As someone with a passion for feminism, a career in aviation, and a keen interest in the history of the Second World War, I was beyond excited to hear about the forthcoming release of Kate Lord Brown’s debut novel The Beauty Chorus. In my enthusiasm to obtain a copy as quickly as possible, I was acutely aware that this book, which sounded so perfectly tailored to my tastes, was going to have a tough challenge to measure up to my unavoidable hopes and expectations.

Twenty-year-old Evie Chase is the central character, who, in 1941, discards a life of privilege to join the Air Transport Auxiliary Unit (ATA) to do her bit for the war effort. She carries out the dangerous work of ferrying aircraft around Britain – alone, without instruments or radio contact, and even sometimes under fire. Along with two other new recruits, Stella and Megan, Evie moves into a tiny rural cottage in Kent and has to get used to a very different way of life very quickly.

Many books and history lessons of the Second World War focus on those who were in combat. There is no doubt that the bravery of these people was incredible, and their stories should never be forgotten. Many of us have heard first hand recollections from parents and grandparents, which are fascinatingly unique to every person. Something that I had never heard about, however, was the ATA. By skilfully weaving Amy Johnson, arguably the most significant woman in the history of aviation, into the book, Kate Lord Brown found a bridge between reality and historical fiction. The result is believable and compelling, and is the story of much more than just Evie’s daily tasks while in the ATA; we learn about more complex and sinister themes surrounding life at that time, from Nazi sympathising to hateful misogyny.

Time and energy is spent introducing and delving into the lives of the main characters (Evie in particular). Stella is a stoic mother concealing painful secrets, while it is impossible not to love sweet and innocent teenage Megan. Each of the three leading ladies has her own personality and each brings her own fascinating layer to the book. As well as our heroines, there are some extremely unpleasant (though very well written) characters, such as Virginia, Olivia, and Teddy. Several love interests manage to pull at the heartstrings of the three women, and the exploration of romance in a war-torn environment is thoroughly enjoyable.

It is no surprise to learn that the tragedy of wartime death is addressed in The Beauty Chorus, and I challenge anyone to not be genuinely moved by the untimely loss of one of the leading characters. (Keep a box of tissues at the ready.) Opposingly, there are a few witty one-liners that offer laugh-out-loud moments, and there is much referening to the very British desire for a good cup of tea. These varied sources of pain and amusement make this book very well rounded and well balanced.

While reading The Beauty Chorus, the author’s research for this book feels deep, genuine, and sympathetic. Although it is a work of fiction, it is easy to understand that there really were people whose lives were like that of the characters. I cannot help but think that The Beauty Chorus could well become adapted into a film, and has the potential to be fascinating in that format as well.

Thinking back to the high hopes that I had for this book, it is not exactly what I expected (though now that I have read it I cannot remember exactly what it was that I did expect). What I do know is that I am not disapointed, and my interest in learning more about the ATA and the role of women in the Second World War has deepened. Kate Lord Brown has written an exciting book that is insightful, evocative, and absorbing, and The Beauty Chorus is now a prominent and proud addition to my beloved bookcase.

Bookmark to