When We Had Wings

By: Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, Susan Meissner

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

From three bestselling authors comes an interwoven tale about a trio of World War II nurses stationed in the South Pacific who wage their own battle for freedom and survival.

The Philippines, 1941. When U.S. Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom, U.S. Army nurse Penny Franklin, and Filipina nurse Lita Capel forge a friendship at the Army Navy Club in Manila, they believe they’re living a paradise assignment. All three are seeking a way to escape their pasts, but soon the beauty and promise of their surroundings give way to the heavy mantle of war.

Caught in the crosshairs of a fight between the U.S. military and the Imperial Japanese Army for control of the Philippine Islands, the nurses are forced to serve under combat conditions and, ultimately, endure captivity as the first female prisoners of the Second World War. As their resiliency is tested in the face of squalid living arrangements, food shortages, and the enemy's blatant disregard for the articles of the Geneva Convention, the women strive to keep their hope— and their fellow inmates—alive, though not without great cost.

In this sweeping story based on the true experiences of nurses dubbed "the Angels of Bataan," three women shift in and out of each other's lives through the darkest days of the war, buoyed by their unwavering friendship and distant dreams of liberation.

"A novel rich in historical detail that immerses readers in the dangers and deprivation WWII nurses suffered in the Pacific, wrapped up with a hopeful ending." -Booklist

Critic reviews

'When We Had Wings is a story of strength and sisterhood inspired by the little-known experiences of the 'Angels of Bataan.' With gorgeous language and stunning historic detail, Lawhon, McMorris, and Meissner plunge readers into the Philippines and the epic struggles of the Pacific. Filled with heart and pathos, this is a story of hope, faith, and the power of friendship in the face of indescribable hardship.'

'A riveting novel by a trio of powerhouse authors that offers a fresh take on World War II fiction, one that is uncannily resonant today. Set in the lush tropics, When We Had Wings is an utterly original tale about courage, duty, and endurance.'

'Three fierce women from differing backgrounds come together in the Philippines during World War II to unwillingly be thrust into the chaos of evil that will blast their worlds apart. Lawhon, McMorris, and Meissner seamlessly blend three nurses' stories and secrets with one deft and immersive storytelling voice. When We Had Wings asks the important question--how do we know what we can become until we must become it?--and answers it with a resounding novel of suspense, courage, and grand love. Based on the true story of the first female prisoners of World War II, When We Had Wings is thrilling, riveting, and deeply felt; a do-not-miss historical fiction masterwork.'

'Three of the biggest powerhouses in historical fiction come together to pen this breathtaking story of three nurses serving in the Philippines during the Second World War.'

Inspired by the experiences of the nurses known as the Angels of Bataan, this novel written by three bestselling authors is an emotional story of friendship and courage.

Lawhon (Code Name Helene), McMorris (The Edge of Lost), and Meissner (The Nature of Fragile Things) team up for an illuminating story of the nurses stationed in the Philippines during WWII . . . With this fine tale, the authors succeed at bringing to readers' minds the courage and sacrifice of those who inspired it.

This is a fresh take on a very full genre of WWII retellings, and the authors do an excellent job keeping the timeline clear. If you enjoy reading about WWII, and want more than just the European front, this is a different vantage point worth reading.

This work of historical fiction offers a perfect pick for your book club.

Three superstars of historical fiction team up to tell the story of the Angels of Bataan, nurses in and around the armed forces in the Philippines during WWII . . . Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Meissner have crafted a novel rich in historical detail that immerses readers in the dangers and deprivation WWII nurses suffered in the Pacific, wrapped up with a hopeful ending.

Historical tragedies beautifully told

As a nurse, I was drawn to this story. I think it’s important to know our forerunners struggles, especially in the light of of current covid nursing challenges. The narrator did an excellent job of transporting me back through time and creating the atmosphere the author’s beautifully wrote. I was completely attached to each character and couldn’t wait to hear their stories.

Great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

Interesting and easy to follow. I loved how the story switched points of view, and that it highlighted an experience from history I was unfamiliar with.

Curious minds need to know. . .

The first thought I had as I read this book was that it should be suggested reading for High Schoolers. At a time when we too often ignore history, delete history and deny history, it provides a glimpse into a part of WW11 that is often never remembered, not discussed or skipped over.
What a wonderful, well written book to bring history alive to curious minds of all ages.

Best I’ve listened to in a while.

Very uplifting although sad this was amazing and couldn’t stop listening. As a retired nurse I can’t imagine surviving and returning home to continue a “normal “ life. The fortitude these women displayed is astounding.

incredible

this book was well written, well read and incredible! I found myself looking forward to the next chapter at every turn. I would 100% recommend this book.