The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
Okay, where to start? There’s really a lot going on in “The Postmistress,” although Blake weaves the strands of her story together seamlessly.
The story is framed by Frankie Bard, a woman who worked as a reporter with Edward Murrow in Europe during the early days of World War II, before the United States became involved in the war. Iris James is the new postmistress – postmaster, she would say – of Franklin, Massachusetts. Iris isn’t the only new woman in Franklin; Emma Fitch has only just arrived as the wife of the town doctor, Will Fitch, who is haunted by his family’s past in the small town. Just because the war is in Europe, doesn’t mean that it isn’t going to touch the lives of these American women.
Oh, Amy Einhorn Books, are you ever going to publish a book that isn’t awesome?
As I said above, there is a whole lot going on in “The Postmistress,” far more than I listed in my summary above, but it is all woven together so deftly that I’m not sure what more I could say without giving too much away. This is one of those novels that you just need to experience. Frankie was a particularly well-drawn, complex character.
“The Postmistress” is a lovely, well-written book that draws you into the early years of World War II in a completely authentic way.
Buy this book from:
Powells.*
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound.*
Amazon.*
This review was done with a book received from Lydia at Putnam.
* These links are all affiliate links. If you buy your book here I’ll make a very small amount of money that goes towards hosting, giveaways, etc.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book. I think I might have to pick it up.
I can’t wait to read this one! I wish the library would hurry up and release it already. I love WWII books.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
I’ve read great and then so-so reviews on this one. Seeing how I have a copy I guess I need to read and decide for myself huh? Thanks for your thoughts on this one! 😀
I love a book that will draw me in. This is on my wish list!
I have seen this one around everywhere, so I finally put it on reserve at the library. I am # 93!!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Sunday Salon =-.
I’ve heard really great things about this book. I’ve added it my TBR list and hope to buy it soon.
Well, I am signed up for the Amy Einhorn Challenge, and EW gave this book an A-, so I ordered it on my Kindle. When I’m going to read it, time will only tell. But I HAVE it, which is what matters! I’m thinking I may save it for Hawaii, when I am on that long flight and I don’t want to drag a dozen books!
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Lake Eola #2 =-.
Oooh, I love that book trailer is awesome; this is definitely going on my TBR. Thanks for the review!
I just read a review of this book in Entertainment Weekly. It sounds like such a good book!
.-= Nan´s last blog ..Nan’s Notes: Stitches a memoir, by David Small =-.
I really want to read this one! I love books set during WWII and this one just sounds great!
.-= Amused´s last blog ..Not My Cup of Slim Fast =-.
Wow! You’ve made me anxious to read this one now.
Sounds like a great read. I have read lot of goof reviews about this one and that cover is gorgeous!
This one sounds good.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this book as much as I did. I am still thinking of Frankie a lot.
It’s going to be difficult to wait to read this. My book club is reading this later in the spring. Oh the torture!
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Guest Post: Philipp Meyer (American Rust) =-.
This book seems to be getting more face time…and it sounds so good! Thanks for the great review.
I’m definitely going to have to get this book. It was the first book by this publisher that caught my eye when the reading challenge was announced. I’m so glad you loved this book!!!
.-= Literate Housewife´s last blog ..#234 ~ A Reliable Wife =-.
I loved your review of this book. I’ve placed a hold for it at our library. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
I love books set in WWII, so this one was pretty much an automatic choice from me. As soon as it was on the library catalogue I requested it, and I just picked it up tonight.
I cannot WAIT to read this. 😀
Frankie was definitely complex. I had mixed feelings about her and I wasn’t sure why.