Why read Elsie and Mairi Go to War?

Book cover of Elsie and Mairi Go to War

Book description

When they met at a motorcycle club in 1912, Elsie Knocker was a thirty year-old motorcycling divorcee dressed in bottle-green Dunhill leathers, and Mairi Chisholm was a brilliant eighteen-year old mechanic, living at home and borrowing tools from her brother. Little did they know, theirs was to become one of…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Elsie and Mairi Go to War as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Wendy Moore

Author

Atkinson’s book tells the story of Elsie Knocker and Mairi Chisholm who were friends and motorcycle enthusiasts. When war broke out they joined a voluntary medical unit heading for France and set up a first aid post near the frontline. They were fearless, sometimes reckless, and always cheerful as they saved the wounded. I loved the way Atkinson’s book captured their youthful exuberance and gung-ho courage.

From Wendy's list on The best books on women’s experiences in WW1.