Books Like...
'We Band of Angels' by Elizabeth M. Norman is a compelling account of American nurses who became prisoners of war during WWII in the Philippines. The book delves into the harrowing experiences of these women as they endured war, overwork, starvation, and imprisonment under Japanese captors. It highlights their resilience, sacrifices, and the challenges they faced in a time when the role of women in the military was not fully recognized. The narrative explores the physical and emotional trials these nurses went through, showcasing their heroism and determination in the face of adversity.
If you liked We Band of Angels, here are the top 24 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"The Girls of Atomic City" by Denise Kiernan delves into the untold story of the women who played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, specifically at the secret facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The narrative follows the lives of these young women who worked at Site X, unaware of the exact nature of their work on developing the Uranium for the atomic bombs. Despite the secrecy surrounding their tasks, the book sheds light on the personal experiences of these women, intertwining their stories with the historical events of the time. The writing style combines detailed accounts of the scientific aspects of the project with the individual narratives of the women, providing a comprehensive look at their contributions to the war effort.
Celia sat in her berth, the delicate folds of her brand-new dress draping over her knees as she gazed out the window of the train. Southbound. That much she knew, and that she had a sleeping berth bec... - #2
Save:'The Man Who Broke Into Auschwitz' by Denis Avey is a memoir that follows the extraordinary story of Avey, a British soldier in WWII who was captured, escaped multiple times, and ended up as a POW at Auschwitz III. The narrative delves into the brutalities of the German SS, Avey's experiences in the POW camp, his interactions with Jewish prisoners, and his eventual mission to witness firsthand the atrocities within Auschwitz III. The writing style is described as honest, moving, and captivating, providing a close-up view of the horrors of Nazi war crimes against Jews during WWII.
I looked at the Royal Liver Building, across the broadening strip of brown Mersey water and wondered whether I would ever see the green Liver birds crowning it again. Liverpool had not seen much bombi... "A Life in Secrets: Vera Atkins and the Missing Agents of WWII" by Sarah Helm delves into the clandestine work of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II, focusing on the story of Vera Atkins, who played a crucial role in recruiting and training agents for dangerous missions behind enemy lines. Through meticulous research and investigative journalism, Sarah Helm uncovers the hidden truths and sacrifices made by these agents, particularly the female operatives who faced grave risks and often went missing or were captured by the enemy. weaves together the history of SOE operations in France, Vera Atkins' relentless search to uncover the fate of the missing agents, and a revealing biography of Vera Atkins herself, showcasing her unconventional and mysterious past.
I wish to thank most profoundly each one of Vera's SOE colleagues and their families, as well as those who worked with her on war crimes investigation. Tim Buckmaster readily advised on his father's w...- #4
Save:The Railway Man by Eric Lomax is a poignant memoir that delves into the author's experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. Lomax vividly recounts his captivity, torture, and eventual reconciliation with one of his captors. The book seamlessly weaves together Lomax's love for trains, his brutal wartime experiences, and his journey towards forgiveness, creating a gripping narrative that captures the horrors of war and the power of redemption.
IHAVE A PAINTING in the hallway of my house in Berwick-upon-Tweed, by the Scottish artist Duncan Mackellar. It is a large work set in St Enoch Station in Glasgow on a dusty summer evening in the 1880s... - #5
Save:'We Die Alone' by David Howarth narrates the incredible true story of Jan Baalsrud, a Norwegian resistance fighter who escapes the Germans in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II. The book details Jan's harrowing journey through the Arctic terrain, facing extreme weather conditions, betrayal, and the kindness of strangers who help him survive. The plot focuses on Jan's endurance, survival instincts, and the selfless sacrifices made by ordinary Norwegians risking their lives to aid him on his path to freedom. The writing style is described as engaging, well-told, and captivating, drawing readers into a narrative of bravery, determination, and the resilience of the human spirit.
