The Girls of Pearl Harbor by Soraya M. Lane is a heartfelt and immersive historical fiction novel that takes us into the lives of four women stationed at Pearl Harbor during World War II. While the book delves deeply into the personal struggles and growth of its characters, it does have some pacing issues and structural choices that left me with mixed feelings.
Content Warnings: War, Violence, Death, Trauma
Plot Overview
The novel opens with a brief but impactful prologue set on the day of the Pearl Harbor bombing. It’s a tense introduction, but the story quickly jumps a month earlier, and we are introduced to the four central characters—nurses stationed at Pearl Harbor during this pivotal time in history. The novel alternates between their perspectives, allowing us a glimpse into the lives of Grace, April, Eva, and Poppy.
Characters & Perspective
While the premise is centered around four women, the story truly focuses on three: Grace, April, and Eva. Grace, who receives the most screen time, stands out as the character who grows the most throughout the story. She is given the most chapters, and we see her journey from a young woman uncertain of her future to a battle-hardened nurse who experiences the harrowing realities of war. April and Eva’s chapters follow closely behind, each providing their own unique perspectives and struggles.
However, Poppy’s character feels almost like an afterthought. She only gets one chapter, and I found myself wishing that the prologue had been from her perspective instead. This would have helped to balance the novel out, in my opinion.
Pacing & Structure
One of my main issues with The Girls of Pearl Harbor was the pacing. After the brief prologue, the novel takes a while to find its rhythm. The chapters leading up to the bombing felt dragged out and could have benefited from more substance. By the time the bombing finally occurs at the 21% mark, it feels like the plot is just starting to gain momentum. I would have preferred more buildup in the earlier chapters, rather than the scenes that sometimes felt trivial. This slow start makes the book feel a bit uneven, especially considering the importance of the event the novel is building up to.
Themes & Historical Insight
Despite the pacing, the novel does an excellent job of shedding light on lesser-known aspects of World War II. For instance, the book touches on the military presence in Africa—a facet of the war I hadn’t considered before. I also appreciated the focus on the role of women, particularly nurses, in a time when societal expectations were largely limited to wives and mothers. These women put their lives on the line just as much as the men, and their stories were both eye-opening and empowering.
The Writing
Soraya Lane’s writing is engaging and emotional, making it easy to connect with the characters and their personal struggles. The women’s emotional growth, especially as they navigate the challenges of war, was one of the novel’s most compelling aspects. That said, the writing did feel a bit disconnected at times. The sudden shift in tone and the lack of a clear central conflict let me wondering about the story’s true focus.
Final Thoughts
The Girls of Pearl Harbor is a captivating historical fiction novel that explores the complexities of war, love, and personal growth. While the pacing and structure could have been more tightly woven, I still found the story to be a worthwhile read. The portrayal of women in wartime roles is inspiring, and I appreciated the historical insights that Lane brings to light.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction with strong female characters, this is a novel worth picking up. Just be prepared for a slower start and some inconsistencies in pacing.
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