Miss Morgan's Book Brigade (2024)

A story that touches upon themes of the horrors of war, trauma, resilience and survival, friendship, compassion and the healing power of books and reading Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is a remarkable work of historical fiction. Based on the true story of Jessie Carson, an American librarian known for her efforts to establish children’s libraries in war-torn France and training young French women librarians, the novel also sheds light on CARD, the American Committee for Devastated France, (Le Comité américain pour les régions dévastées), an initiative headed by wealthy American philanthropist Ann Morgan and the women who volunteered to travel to France to help rebuild devastated French communities near the war front in the aftermath of The Great War.

The narrative is shared through dual timelines set in 1918 France and 1987 New York City. The 1918 timeline is shared from the perspective of Jessie, as she travels to CARD Headquarters in the village of Blérancourt, France, where she joins fellow volunteers. Miss Morgan and CARD president Dr. Anne Murray Dike. Hoping to begin her work as a librarian immediately upon arrival and share her love for favorite books and reading with the children in the village providing them with moments of much needed respite, she is unprepared for the sounds of shelling coming from the front, the hazards of the Red Zone and the destruction in the wake of the retreating German forces. The narrative follows Jessie and her friends as they go above and beyond in their efforts to offer support to the communities who are struggling to rebuild their lives after experiencing unimaginable losses.

The 1987 timeline follows aspiring writer and NYPL employee Wendy Peterson, who finds several old CARD bulletins published in 1918 that describe the work of CARD volunteers in Northern France. When she comes across a brief reference about Jessie, she is inspired to find out as much as she can about the NYPL librarian and her work – not an easy task because of limited source material and the fact that there is not much mention of Jessie in existing records. Wendy’s quest inspires her to reevaluate her own life and priorities.

Compelling characters, a strong historical backdrop and vivid prose make for a rewarding reading experience. The author deftly weaves past and present timelines into an engaging narrative that flows well. I enjoyed the 1918 timeline more and though I enjoyed following Wendy’s research in 1987, I wish the narrative had followed Jessie a little longer in her timeline. However, I did like how the author brings everything together in the end.

I loved the author’s The Paris Library and was eagerly looking forward to reading her latest offering, and I’m happy to say that I was not disappointed. Well-researched and informative, this is an exceptional work of historical fiction that I would not hesitate to recommend. I always enjoy historical fiction from which I can learn something new. I appreciate the author’s effort to highlight the contribution of this group of women in WWI. I loved Jessie’s story and was inspired to read more about her and the other real characters featured in this story. Do read the Author’s Note wherein she shares details of the people, places and events that inspired this work of historical fiction.

Many thanks to Atria Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on April 30, 2024.

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My two favorite things are books about WWI/WWII and books about books, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this. Having read so much about this time period, it's rare for me to discover a vantage point that hasn't already been explored to death already in historical fiction, so I was very intrigued by this focus on the women of CARD and their work in France in the aftermath of WWI.

Dual storylines and timelines often mean that one is more fully fleshed out than the other, but that's not the case here - our two protagonists are nuanced, fully realized human beings. The historical research is sound and the two time periods are distinct and accurately represented. Overall, well worth a read.

Happy Publication Day
This is a compelling story of Jessie Kit Carson. She is a librarian at the New York Public Library in 1918. Jessie is recruited by Ann Morgan, daughter of JP Morgan, to join The American Committee For devastated France known as Card. She is to travel to France to establish a library.
70 years later, Wendy Peterson, and inspiring writer, stumbles upon documents, referring to Jessie and Card. She is intrigued as she also works for New York Public Library. She wants to write a story about Jessie and Card.
This book is written in two time lines 1918 and 1987.
The women of the Card are stationed 40 miles from the front and endure the daily devastation of the war. Jessie does her best with what she has. She even builds a library from a burned out ambulance. She establishes a children’s library and has readings with the children.
The brave women of the Card did more than bring books to this ravaged country. They also helped evacuate people and tend to their wounds.
I really enjoyed reading this captivating novel. It was enlightening to read a book about a subject I knew little about.
An outstanding historical fiction novel not to be missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for this advanced readers copy.