EVEN AT the end of March, on the Arctic coast of northern Norway, there is no sign of spring. By then, the polar winter night is over. At midwinter, it has been dark all day; at midsummer, the sun wil... 'Quartered Safe Out Here' by George MacDonald Fraser is a World War II memoir that offers a vivid and honest account of the author's experiences as a soldier in Burma. The book delves into the life of a British infantryman on the frontlines, providing a personal view of the 'forgotten war'. Fraser's writing style includes phonetically spelled out accents and recreated conversations, bringing the characters to life and immersing the reader in the day-to-day struggles and camaraderie of the soldiers. The author candidly recounts the horrors of war, the challenges of memory recall, and his reflections on the past, all set against the backdrop of the XIV Army campaign in Burma.
THE FIRST TIME I SMELT JAP was in a deep dry-river bed in the Dry Belt, somewhere near Meiktila. I can no more describe the smell than I could describe a colour, but it was heavy and pungent and compo...- #7
Save:"Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany" by Norman Ohler delves into the use of drugs in Nazi Germany during World War II. It explores how narcotics played a significant role in fueling the Nazi war machine, from Hitler down to the soldiers in the field. uncovers the extensive drug use in Germany, shedding light on how substances like Pervitin, cocaine, and opiates were widely distributed to boost energy levels and combat fatigue among military personnel and civilians alike. Through meticulous research and detailed records, the author reveals the impact of drug dependency on Hitler's decision-making and physical condition, ultimately painting a vivid picture of a regime fueled by substance abuse.
Norman Ohler's writing style in "Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany" is described as compelling and well-researched, providing new insights into a well-covered period of history. offers a fresh perspective on World War II, highlighting the role of drugs in shaping the actions and motivations of key German players during the war. By drawing from detailed sources and references, Ohler presents a narrative that intertwines historical facts with novelistic elements, making for an engaging and eye-opening read that challenges traditional views of the era.
This is the former laboratory of Dr Fritz Hauschild, head of pharmacology at Temmler from 1937 until 1941, who was in search of a new type of medicine, a ‘performance-enhancing drug’. This is the form... - #8
Save:"Three Came Home" by Agnes Newton Keith tells the harrowing story of Anglo Americans in Borneo during and after WWII. The narrative follows Agnes Keith and her young son as they struggle to survive in a Japanese concentration camp while her husband is held in a different camp. provides a raw and honest portrayal of life in captivity, highlighting the resilience and bravery of the characters. Agnes Newton Keith's writing style, though not polished, effectively conveys the challenges and emotions faced by the protagonists, keeping the readers engaged throughout the story.
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer is an exceptionally moving and detailed account of the naval action off Samar Island in October 1944 during World War II. The book vividly portrays the bravery of the men who fought in the Battle of Samar despite being outgunned and outnumbered by the Japanese ships. The narrative provides a gripping description of the confusion and heroism during the battle, emphasizing the sacrifices made by the sailors to protect their ships and comrades.
The book offers a thorough and engrossing look at the Battle off Samar, highlighting the extraordinary valor displayed by the American sailors facing overwhelming odds. Readers are taken on a journey through the intense naval warfare, where small carriers, ships, and pilots valiantly fought against a formidable Japanese fleet towards the end of the war. The author skillfully weaves together personal accounts, battle details, and the human angle of the conflict, creating a compelling and emotional narrative that brings the reader into the heart of the action.
In the war’s early days, Japan had overwhelmed enemies stretched thin by the need to defend their scattered colonies throughout the hemisphere. But as the war continued, the geographical breadth of it...- #10
Save:'A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II' by Sonia Purnell is a biography that uncovers the incredible story of Virginia Hall, an American spy who played a vital role in the French Resistance during World War II. The narrative follows Virginia's journey as she defied social norms and overcame obstacles to become a key figure in espionage, showcasing her courage, determination, and resilience in the face of danger and adversity. The writing style of the book presents a mix of admiration for Virginia's accomplishments and a critical look at the challenges she faced, offering a detailed account of her espionage activities and the impact she had on the Allied forces.
Mrs. Barbara Hall had it all worked out. She had raised her only daughter and youngest child, Virginia, born on April 6, 1906, in the expectation of an advantageous marriage. As an ambitious young sec...
