Although I rage against the World War II over-kill here and here, Luis Alberto Urrea is one of my favorite authors. I actually bought the book without knowing the setting/era because Luis Alberto Urrea. See here here and here.

How are there still unearthed stories from the Second World War? Because clues are still being found in lost letters and scrapbooks and photographs hidden away. For Mr. Urrea this story comes from a snap shot of his mother and two other women in the American Red Cross Clubmobile Corp – a small brigade of trucks women drove then set up as coffee and donut dispensaries to boost the troop morale behind the front lines. The ladies were referred to as “Donut Dollies” on the “chow and charm circuit.”

All the horrors of war are present, as well as tales of heroism, friendship forged in trauma, and even a love interest or two. AND, this novel seems to transcend the tropes. The excellent story telling wins the day.

Fours and a half stars. Highly recommend.