This novel is based on the true story of Jessie "Kit" Carson, an American librarian who, in 1918, attempted to establish children’s libraries in France as the Great War raged just miles away. She becomes an important member of the American Committee for Devastated France or CARD (Le Comite americain pour les regions devastees) founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan. In 1987 librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles across reference to Jessie Carson in the archives and becomes consumed with learning her fate.

The story is told by Wendy and Jessie in alternating chapters and I was engrossed in the stories from both eras. The characters were admirable, very realistic and likeable. Once again, my heart was breaking and tears threatened while reading about the hardships the people of France suffered. This is another of those stories from wartime (in this case WWI) where we learn of important contributions made by little-known characters and of how those contributions resonate in the future. The amount of research the author did is absolutely staggering. The Author's Note at the end contains a wealth of information, some pictures and many related websites for further information.

I previously read "The Paris Library" by this author and highly recommend both books.

My thanks to Atria Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this historical fiction. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: April 30, 2024

I especially enjoy reading historical fiction books that feature strong and intelligent women amd ones that teach me something that I hadn’t already known. Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles provided all that for me and then some. I had previously read this author’s book, The Paris Library, and had enjoyed it immensely so I was excited to read this one. It was an added bonus for me that Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade also focused on France and its libraries. Janet Skeslien Charles based Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade on the true story about Jessie Carson, a former children’s librarian at the New York Public Library and an essential and valuable member of the American Committee for Devastated France or CARD. I had never heard of CARD or Jessie Carson before reading Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade but was so glad that Janet Skeslien Charles was able to enlighten me about their existence and contributions. Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade was told in a dual time line of 1918 and 1987 through the voices of Jessie Carson and Wendy Peterson, two very determined and strong women.

In 1918, Jessie Carson had been working at the New York Public Library for two years in the area of the library that was designated as the Children’s Library. Jessie worked under the direction of Winnifred Smythe, a legend and force to be reckoned with in her own right. Working under her boss, Winnifred Smythe, Jessie Carson almost always felt intimidated by her and under appreciated. Jessie’s ideas and suggestions were usually ignored by Miss Smythe and she was rarely if ever taken seriously by her boss. While working at the children’s library in New York, Jessie also volunteered at the National League for Women’s Services. It was there that she caught the attention of Anne Morgan. Miss Morgan was not only the daughter of J.P. Morgan but she was also the treasurer of the National League for Women’s Services. Anne Morgan had also been influential in helping establish and develop CARD in France. Miss Morgan had recruited Jessie to become a member of the American Committee for Devastated France. Anne Morgan recognized the qualities Jessie possessed and the role Jessie Carson could play in establishing libraries for children in war torn France. Jessie never hesitated to accept the challenge of this opportunity and readily enlisted. She informed her boss of her plans and took a leave of absence from the New York Public Library. Jessie Carson committed to serving two years in France as a member of CARD. Winnifred Smythe was puzzled why Jessie Carson had been chosen over herself but Jessie ignored her jealousy and embraced her journey to France in a positive and exciting manner.

Jessie took the long journey by sea to France and was met by a fellow member of CARD who transported Jessie to the war-torn village of Blerancourt where the headquarters for CARD was located once she disembarked. The CARD member who chauffeured Jessie to Blerancourt would become one of Jessie Carson’s good friends. Blerancourt was not far from the war zone and fighting. Upon her arrival, Jessie was given the nickname of Kit. That name stuck with her the entire time she served as a member of CARD. The organization was run by both Anne Morgan and Dr. Anne Murray Dike, or Dr. M.D. as everyone called her. It became apparent almost immediately that Carson believed that children could temporarily forget their fears and all the horrors of war they had witnessed through the magic books provided. From day one, Jessie Kit Carson was determined that somehow she would provide all children regardless of their socioeconomic status a place where books were openly displayed and all children were able to attend and participate in story hour. In the libraries that Kit established, all children would be granted permission to borrow books. It was a big undertaking but Kit was up for the challenge and so much more.

