When We Had Wings

By: Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, Susan Meissner

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

From three bestselling authors comes an interwoven tale about a trio of World War II nurses stationed in the South Pacific who wage their own battle for freedom and survival.

The Philippines, 1941. When U.S. Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom, U.S. Army nurse Penny Franklin, and Filipina nurse Lita Capel forge a friendship at the Army Navy Club in Manila, they believe they’re living a paradise assignment. All three are seeking a way to escape their pasts, but soon the beauty and promise of their surroundings give way to the heavy mantle of war.

Caught in the crosshairs of a fight between the U.S. military and the Imperial Japanese Army for control of the Philippine Islands, the nurses are forced to serve under combat conditions and, ultimately, endure captivity as the first female prisoners of the Second World War. As their resiliency is tested in the face of squalid living arrangements, food shortages, and the enemy's blatant disregard for the articles of the Geneva Convention, the women strive to keep their hope—and their fellow inmates—alive, though not without great cost.

In this sweeping story based on the true experiences of nurses dubbed "the Angels of Bataan," three women shift in and out of each other's lives through the darkest days of the war, buoyed by their unwavering friendship and distant dreams of liberation.

"A novel rich in historical detail that immerses readers in the dangers and deprivation WWII nurses suffered in the Pacific, wrapped up with a hopeful ending."—Booklist

©2022 Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Meissner (P)2022 Harper Muse

Wonderful as always!

Ariel Lawhon is one of my favorite historical fiction authors and for good reason. If you enjoy historical fiction, in particular, WWII stories, you will enjoy this. It was a nice departure from the typical ones based in England or France. I also learned a lot. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

WWII from Japanese POW perspective

Excellent book. It’s a perspective that’s not written on as often. I love WWII books and really enjoyed this! Towards the end, I cried because I was so moved.

More love story than anything

Why do these historical female POW’s need love interests in this novel? They are enough themselves.

Really good read

I enjoyed this book! It shows how deep women to women friendships go. Very good read!

I truly loved this story, scary and heart warming at the same time.

I loved the story, the characters, and the reading. after this story I did some research on the interment camps. That was truly the greatest generation.

A true MUST read!

I cannot begin to describe how much I loved this story! Like many amazing books, I am sad that I just finished it. I do not want to part from the characters and wish the story would continue. The narration was perfect, engaging, and so easy to listen to. The story and character development was so, so good! My emotions listening to the book spanned the spectrum, many times over. I’ve read many non-fiction and historical fiction books from WW2, but this was my first time reading/hearing Pacific War involvement/perspective. This part of history shares horrific, unimaginable atrocities with what Hitler was doing in Europe; yet, it also shares indescribable acts of bravery and heroism, indelible fortitude, will of spirit, and love for one another from those fighting for the good. I continue to be in utter awe of the truly amazing men and women who gave so much and endured more than most of us can even imagine. This story not only opens my eyes to this part of history, it also humbles, inspires, and changes me. I will buy a paper copy of this book to share with others. It is truly a MUST read/listen!

Great story…a little challenging to follow along

The story was great. I occasionally got lost in which character was which since there were not distinct voices/accents used consistently for the characters. But, the story was awesome!

What a great story

Thoroughly enjoyed this dive into an often overlooked part of WWII - we hear lots of stories set in Europe, not so much elsewhere. Great writing and narration. Get this book!

Loved it!!!

I have probably read a hundred books from this time era however this was my first on the Philippines. It was such a great book I highly recommend

Nurses- unsung heroes

The strength and humanity of the characters was palpable. Their fear, and joys, courage and grit made me proud to be a nurse.