To combine all the emotions of war into one book is a challenge. Yet, through this collection of short stories we encounter love, loss and the unending hope that tomorrow will be better than today...

Nearly a century on from the outbreak of the First World War and things have changed a lot. Called the war to end all wars, over nine million soldiers died whilst fighting. Yet, since then well over one hundred million have died as a result of war. So why is it important that we still remember? I answer: how could we ever forget?

War Girls is like no other WW1 fiction I have read before. It does not focus on the trenches, the tragic battle of the Somme nor the brave men who fought. The book combines a mixture of exceptionally written, heart-wrenching short stories into a book about the lives of the women left behind.

Theresa Breslin shows us the remarkable journey of an ambulance driver posted near the front. Through the eyes of Merle we see the devastation of war, her character symbolising the extraordinary courage shown by both the men and women of World War I.

On the other hand, in 'Piercing the Veil' Anne Fine explores the meaning of hope and the importance of it to the mothers, sisters and widows of the men lost.

Finally, Sally Nicholls highlights the changes brought about by World War I and fascinates us with the generation of 'spare women'. A strangely true concept indeed.

The diversity of the stories is immense! War Girls is a brilliant book to remember the women of World War I and is a must read in wake of the approaching centenary. Despite some stories being predictable in places and slightly rushed in others, I would recommend it due to its educational value.

Undoubtedly the First World War shaped our generation of women. Their fine balls, marriage arrangements and even the suffrage movement was all put on hold. Instead women working as nurses, farmers and munitions manufacturers, proved to men they were equal. They too answered the call of 'Your country needs you', eventually winning the war, the vote, and reforming society's attitudes towards women.

This book makes me grateful for the rights women in Britain have to day. Thank you to the women of World War I. And thank you to the authors of War Girls for teaching me more on their lives.

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