A review by mikaylaslibrary
Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea

4.5

A story that tells a tale of the long forgotten Donut Dollies that served with the Red Cross during WWII, bringing donuts and coffee to those along the front lines. 

This was my first novel by Urrea, but I don’t think it will be my last. I enjoyed the writing style, and how the reader is able to get into the mindset of nearly all the characters within the story. I enjoy novels about women forgotten by history, and in reading so many historical novels about the war, couldn’t believe that I had never heard of the Donut Dollies.

Irene is a wonderful character, though whiny at times, but she really shows what life was like for women during the war. Dorothy is exactly the kind of character I like to read about, and I enjoyed the ending of the story, as it really wrapped up her storyline in a way that made sense, and provided closure. 

I think that this is a fascinating read, although it won’t appeal to all.  It does delve into the deep side of the war, and is not one for romance readers.  I do think that it will find its crowd, and I am certainly one of them.  Readers of Elizabeth Wein would enjoy. 

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company and the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.