“If you love well-researched, credible historical drama, then you can’t go past Auckland-based author Olivia Spooner. Meet Addy and Margot, in World War Two service in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps AKA – The Tuis.“
A circle of Kiwi friends emerges from the New Zealand Clubs and places of respite in World War Two. Through Cairo, Bari, Rome and Florence, follow The Tuis Addy and Margot along with Lily, Grahame and Tom.
Author Olivia Spooner unveils the experiences of war servicewomen and shines light of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps AKA – The Tuis. They were stationed near to New Zealand frontlines led by Lady Freyberg and housed in hotels to create a club-like respite for men taking leave from intense battle zones.
Little credit nor public acknowledgement was given to the Tuis that served from 1941 until the end of World War Two. The Songbirds Of Florence draws heavily on documented research and recordings from the women known as the Tuis. As a reader you can be assured of a credible narrative which, personally, is important for the historical fiction genre.
The characters of Addy and Margot affirm the wartime experiences that shaped the way forward for women to participate and create new roles outside of societal expectations and norms. Their strength of mind and spirit of adventure provide key foundations of The Songbirds Of Florence that I highly recommend.
Sue Reid
Moa Press – Hachette NZ
ISBN 9781869715144