in time. Had me going ahhh and oh no everytime the alarm went off at the most inappropriate of moments throughout the story. A story that will stay in my heart. Highly recommend. A well deserved five stars. I cannot wait to read more by this author in the future, a new favourite author I think!
A real page turner, fast paced, easy to read, addictive and brilliant! Will take the reader right back in time. Had me going ahhh and oh no everytime the alarm went off at the most inappropriate of moments throughout the story. A story that will stay in my heart. Highly recommend. A well deserved five stars. I cannot wait to read more by this author in the future, a new favourite author I think!
lu85's review
4.0
Good book
Really enjoyed this book. Would recommend it. I am definitely going to read the second one and any others. .
Really enjoyed this book. Would recommend it. I am definitely going to read the second one and any others. .
kreinard's review
4.0
The Factory Girls of Lark Lane is a family drama surrounding Alice, her close family as well as her friends. It follows them during World War II and takes a look at family, love, friendships and career during a war.
The bonds made in this book were beautiful to see develop and be sustained. This little community of friends all rallied around one another in their times of need. Everyone is struggling during the war; whether it be the wife whose husband is off at war and is left to take care of little kiddos at home or the mom struggling with the loss of her family. Everyone in this little book has something to give and something to get from one another. And they all do so willingly and lovingly. The depiction of the importance of friendship and community was so beautiful displayed in this small town and by these lovable characters.
This book also showed me something a little different than most World War II fiction I have read. This book really drilled into my heart that these women and families are losing more than flesh and blood when their men go to war. They do not just lose physical people when their loved ones die or fight overseas. They lose experiences, dreams and desires for themselves, their futures, their families, motherhood and what they thought they life might become. This was one of the most important takeaways from this story and one that we could all stand to reflect on.
When I got to the end of this book, all I could hope for was a sequel to really show how these characters reacted after the war. Is this picture perfect ending all it's cracked up to be months later when the affects of the war really set in? It might not have been as pretty of a picture, but I think it would have made the whole story feel more real and authentic as there was the very slight cheese factor near the ending of this book. Overall a pretty good portrait of life in Liverpool during WWII, though not as gritty as I feel it could have been.
**Many thanks to Pam Howes, Bookouture, and NetGalley for an advanced e-book in exchange for an honest review.
The bonds made in this book were beautiful to see develop and be sustained. This little community of friends all rallied around one another in their times of need. Everyone is struggling during the war; whether it be the wife whose husband is off at war and is left to take care of little kiddos at home or the mom struggling with the loss of her family. Everyone in this little book has something to give and something to get from one another. And they all do so willingly and lovingly. The depiction of the importance of friendship and community was so beautiful displayed in this small town and by these lovable characters.
This book also showed me something a little different than most World War II fiction I have read. This book really drilled into my heart that these women and families are losing more than flesh and blood when their men go to war. They do not just lose physical people when their loved ones die or fight overseas. They lose experiences, dreams and desires for themselves, their futures, their families, motherhood and what they thought they life might become. This was one of the most important takeaways from this story and one that we could all stand to reflect on.
When I got to the end of this book, all I could hope for was a sequel to really show how these characters reacted after the war. Is this picture perfect ending all it's cracked up to be months later when the affects of the war really set in? It might not have been as pretty of a picture, but I think it would have made the whole story feel more real and authentic as there was the very slight cheese factor near the ending of this book. Overall a pretty good portrait of life in Liverpool during WWII, though not as gritty as I feel it could have been.
**Many thanks to Pam Howes, Bookouture, and NetGalley for an advanced e-book in exchange for an honest review.
robinlovesreading's review against another edition
5.0
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at http://www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com
4. 5 Stars
Very good friends Alice and Millie live in 1940s Liverpool during War World II. They have both just sent their men off to the war. Millie is in love with boyfriend Alan, but has a friend Jimmy who is also off to war that she write letters to. It is Alice, however, that is more of the focus in this story. Her husband went back to the barracks the day after their wedding. Alice is now expecting their child, while worrying for her husband's safety. Millions of men were being killed in the horrendous war, and there was no guarantee that their loved ones would return home.
During wartime, Alice and Millie, work at a munitions factory, along with several friends, and they remained quite close. Alice has issues wither her Mam and her brother, along with the difficulties of raising a young daughter alone. It is a time of deep worry and stress for all involved.
As I read this book, I was drawn into the emotions of that difficult time. For example, I had never actually heard of "evacuee children". I was disheartened to hear of things being so horrible that it wasn't even safe for most children to remain with their mothers during such difficult times. There were a lot of factors that drew me to this book, one is that the author had a real capture on WWII Liverpool and the daily bombing raids that went on then. Imagine having to always carry a gas mask with you. How terrifying!
I read 90% of this book in one sitting. I only put it down because I actually fell asleep, otherwise I would have finished it all at once. The Factory Girls of Lark Lane is utterly captivating, albeit very sad at times. Nevertheless, this was a truly heartwarming read of friendship, love and hope. I am thrilled that I read this wonderful book and look forward to reading more from Pam Howes.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
4. 5 Stars
Very good friends Alice and Millie live in 1940s Liverpool during War World II. They have both just sent their men off to the war. Millie is in love with boyfriend Alan, but has a friend Jimmy who is also off to war that she write letters to. It is Alice, however, that is more of the focus in this story. Her husband went back to the barracks the day after their wedding. Alice is now expecting their child, while worrying for her husband's safety. Millions of men were being killed in the horrendous war, and there was no guarantee that their loved ones would return home.
During wartime, Alice and Millie, work at a munitions factory, along with several friends, and they remained quite close. Alice has issues wither her Mam and her brother, along with the difficulties of raising a young daughter alone. It is a time of deep worry and stress for all involved.
As I read this book, I was drawn into the emotions of that difficult time. For example, I had never actually heard of "evacuee children". I was disheartened to hear of things being so horrible that it wasn't even safe for most children to remain with their mothers during such difficult times. There were a lot of factors that drew me to this book, one is that the author had a real capture on WWII Liverpool and the daily bombing raids that went on then. Imagine having to always carry a gas mask with you. How terrifying!
I read 90% of this book in one sitting. I only put it down because I actually fell asleep, otherwise I would have finished it all at once. The Factory Girls of Lark Lane is utterly captivating, albeit very sad at times. Nevertheless, this was a truly heartwarming read of friendship, love and hope. I am thrilled that I read this wonderful book and look forward to reading more from Pam Howes.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.