Seventy years later, in 1987, a young woman named Wendy Peterson was working at the New York Public Library. She had been working there for the past two years but her real goal was to become a successful author. Wendy worked in the Rememberance Department. One day, one of her very close friends who worked with her and she had romantic feelings for, handed Wendy a box that was adorned with both an American and a French flag. Under the flags the box was labeled “Under Two Flags, a weekly bulletin of the work in France and in America, from the American Committee for Devastated France.” It was from the years of 1918-1924. Wendy was intrigued and quite curious about what the box’s contents would reveal. Upon further investigation, Wendy discovered that the bulletins contained in the box mentioned a woman named Jessie Carson who had worked at the New York Public Library back in 1918 and had traveled to France during the Great War as a member of CARD with the intention of reimagining the way libraries functioned in France especially for the children. From that discovery, Wendy became determined to uncover everything she could about Jessie Carson and the role she played in CARD. As she researched and tried to find out all she could about Jessie Carson, Wendy also found information about several other brave women who were involved in CARD. Upon learning about Jessie Carson and CARD, Wendy decided that this was who and what her debut book would be about. Wendy wanted to learn everything she possibly could about these brave and resourceful women and share their story with the world at large. History had forgotten about them but Wendy was determined to tell their story.

Before reading Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles, I had not heard of either Jessie Carson or CARD. The valiant and selfless acts these women performed during the Great War were highly impressive. Jessie Carson was a woman that was ahead of her times in her thinking and ideas. She not only existed but contributed so much to the way libraries operate today. Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade was both inspiring and compelling. It touched on the effects of war, loss, friendship, rebuilding, love, the power of books, the contributions the women of CARD provided and the courage these women possessed. It was well written and impressively researched. I really enjoyed learning about another aspect of the libraries in France. If you enjoy historical fiction books and a book that was written about books and libraries then I know that you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Atria Books for allowing me to read Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars -would have been 4 stars but didn’t like the romance plot lines- seemed somewhat unrealistic and lustful. But added a half star for the great book references/quotes! I can see that a great deal of research went into this book and even though WWII novels are over-published these days, the historical aspect of the story was interesting and unique.

Based upon a true story. This book is a dual timeline. Jessie Carter was working at the New York Public Library when she became a CARD. As a CARD she was sent to France as a librarian to help restore communities. WWII was still being fought in this area. Most of the women in the CARD weren’t compensated because they were wealthy. Jessie was compensated. She was constantly stressing to the two Directors how important books were to life. She realized having bookmobiles and story hours would be advantageous, she started these programs. This was some of the many things she did.

Wendy is a writer in more contemporary times, also an employee at the NYPL. She worked in a section that scanned documents to preserve. She came across a newsletter that talked about the CARDS. She became engrossed in them and decided to write a book about them. This process was fascinating as well. Definitely read the author’s notes and pictures are included.

Great book. I highly recommend. I was given a free advance reader copy, and I am submitting my review voluntarily.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a perfect example of why I love historical fiction. This story brings a wonderful opportunity to learn something new and to connect with the experiences of those who helped so many during WWI.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?

I loved the use of dual timelines and learning about the CARD program that started in WWI. I’m completely speechless and humbled by all the research and heart Skeslien Charles put into her writing. Meticulous does not even begin to cover it. I was captivated with the war efforts and new settings. I even found myself on Google several times just wanting to learn more. To say that Skeslien Charles captured my interests with her spot-on details and atmospheric writing is an understatement, and the author’s notes at the end brought the story to life even more. Oh, and she even messaged me with more pictures to go along with the reading!

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:

Women in history
Strong Women
Lush Atmosphere
Friendships
Courage
Dual Timelines
Dual POV

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

A gripping yet heartwarming tale that held a steady pace as I found myself truly inspired by all the strong women in the story.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

This is a touchingly woven story with moving characters that also shows us the power of compassion, what it can endure, and how far it can go. Perfect for historical fiction lovers.

Thank you, Atria for this gift and copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

I am so glad I got to read an advanced copy of Miss Morgan's Book Brigade. It was delightful overall, celebrating a love for books and the importance of children's literature.

The story moved along at a nice pace and was easy to follow. I enjoyed getting to know Jessie and seeing the difference she made in the lives of the villagers by where she was stationed. I love how she used books to connect with everyone. I also liked Wendy's story and being along for the ride as she tried to find out more information about Jessie. I never knew about Jessie Carson, so it was interesting to learn about her and try to solve the mystery of where she disappeared to. I also learned about some other historical figures I hadn't heard of before.

