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The Woman with a Purple Heart

A Novel
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( 1,706 ratings, 265 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Woman with a Purple Heart, Diane Hanks weaves a compelling tale set during World War II. The story explores the life of a courageous woman who confronts the challenges of war both at home and abroad. Her journey of bravery, love, and resilience offers a unique perspective on the contributions and sacrifices made by women during this tumultuous period.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in gripping tales set against the backdrop of historical events, particularly involving courageous women in wartime. The narrative weaves stories of bravery, resilience, and the emotional challenges of those who earned their place in history through remarkable acts. This novel appeals to those who appreciate exploring the human spirit's triumphs in the face of adversity through a well-crafted historical lens.

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Advisory: "This story contains war-related themes, including violence and trauma, as well as racism and racial slurs that could trigger certain audiences."

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Based on the untold story of Lt. and Chief Nurse Annie Fox, who was the first woman to ever be awarded the Purple Heart, for her heroic leadership during the bombing of Pearl Harbor and Hickam Field.

"Historical fiction at its finest!" -Amanda Skenandore, author of The Second Life of Mirielle West and The Nurse's Secret

Based on the real life of Lieutenant Annie Fox, Chief Nurse of Hickam Hospital, The Woman with a Purple Heart is an inspiring WWII novel of heroic leadership, courage, and friendship that also exposes a shocking and shameful side of history.

Annie Fox will stop at nothing to serve her country. But what happens when her country fails her?

In November 1941, Annie Fox, an Army nurse, is transferred to Hickam Field, an air force base in Honolulu. The others on her transport plane are thrilled to work in paradise, but Annie sees her new duty station as the Army's way of holding the door open to her retirement. But serving her country is her calling and she will go wherever she is told.

On December 7, Annie's on her way to work when the first Japanese Zero fighter plane flies low over Hickam's Parade Ground. The death and destruction that follow leave her no time to process what's happening. She rallies her nurses, and they work to save as many lives as they can. But soon their small hospital is overwhelmed. Annie drives into Honolulu to gather supplies, nurses, and several women who will donate blood. However, the nurses are Japanese Americans, and the blood donors are prostitutes.

Under Annie's leadership and working together in unexpected ways, they make it through that horrific day, when one of the Japanese American nurses and Annie's friend, Kay, is arrested as a suspected subversive. As Hickam tries to recover, Annie works to find her friend and return Kay to her family. But Annie's love for her country is put to the test. How can she reconcile the American bravery and resilience she saw on December 7 with the prejudice and injustice she witnesses just a few months later?

Praise for The Woman with a Purple Heart:

"Vividly portrays a little-known story in a well-known time on a day that will live in infamy. A stirring read!" -Erika Robuck, national bestselling author of The Invisible Woman

"A wonderful tribute to a true American hero." -Sara Ackerman, USA Today bestselling author of Radar Girls and The Codebreaker's Secret

"Fast-paced and immersive. This is the kind of story that sticks with you long after turning the final page." -Elise Hooper, author of Angels of the Pacific

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Woman with a Purple Heart by Diane Hanks is highly praised for its vivid portrayal of historical events with an indomitable heroine, capturing the bravery of U.S. Army nurses during the Pearl Harbor attack. It features compelling storytelling that blends emotional depth and historical insight, focusing on the overlooked heroism of Annie Fox and the complex wartime dynamics in Hawaii. The book is recognised as an inspiring tribute to courage and a deeply engaging read that has resonated with readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781728265117

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 December 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Sourcebooks Landmark

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 208.0mm

Weight: 313g

Pages: 352

About the Author

DIANE HANKS has a BFA and MA in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston, MA. She first saw the name Annie Fox in relation to her job as a medical writer. Diane was writing about VA's Annie app-used to send text messages to veterans about self-care-and discovered that it was named after Lt. Annie Fox. It seemed a shame that she'd never heard about the first woman to earn a Purple Heart, so Diane did some research, inspiring her to write this story.

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