Set against the grim backdrop of World War I, E. M. Delafield's 'The War-Workers' offers an intimate look into the lives of those on the home front, particularly the indefatigable Miss Vivian. Marking a departure from the domesticity that pervades her more famous 'Diary of a Provincial Lady' series, Delafield employs a sober yet engrossing narrative to explore the dichotomy between the comfortable life at 'Plessings' and the stark conditions of the 'war girls' in their nearby hostel. The novel's literary style is imbued with a realism that highlights the class contrasts and the shifting roles of women in society, placing it within a broader canon of wartime literature that examines the home front's dynamics and the war's transformative effects on civilian life.
E. M. Delafield, born Edmée Elizabeth Monica Dashwood, was no stranger to the societal structures and the role of women within them, wielding her wit and keen insight into the fabric of her characters' lives. It is perhaps her own experiences, with her time spent in a Voluntary Aid Detachment during the war, coupled with her sharp social observation, that inform the credible and intriguing depiction of Miss Vivian's journey from privileged leisure to an indomitable force at the helm of war work. Delafield's own life sheds light on the motivations behind this novel, revealing a profound connection to the subject matter.
In 'The War-Workers,' Delafield offers a compelling account of duty, resolve, and the human spirit against all odds, making the book a noteworthy recommendation for readers interested in historical fiction with strong female protagonists. The book provides not only a socially insightful narrative but also a showcase of Delafield's considerable literary talent, illustrating the important contribution that women made to the home front during times of great despair. This novel is an essential read for those wishing to delve deeper into the social dynamics and personal stories of World War I.