There were harrowing moments, as those can't be avoided during a war, but there was a nice balance of hope during the sad parts.

I wish the title had been different, since the focus was mostly on Jessie and how she brought books into people's lives. Miss Morgan took on a leadership role, but Jessie really ran the library. I also felt like the ending was a bit anticlimactic after everything that happened, but this did not take away from my overall love for this novel.

I definitely recommend picking this one up in late April and then sharing your favorite children's books with someone, whether it's giving a book to a child you know or posting about the books on social media.

(Trigger warnings below)

Movie casting suggestions:

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TW: infant death (mentioned from past experiences), death and injury due to war

A transformative, historically based story of the human spirit that comes from a fresh perspective. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Library lovers, this is the book for you! Filled with literary references, quotes from your favorite books, and TWO librarians, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is an ode to book lovers everywhere. This novel tells the true story of Jessie "Kit" Carson, the librarian who shared books with the children of war torn France during WWI as part of the CARD (American Committee for Devastated France) project. Her story is told partially through Kit herself and partially through Wendy, a writer in the 80s who discovers the CARDs and vows to reveal Kit's story. Kit travels from New York to France, which has been left devastated by the Germans, and brings with her books to share with the children. Kit not only shares her love of reading with the children of France but also connects with her fellow CARDs and the entire community.

This book beautifully demonstrates the power of reading, especially in Kit's reflections and literary anecdotes. I loved hearing her quote from some of my favorite books and using those quotes to get through difficult situations. I also loved that this was a true story, and one I haven't heard before! I had never heard about the CARDs, and Skeslien Charles painted an excellent and well-researched picture of France. While I typically find dual timelines jarring, I thought this one was well done, weaving the two stories together seamlessly. Wendy's story was not as interesting, but it was interesting to hear about the CARDs in the present day.

My main challenge with this book was the dimensionality and emotions of the characters. Many of the characters felt two-dimensional (including the main characters) and their emotions felt very Pollyanna-esque, even in the face of horrible brutality. That aspect of the book made it hard to connect deeply with the book as I felt like the characters were more caricatures, lacking complex feelings. However, the historical context of Kit's story as well as the evocative setting of France during WWI (and of course all the book quotes!) definitely won me over.

If you enjoy books that share the power of books and feel-good historical novels, you would probably enjoy Miss Morgan's Book Brigade. It reminded me of the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek in all the best ways.

4/5

Thank you, NetGalley, for the arc!

DNF about 40% in. this was just not for me… not sure if it was the narrator or the writing but i didn’t find myself wanting to continue listening so it was time to throw in the towel.

I adored this book!!! MISS MORGAN’S BOOK BRIGADE by Janet Skeslien Charles is based on the true story of Jessie “Kit” Carson, a pioneering children’s librarian in France during The Great War.

There are two separate timelines featuring strong female protagonists; -In 1918.. salaried NYPL librarian Jessie Carson, millionaire Anne Morgan (JP Morgan’s daughter), and the international group of women volunteers known as the CARD’s (American Committee of Devastated France). The novel moves forward to Wendy Peterson in 1987, an aspiring writer and a researcher at the NYPL, who stumbles upon an article about Carson. It fascinates her so much she wants to write a book about Carson and her CARD sisters.

Though there were sad moments this has a profoundly positive storyline, and is unique in that it tells the little known story about Carson + women CARD volunteers in France of which I’d never heard of until now. It’s heartening how these women were put in such close proximity to the front lines helping evacuate civilians, tending to soldiers wounds, and being emotionally there for them. I enjoyed learning about Carson’s interesting life of activism and heroism - - and the close relationships between CARD members and the civilians in the town of Blerancourt. Amazing that how (after the war) Carson thought to turn ambulances into bookmobiles and also taught women to be librarians (which was completely unheard of in France at that time). The author also includes fascinating notes and pictures of her research. 4.5 stars — Pub. 4/30/24

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This beautifully written dual timeline histfic tale focuses on the true story of librarian Jessie Carson, who went to WWI torn France to establish children's libraries ... and disappeared afterward. Unforgettable!

