Reviews

Women of Steel: How Sheffield's Feisty Factory Sisters Helped Win the War by Michelle Rawlins

thewoollygeek's review against another edition

3.0

This was an ok read, but it didn’t exactly enthrall me, based on the lives these women led it could have been so much more interesting and detailed, but it just felt like facts and very empty to read, like just reading a bio or something. This could and should be so much more, disappointing.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

domnica's review against another edition

5.0

Based on true stories, this book is an incredible tribute to women’s dedication and commitment during the WWII in Sheffield. Despite their life being turned upside down in just a matter of hours, they haven’t complained a bit. They were grateful for the opportunity to contribute in the steel factories so their loved ones would have weapons, ships and planes to fight the war. They all expressed in their stories how thankful they were for having a job and earning money for the household income. In addition they found camaraderie at work which helped them during the hard times. It’s hard to believe that their efforts went unnoticed until 2009, however, I am glad that they are not forgotten.

kiwibunnz's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

5.0

This book tells the stories of 20 "Women of Steel" who were so named because they worked in factories in Sheffield during WWII. The author researched through interviewing the women or their family members and put together a very interesting and emotional book.  Because the stories were attributed to each woman, the book often repeated the same feelings, such as being initially hit by the noise at the factories, or not complaining and getting on with the tasks but I think the fact that these themes came up for all the women added to the book rather than deminishing it. I am very glad to have read this, especially as my Grandfather was from Sheffield and it is interesting to know what his family members would have lived through during WWII (although I'm not sure if he was still there or already in New Zealand at that time.)

The author has also written a fiction book called The Steel Girls which has now been added to my TBR.