GOOD NIGHT, IRENE
BY: LUIS ALBERTO URREA
If ever a historical novel deserved all of the stars in the sky including the moon, this novel is it. It didn't just speak to me with words it sings. Exquisite and powerful writing is what you will get if you read this novel. It celebrates Luis Alberto Urrea's mother's experience in the Red Cross during World War II. War changes people. I have read an over abundance of World War II novels, but nothing as stunning and brilliant as this one. This talented author writes so intimately I felt as if I was a participant. I quite simply have never read anything like this before, and I loved it from cover to cover.
It is filled with momentum so that the pacing is fast, and packed full of action. It is also very suspenseful, representing the most perfect, and a typical example of quality and class. When I started reading this I said to myself this is my kind of book. The writing is extremely strong displaying this author as a gifted storyteller.
Irene is from New York City, and she decides after many jobs that are unsatisfying, that she wants to do something worthwhile. She joins the Red Cross as a Donut Dolly. She will be on the front lines with younger GI's driving around in what's called a Clubmobile. She is escaping a physically abusive relationship with her fiance who comes from a political family. She doesn't tell anybody that she joined the Red Cross, knowing she will miss New York in 1943, for the duration of the war. She has dropped her engagement ring down a storm drain into a New York City street intersection.
Irene still has to pass her training in Washington DC where all of the Red Cross volunteers are meeting. In Washington DC in her hotel she meets Ellie from Chicago who is her roommate and, along with Dorothy will turn out to be the three assigned together in the truck. Irene also meets Dorothy from Indiana who is mourning the death of her father, mother, and her brother. Dorothy is six feet, two inches tall and is nicknamed Stretch. Irene is nicknamed Gator. These three will make up the trio of making Donuts, and coffee. They also are to be comforting to the young GI's who they will serve. Their job is to make the Donuts and coffee in their truck serving any soldier who approaches. Their role is to be the girl next door, a mother or older sister giving an encouraging word before a soldier goes off to battle that he might not return from.
The women are told to dress warmly in case they end up on the front of the European theater. They are also told to dress light in case they are serving in the tropical Pacific. During a talk from a female Captain she tells the women to "Never Let them See you Cry."
This is just from the beginning, therefore not spoiler territory, and sounds mundane, maybe even trivial. What these women face during their tour will change them forever. I have read too many World War II books, and wasn't planning on reading more. When I saw that this was written by Luis Alberto Urrea, I made an exception. Prepare yourself to read the most uniquely written historical novel that will change forever how you think of World War II. There is so much detail written I guarantee that you will be changed after experiencing this roller coaster ride of a reading experience.
It is about the enduring bonds of friendships forged while experiencing being on the dangerous front lines of war. These women are in the thickest part of the action. The object of the tour of duty is to survive.
Who do I recommend this masterfully written, unforgettable, and by all means the most original historical novel to? Everyone! Both men and women will not be able to put this down once you start reading it. It is available soon, so be sure to pre-order this masterpiece that deserves to win an award. Add this to your to be read list, but make sure you don't skip this one. This author was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for a work of non-fiction called, "The Devil's Highway," now in its 30th paperback printing. He also was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. He is a recipient of an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award among many other honors. I have mentioned these accolades to assure you that this author can write.
Publication Date: May 30, 2023. Available very soon!
Thank you to Net Galley, Luis Alberto Urrea, and Little, Brown and Company for generously providing me with my digital copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are entirely my own.
#GoodNightIrene #LuisAlbertoUrrea #LittleBrownandCompany #NetGalley