Here’s the thing, the subject of this book is fascinating. I finished it because it is based on the true story of a group of women who helped on the front lines in France in WWI, and were a main reason France recovered from the war. The topic is important and super interesting.

The writing. The writing is not good. If I saw the phrase “library in my mind” one more time I was going to scream. Also, there were these two incredibly clumsy attempts at writing two love stories. It was like a fifth grader wrote them. The back and forth narrative is just there to build suspense or some such nonsense. I couldn’t care less about the poorly drawn character from 1987.

Go read up on the CARDs, a group of women, mostly socialites with the exception of Jessie Carson, who helped rebuild rural France in the last years of WWI and beyond. Skip this poorly written book.

“What the hell is a librarian going to do in the middle of a war zone?”

When New York Public Library librarian, Jessie Carson, 40, receives an invitation from millionairess, Anne Morgan, to join the American Committee for Devastated France (CARD) and establish a library near the front lines in northern France, she doesn’t hesitate for a moment.

Jessie has always had a love of literature and believes that books are bridges to connecting people. She agrees to a two year contract at the CARD headquarters in the war torn village on Blerancourt, 80 miles north of Paris. This village was in an agricultural region that the Allies had recently liberated after a three year occupation. If anyone needed the power of literature it was those who had lost everything. Jessie is willing to help this committee rebuild.

Like other CARD members, I too wondered what book could possibly make a difference in their suffering. It was obvious that they needed more than library books and possibly more than these woman could give. I was so naive going into this story. I’d read lots of wartime historical fiction but somehow missed the fact that there would still to this day be areas that were uninhabitable. My heart hurt for these villagers as I read about the condition of their homes/land and then softened as I read about the CARDs reaching out and creating a sense of community and bringing change by sharing the load and sharing stories. The committee founded a network of libraries in this region and it went on to serve as a model for the entire nation.

The 1987 timeline featuring a NYPL librarian and aspiring author, Wendy Peterson, was the perfect balance to the wartime timeline and gave Janet Skeslien Charles a unique platform to continue sharing about the CARD volunteers.

I’ve appreciated and learned so much from both of Charles’ novels featuring real-life librarians who fight to get books into the hands of readers. I won’t forget Jessie and her courageous efforts which earned her the Croix de Guerre medal. This book honours the resilience of the human spirit, the power of literature, and the courage to help. It’s inspiring.

Even if you aren’t a historical fiction fan, Google this committee and search the images of children with nothing who have a smile on their face and a book in their hands.

I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: April 30, 2024

“Miss Morgan's Book Brigade” is the second novel written by Janet Skeslien Charles about the important roles of librarians during the First or Second World War, especially overseas in France (the first novel, “The Paris Library” was one of my favourites). Neither novel feature the same characters and are not similar in any way, so they should not be taken as a series but both of Charles’ library novels are exciting, informative and downright exhilarating!

In 1918, Jessie Carson leaves her library position in America to volunteer for the American Committee for Devastated France, headed by heiress Anne Morgan. Jessie is soon at the front, trying to scrabble together a library out of the rubble of burnt and destroyed buildings. But Jessie, and her team of brave and resilient women, are determined to bring whatever joy they can to those remaining behind in the communities torn apart by war.

In 1987, aspiring author Wendy Peterson comes across references to Jessie in the library archives, and begins to take an interest. Using all of her resources as one of the research librarians at the New York Public Library, she wants to learn about the women of CARD and share their knowledge and impact with the world.

Charles, as usual, presents a well-researched and carefully written novel about a relatively unknown group of women whose contribution to the front lines went relatively unacknowledged. Carson was a real person who changed the structure of France libraries permanently after the First World War as an advocate who fought for bringing literature to children and the lesser fortunate. Anyone who has a strong love of reading, books and libraries will automatically connect with Jessie, as I did.

Although Wendy’s role was simply bringing Jessie’s voice to the world, her character shouldn’t be overlooked either. Wendy was likable and more relatable than Jessie (due to her more modern timeframe), trying to live in a world that wanted her to be different than she was. Both Jessie and Wendy were charming, knowledgeable and quiet little introverts and I loved them both!

Each chapter is narrated by either Wendy or Jessie, and is clearly marked, which makes the story flow and helps make the transition between eras an easy one.

