The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

Synopsis:

 

Iris James runs the post office in Franklin Massachusetts.  She knows all the news coming and going in Franklin.  Over the seas Frankie Bard broadcasts the news during the London Blitz.  This is the story of two women who hold the power of the world at their feet with the stories thatpass through their hands, on a daily basis. How will they tell story that is before them?  Emma Fitch is the local doctor’s wife who has recently come to town when her husband decides to leave and assist in London’s hospitals.  He leaves her waiting in Franklin Iris becomes the life line between the both of them as she delivers the mail each day.  Frankie is given the story of the lifetime and crosses paths with Emma’s husband while in pursuit of the story.  There is a bigger story but will they be able to tell it?  Are the constraints on women of this time that they will succumb to silence?

My Thoughts

Sarah Blake focuses on the 1938-1941 era prior to the United States involvement in World War II.  I have always been a fan of these kinds of novels.   This novel had no problem keeping my interest.  I especially loved the focus on female characters in Iris James, Frankie Bard, and Emma Fitch.  In this time period it was unusual to have women in positions of power such as Postmaster or Reporter.   I loved that Sarah Blake gave us two great female characters to focus on.  My only criticism is the end of the book was slow and hard to pay attention.

Ratings:

4/5