Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes. The flow of the storyline weaving in and out of 1945 and 1999, is done so naturally and delightfully. The book details stories about all five women. Their courage, strengths and the bond that ties them all together. This is such a unique story brimming with many memorable characters and deeply moving passages. The writing just flowed so well and the characters had me captivated. This is such an awesome example of bringing history to life. Olivia, is a young Australian and assistant to an art dealer, she meets Beatrix an elderly widow who wishes to sell her late husband's collection of Japanese art, in particular a valuable small intricately carved Japanese netsuke named the fox-girl.

The five ex-Wasbies, now elderly women are brought together again decades later through the unique history of the fox-girl netsuke. Until I read this book, I knew nothing about the Women’s Auxiliary Service (Burma) and the role played by the women who served the war effort by running canteens to serve the Allied troops during the Burma campaign. Ms Nunn’s book took me into that world, with the hardships of service in the jungle not far from enemy lines and the power of friendship. And weaving between the friendships and the events of 1945 and 1999, is the story of a particular netsuke. The netsuke itself is important both as a hand carved Japanese artefact and because of its story, its journey. I also read a lot of contemporary fiction, and love writers such as Celeste Ng, Maggie O’Farrell, Sarah Winman, Gabrielle Zevin, Ann Patchett and Maria Semple.Burma 1945 and five woman have joined the forces to run a canteen as close to the frontline as any woman have gone before, building morale in the troops and providing food tea and essentials for them there are dance nights and in some terrible conditions, but lots of fun times as well. Bea, Plum, Joy, Lucy and Bubbles also form friendships to last a lifetime, they are known as The Wasbies and are a formidable team. Beatrix, Bea, was a Wasbie (Women’s Auxiliary Service – WAS(B) ) during WWII. Olivia is a young Aussie who lives in London, working (unpaid!) for an independent art dealer who has sent her to find a particular piece of artwork that Beatrix has offered for sale.

I enjoyed both – and writing with a slightly different voice for each to help give the flavour of the time was a lot of fun. I do have to confess a soft spot for Anna – I like her quiet brand of courage. Morale is one of the most underestimated factors in winning a war,’ he said as he faced them. ‘Never forget that you ladies are playing a big part in that. The sight of a cheerful face from home does more to support the war effort than you might realise.’ ” A reader at the University of the Arts London, Cross talks about his struggle to persuade the university to cut ties with fossil fuel investments and his continuing efforts to bridge the gap between commerce and environmental ethics London and Galway, 1999. On the eve of the new millennium, Olivia, assistant to an art dealer, meets Beatrix, an elderly widow who wishes to sell her late husband's collection of Japanese art. Concealing her own motives, Olivia travels with Beatrix to a New Year's Eve party, deep in the Irish countryside, where friendships will be tested as secrets kept for more than fifty years are spilled.The pacing and creativity is exceptional as the narrative unfolds and the author skilfully develops the mystery and intrigue woven throughout the past and present.