I can’t rave and rant enough about books and the importance of libraries, and Charles always brings a new literary hero to my attention through the novels she writes. Are there other books about librarians who made a difference during the war? Sure (Charles herself wrote two). Will I continue to read each and every one? Absolutely. Women who preach literary love are my people, and I will support them in whatever way I can. If it means reading the engaging and captivating stories like Charles “Book Brigade”, well, that’s an added bonus!

I love reading historical fiction as it usually teaches me something I didn't know. That is exactly what Janet Skeslien Charles did with Miss Morgan's Book Brigade and I loved learning about the American Committee for Devastated France (known as CARD in France). The dual timeline between Wendy in 1987 and Jessie "Kit" Carson in 1918 was expertly done and I loved being able to learn about Jessie through Wendy's eyes at the same time as getting a POV directly from her. I also read this author's last book The Paris Library, and the setup in this novel was very much like that one thanks to the dual timelines and one was even in the 80s as well! I also love the focus on courageous librarians bringing books to the people who need them.

Although Wendy and Jessie are our main viewpoints, there were also a couple of others, and I was very happy with the way the audiobook was done. Marin Ireland, Sarah Gadon, Jackie Sanders & Cassandra Campbell were all incredible narrators, and I loved the way they brought their POVs to life. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade includes very real people in its pages, and I highly recommend making sure you read the author's note which is not included in the audiobook. There is just the slightest touch of romance in the story, and parts that managed to bring tears to my eyes. If you want an emotional read and want to learn something new through the eyes of some incredible people, I highly recommend this HF novel!

THE GOOD:
Interesting snippet of history about the “CARDS” ladies who helped devastated areas of France during WWI.
Well done historical research, which is firmly supported by the Author’s note, including fun factual tidbits as well as photographs.

THE BAD:
At times, the emotional connection was lacking.
It’s a let down that we don’t get a satisfactory end to Jessie Carson’s story.
A dual timeline story, but the 1987 timeline was a bit thin.
Definitely not as compelling, or as emotionally satisfying as the author’s prior work, The Paris Library.
Nauseating babbling in the Author’s Note about “book banning”. 🙄
The 1987 character in Wendy gave the vibe she existed simply to explain the author’s own research and writing process. Or as a redux for Lily in The Paris Library.

NOTABLE NOTES:
A formerly shy and withdrawn woman, in each timeline, finally gains her courage and voice.
A romance brews with the leading lady in each timeline.

HEADS-UP:
The ladies running CARD, Anne Morgan and Anne Dike, are purportedly semi-secret lovers and companions.
A couple of lovemaking scenes; the 1918 one fairly light, the 1987 moderately graphic.

CONCLUSION:
Recommended to WWI fiction lovers.

Books about WWI have a very different mood than those about WWII. Obviously the wars were very different, but the total devastation of towns, agriculture and men, particularly in France, is always very sobering to me. This historical fiction tells about a large group of American women who went to France to help rebuild a county who had no resources to start over. They were in absolute desperate straits. The generosity and hard work of these women, under the direction of Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan, absolutely saved lives and helped hundreds reclaim their lives. I think this will be a great book for bookclub discussions. My thanks to Simon & Schuster and Goodreads for an advanced copy of this fascinating novel.

This is a really great read. I was amazed at the tremendous amount of work these women did and managed to overcome overwhelming odds at times. There was also times where I was very frustrated and other times I actually didn't realize I was shutting a tear and then it was heartbreaking.
Mostly though when you get toward the end of the book it is uplifting it is also about finding one's path in life and making something not only for yourself but hopefully living a legacy along with it and it's kind of dumbfounding how easy it was for so many people but yet others find it so hard.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles writes as a dual timeline: the 1918, where a librarian brings books to rural communities during WWI, and 1987, where a modern librarian uncovers this legacy. This dual narrative highlights the power of literature to connect and uplift. This is a good reminder of the continued impact of libraries.

