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Switchboard Soldiers
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 14 hrs and 44 mins
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Publisher's Summary
From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini, a bold, revelatory novel about one of the great untold stories of World War I—the women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, who broke down gender barriers in the military and battled a pandemic as they helped lead the Allies to victory.
“An eye-opening and detailed novel about remarkable female soldiers. . . Chiaverini weaves the intersecting threads of these brave women’s lives together, highlighting their deep sense of pride and duty.”—Kirkus Reviews
In June 1917, General John Pershing arrived in France to establish American forces in Europe. He immediately found himself unable to communicate with troops in the field. Pershing needed telephone operators who could swiftly and accurately connect multiple calls, speak fluent French and English, remain steady under fire, and be utterly discreet, since the calls often conveyed classified information.
At the time, nearly all well-trained American telephone operators were women—but women were not permitted to enlist, or even to vote in most states. Nevertheless, the U.S. Army Signal Corps promptly began recruiting them.
More than 7,600 women responded, including Grace Banker of New Jersey, a switchboard instructor with AT&T and an alumna of Barnard College; Marie Miossec, a Frenchwoman and aspiring opera singer; and Valerie DeSmedt, a twenty-year-old Pacific Telephone operator from Los Angeles, determined to strike a blow for her native Belgium.
They were among the first women sworn into the U.S. Army under the Articles of War. The male soldiers they had replaced had needed one minute to connect each call. The switchboard soldiers could do it in ten seconds.
Deployed throughout France, including near the front lines, the operators endured hardships and risked death or injury from gunfire, bombardments, and the Spanish Flu. Not all of them would survive.
The women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps served with honor and played an essential role in achieving the Allied victory. Their story has never been the focus of a novel…until now.
What listeners say about Switchboard Soldiers
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Michelle Preyde
- 2023-06-01
Excellent story
Well told. Amazing narration. And educational in an entertaining manner. I don’t know enough about WW1. This story is enlightening without being political. If you enjoy stories about the women who made a difference during difficult times, you will enjoy this story.
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- Maureen Sitch
- 2022-09-01
Awesome Book!
A very well written account of unsung heroes that helped shape the outcome of WW1. Strong women who are both battle ready and compassionate.
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- Anonymous User
- 2024-01-31
History Told
WW1 story of women who broke gender barriers and became the first woman to serve in the military. Not only did they overcome challenges, the Spanish flu, etc. but they were never recognized as US military soldiers until 60 years after their service. The switchboard, Soliders received ranks, and we’re saluted as they served in World War I, but did not receive pensions or the acknowledgement that they served as military personnel until years later. This book was very researched. I highly recommend it. 
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- jennifer j.
- 2023-03-16
switch board Soldiers
Always enjoy learning about unsung women hero’s of the war.It took 60 years to finally get justice and benefit s of their soldier years of determination and dedication and perseverance.History is interesting as gender bias still exists in this 20th century and women still don’t get recognition and credit for their achievements by the moral majority of men
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- Tova
- 2023-06-05
Wonderful deciated women
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the heart of these women... I learnt how more women played a vital part in WW i ...
I highly recommend this book as a 'excellent read'...
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- Westy
- 2022-11-13
History via Fiction
I love when history can be told through a fictional account. Possible conversations and historic records tell the truth of this story. Saskia Maarleveld, our gifted narrator, reads a very detailed story of French and English-speaking American (mainly) women tasked with being telephone switchboard operators during the First World War. War is not just about the men. Listen and wonder.
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- LK
- 2022-10-04
An untold story of the role of women in WW1
I knew nothing about how women telephone operators helped to win the war in Europe. This book was
well researched. The details of survival despite the pandemic and consistent bombing was enlightening. I highly recommend this novel.
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- Julie Clayton
- 2023-01-23
History worth knowing
Very interesting and enlightening listen. It’s a shame it took so long for the American government to acknowledge these women’s brave effort in the great war.
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- Kandy
- 2023-02-20
Beautifully read
A great story about history of women. I had no idea of this these strong women in WW1. The oration was so well done.
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