December 7, 2011 commemorated the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and America’s engagement in World War II. While we are often reminded that we are losing our veterans at a rapid rate, less is said of the mothers, sisters and lovers who equipped the troops and made essential contributions on the home front. Therese Ambrosi Smith drew upon the oral histories of “Rosies” who built Liberty ships in the Kaiser shipyards for her debut novel. “I wanted a book that would engage, entertain and inform. Our grandmothers were the home half of the Greatest Generation.”
Wax is a story of strong female friendship, sexual discovery, and long-held secrets, set in the 1940s, as the seeds of the civil rights and feminists movements are sown -- along with victory gardens. Pearl Harbor is attacked, and three young women take jobs in industry. Before the war ends, one will lose a nephew to combat, one will receive a mysterious inheritance and one will refuse a marriage proposal, after admitting that she’s never been attracted to men. They’ll forge lifelong bonds and discover a shared past. When the war ends, they’ll reject aprons and heels. Readers who liked Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café will enjoy this book.
Therese Ambrosi Smith completed the UCLA Writers' Program in June of 2009. Since then her columns on the contributions of women in the 1940s have appeared in several publications including the LA Times and Houston Woman Magazine. "Wax" was recognized as a finalist for both the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
Our grandmothers were Roosevelt's secret army and Hitler gravely underestimated them. Like their soldier brothers, they too left ordinary lives to do extraordinary things. "Wax" brings these young women to life seventy years later.
My Take on the Book
This was a great story that combines both history and fiction. As someone who did not live through this time and era I felt that this book did a great job at connecting me with the time period as well as the emotional connection people had with the attack on Pearl Harbor. I had heard stories of women taking up jobs that typically they would not have done as men were shipped off to war this book captures the stories of three such women. The iconic picture of Rosie the Riveter is one that still captures the imagination of people today and amazingly I had the opportunity in my professional life to work with someone whose mother was the individual that the original Rosie image came from.
What I loved about the book is that the author has done an amazing job at developing these three characters that you learn and empathize with throughout the book. The author has placed so much depth into the characters and you can truly hear and see what these three characters see as well as feel the emotions that they are feeling.
This is an inspiring story of friendship and determination that will sustain any reader. There is also a good mystery that readers will enjoy, and will keep them engaged until the end.
If you enjoy a good historical novel, and the area around World War II this is the book for you!
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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