An historical fiction account about actual librarians and their efforts to bring books to readers, by the author of "The Paris Library," told through two voices. Real-life Jessie "Kit" Carson, who revolutionized the French library system after WWI ended, was a part of CARD (American Committee for Civilian Relief) in war-torn Northern France during WWI. Fictionalized writing student, Wendy Peterson, happened upon files about CARD while working at the NY Public Library in the 1980s and became determined to uncover Carson's story. As difficult as it was to read about the devastation of war on the small community in France where Carson worked with CARD, I found myself captivated in this eye-opening book and reminder of the good that comes from dedicated hard work. I am grateful to Janet Skeslien Charles for educating me about the remarkable women of CARD.

What a beautifully written and uplifting story about the amazing and almost-lost-to-history heroine, Jessie Carson. While weaving stories of two places and timelines - World War I France and 1987 New York City, author Janet Skeslien Charles has written an informative and captivating story about this defender of everyone's right for access to the written word.

This was a beautiful tale of the staff, volunteers and patrons of the American Committee for Devastated France during World War I, headed up by Anne Morgan, J.P.'s daughter. Juxtaposed against that is the later tale of a young New York writer looking for material to write a captivating story for her writing class. Her friend stumbles across some clippings about a former New York Public Library, Jessie Carson, who receives a commission to serve French villages devastated by the German occupation earlier on in the Great War. Specifically, Ms. Carson plans on introducing children's libraries to alleviate the angst of young children and offer them worlds into which they can disappear and cope when reality is more horrifying than one should have to bear.

This is also a story of love, hope, and anticipation. There are several relationships woven throughout the story: parents and their children, siblings, young couples, friends, and colleagues. Ms. Charles' writing is highly descriptive and exquisitely delivered. The mise en scène is spot on. One hears the roar of Big Bertha at the not so distant battlefield, smells the acrid odor of spent munitions and tastes the unsatisfying cup of coffee with its added chicory. Ms. Charles' extensive historical research was obvious in the story's delivery. This is a lovely book for fans of historical fiction and the written word.

I am grateful to Atria Books for having provided a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher:‎ Atria Books
Publication Date: April 30, 2024
No. of pages:‎ 336
ISBN:‎ 978-1668008980

Historical fiction, set toward the end of WW1. It’s the story of brave women, who ignored the attitudes toward females at the time and risked much to bring books, and comfort, to war-devastated areas of France. The author’s notes at the end are fantastic!

Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.253)-“Everyone should ask: Why do I think this? What is a strong counter argument? How did growing up the way I did inform what I believe now? Why does this book or belief make me uncomfortable?”

Another HUGE bookish historical fiction hit from one of my favs, Janet Skeslien Charles!! I absolutely adored The Paris library and Miss Morgan's book brigade was equally unputdownable.

Told in a dual timeline structure we learn about the "CARDs" - women who served voluntarily in WWI to help the women and children of war torn French villages and the "present" of 1987 as NYPL librarian, Wendy stumbles upon some old newsletters that leads her to learn all about the life of these women and in particular, Jessie "Kit" Carson.

A beautiful story of female courage, friendship and the power of books to help during difficult times. This was such a feel-good read and I loved both storylines equally. HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of books like The book woman of Troublesome creek by Kim Michele Richardson or The wartime book club by Kate Thompson.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon Schuster Canada for an early digital and physical arc copy in exchange for my honest review!!

⚠️CW: sexual assault/rape, infant death (off page)

What a fascinating book. I had no knowledge of this group of women who did such heroic work near the front lines of France during WWI. Fascinating piece of historical fiction, based more closely on real people than most historical fiction. The dual time line part set in 1987 helped provide context, but didn’t overpower the main WWI story line. Love the theme of books and stories bringing hope to those who are surviving in extreme circ*mstances.

A five star piece of history reduced to a book so fluffy I’m surprised it doesn’t float.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is another wonderful historic fiction read. I loved The Paris Library so, I knew I would enjoy this book. The story takes us back and forth from 1918 as we get to know Jessie “Kit” Carson and 1987 where Wendy Peterson is researching the work of the CARDs during WWl. Jessie brought books/stories to the front in France. She also would go on to train the first French female Librarians. As Wendy is writing Jessie’s story she learns they experienced similar personal struggles and is determined to ensure the CARD work not be forgotten. Enjoy!

I loved the undertone of how important books are and how they bring community and people together. I have personally seen how books bring people together