|
When Tides Turn
by Sarah Sundin is one of those novels where readers have
a gripping mystery and can learn something too. The third
and final book of the series follows the Avery family. Based
in Boston this plot includes the Battle of the Atlantic and
US Navy WAVES, a unit of women volunteers.
Although Sundin does not personally have experience in the
armed forces, for her it is all in the family. “The
year I started writing this book is the same year my son enlisted
in the Navy. I was walking the path with him as we adjusted
to the culture and the terms. I also had a military connection
through my family. My grandfather was a medic in the Navy
during World War II and my great uncle was a B-17 bomber pilot.
My grandfather also trained US spies in the German language.”
Through her engaging characters, people realize the numerous
contributions women made to the war effort. Although not eligible
for combat duty, as more men went off to war, the WAVES performed
jobs in the aviation community, medical professions, science,
technology, and communication. Characters include: Nora an
engineer, Lillian a pharmacist, and Tess, using her degree
in business to supervise the clerical staff. Their unconventional
ways had them band together in a man's world, unlike most
women who stayed at home, did not have a job, or never attended
college.
Sundin
commented about the WAVES, "Remember, before the WAVES,
the previous role of women was to be nurses. I wanted to show
how the Navy did not want the WAVES at first, fearing women
would get in the way and distract men. Eventually, women like
my characters were seen as professional, efficient, and competent.
I know the picture of Rosie The Riveter is still popular today.
I have had people today think it sexist that women were not
allowed in combat during World War II. But we must remember
the times. I think the WAVES were actually progressive. We
have to be careful not to judge the past by the standards
of today. The WAVES were brave and forward thinking women.
I think they paved the way for women in the military today."
The
plot has readers spellbound as they find out about the brutality
of the Nazis, the threat of German spies and saboteurs, as
well as the anti-submarine efforts including radar, weapons,
and tactics. Lt. Dan Avery uses his skills to fight German
U-boats, after being assigned to an escort carrier during
the peak of the Battle of the Atlantic.
To
make the mystery applicable to Northeast America Sundin stated,
"I did take some liberties. In Europe, German spies did
land by U-boats and there were homegrown ones as well. They
went after the Resistance to try to quell them. For example,
they took over much of the Dutch resistance. I used creativity
in taking what the Germans did in Europe to America."
The
theme of the story is how the main characters, Tess and Dan,
grow in their jobs, as individuals, and in their relationship.
They are opposites in that Tess is playful, cheerful, and
sociable while Dan is serious, an introvert, and someone who
builds walls.
With the backdrop of World War II Sundin weaves together a
fascinating story with fascinating characters. Part historical,
part mystery, with a tinge of romance the finale of this three
book series is a home run.
|
