The Woman at the Front

By: Lecia Cornwall

Narrated by: Hannah Curtis

Length: 15 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

A daring young woman risks everything to pursue a career as a doctor on the front lines in France during World War I and learns the true meaning of hope, love, and resilience in the darkest of times.

When Eleanor Atherton graduates from medical school near the top of her class in 1917, she dreams of going overseas to help the wounded, but her ambition is thwarted at every turn. Eleanor's parents insist she must give up medicine, marry a respectable man, and assume her proper place. While women might serve as ambulance drivers or nurses at the front, they cannot be physicians - that work is too dangerous and frightening.

Nevertheless, Eleanor is determined to make more of a contribution than sitting at home knitting for the troops. When an unexpected twist of fate sends Eleanor to the battlefields of France as the private doctor of a British peer, she seizes the opportunity for what it is - the chance to finally prove herself.

But there's a war on, and a casualty clearing station close to the front lines is an unforgiving place. Facing skeptical commanders who question her skills, scores of wounded men needing care, underhanded efforts by her family to bring her back home, and a blossoming romance, Eleanor must decide if she's brave enough to break the rules, face her darkest fears, and take the chance to win the career - and the love - she's always wanted.

©2021 Lecia Cornwall (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"An adventurous woman ahead of her time…a fascinating historical novel.”—Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author

“A uniquely female perspective of World War I…a beautiful, touching, romantic women’s fiction novel that is sure to delight fans of Outlander and Downton Abbey.”—Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author

"Realistic and emotionally engaging, you’ll believe every word."—Toronto Star

i could see each face!!

Beautifully written and told. All the characters
came to life. i could see each character’s face
along with their scars. Loved it. Thank you.

I loved this book

I didn't want it to end. Very well done in every aspect from start to finish!

One of the best books I’ve heard.

First of all, the narrator did a fantastic job and I’ll be looking for more books read by her. The author did an awesome job of drawing you into the story, developing the characters and of describing what you were supposed to see and hear. It was one of those books you don’t want to end. Sadly the content was all too true.

My new favorite book!

I adore stories like this! Brilliant women shocking those around them and being bad ass.

Such a beautifully written story

I loved every minute of this story. Thoroughly engaging and beautifully written. You thank yourself for picking this one.

Inspirational story of courage,

I fell in love with the characters, the story and the information about WW1. So sorry when it ended..I could have gone on and on.
This should be made into a movie and the author did a great job.

Outstanding Story

This is a great book that is brought to life by the narrator.
The details really allowed me to envision the story.
Well Done!

Loved it!

I fell into this story from the first sentence. About Eleanor Atherton, a young woman recently graduated from medical school and hoping to find work as a doctor in a world where “gently bred” ladies just did not do that sort of thing. It’s a story of her bravery on the frontlines in France, during WWI. I enjoyed this immensely, and recommend if in search of light escapism.

couldn't stop listening

I have listened to several books about women in medicine during the Revolutionary War and WW 1.
I always come away with awe of their strength and fortitude. This book is no exception. I found myself yelling at the men who were so overbearing and in her way. Even the matron dragon, I got so angry at . But Elenore persevered in the worst place on earth to be. There is just enough romance . I am an old nurse now and look at so far we have come.
We are women hear us roar!

An enjoyable read.

I enjoyed this book. There were times I felt a little impatient with the authoress, such as with her repetitive uses of phrases like "lifted her chin" and "crisp," and because of the plot's tendency to predictability, but overall it was fun and engaging. Held my attention, and the pace was great. Hannah Curtis's voice is very pleasant to listen to, also.
A great novel? Maybe not--but definitely likable and worth the read!