The Red Cross girls with the Stars and Stripes

"The Red Cross Girls with the Stars and Stripes" by Margaret Vandercook is a historical tale set during World War I that follows Barbara Thornton and her friends Nona and Eugenia as they serve as Red Cross nurses helping soldiers in France. The novel emphasizes themes of patriotism, the bonds of friendship, and the challenges women faced at home and abroad during the war. The story begins in New York City, where their drawing-room is the center for friends and family. Their somber reunion hints at their adventures as nurses in Europe and the emotional burden they carry. Eager to return to France, the women display unwavering commitment and their relationships, especially that of Barbara and her husband Richard who both struggle with the consequences of war. With bravery, the women make sacrifices that showcase this impact.