Review: "Girls on the Line" by Aimie K. Runyan

I have just finished Aimie K. Runyan’s new novel, “Girls on the Line: A Novel” and what a story it is! I loved it and couldn’t put it down. This was the story of Ruby Wagner, an upper-class young woman who wants to make a difference. The setting is World War I. After Ruby’s brother is tragically killed in the beginning of the conflict, she answers the call for telephone switchboard operators against her parents’ wishes. This novel showcases her life overseas as she comes to terms with what is expected for her life and what she wants.

Ruby’s story is told in the first person which brings the story an added dimension. This allows you to be privy to her inner thoughts and the reasons why she responds the way she does. It also allows the author to emphasize the struggle between the classes as the country was growing and changing.

This is an amazing book that kept me reading until late at night. Although it is historical fiction, it combined many events recorded in diaries from women who worked as line girls. The novel is well written and the story flows at a good pace to keep you interested but not bogged down. It can be read and enjoyed by young teen to adults. I will definitely be picking up Ms. Runyan’s previous books.