If you like historical fiction, Lottie Beauchamp’s War: In a War, You’d Want Lottie Beauchamp on Your Side… by Paula Napier is for you. Set in Europe from 1939 to 1944, it follows the adventures of Charlotte “Lottie” Beauchamp, daughter of Lord “The Brig” Beauchamp, as she begins her university studies only to find her family and country torn apart by a world at war. The narrative is divided into three parts: Lottie as a student at Cambridge, Lottie as a ferry pilot in the Air Transport Auxiliary, and Lottie as a covert operative fighting with the French partisans. While entirely fictional, Lottie crosses paths with a wide variety of historical figures, and every chapter highlights an event that marks the overall progress of the war.

In Lottie Beauchamp’s War, Paula Napier gives us an indefatigable, unconventional, courageous, and inspirational protagonist. In addition to the changing roles of women in a wartime setting, several thematic threads are woven throughout Lottie’s story, such as the stress of living in a restricted wartime economy, the brutal treatment of the Jews by the Nazi regime, the physical and emotional toll on survivors of battlefield violence and their loved ones, the tremendous loss of life sustained by a nation fighting for its freedom, and the impact on social dynamics and relationships for people facing the uncertainty of survival let alone victory. The plot moves at a good pace and the storyline is engaging. The emotions experienced by Lottie, her family, and her colleagues as they move through the war years are palpable. Lottie Beauchamp’s War is highly recommended.

Lottie Beauchamp’s War is a work of fiction in the historical, adventure, and interpersonal drama subgenres and is suitable for the general adult reading audience. This captivating novel penned by author Paula Napier follows the remarkable journey of our titular protagonist, Lottie, during the events of World War II. Readers meet Lottie as a Cambridge student, where she's deeply engrossed in her studies in archaeology. However, the war's looming presence makes her academic pursuits seem insignificant, prompting her to seek a more active role in the war effort. Lottie's life takes a turn when she becomes a pilot officer in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, where she faces the constant underestimation of her abilities. Despite these challenges, she is determined to prove herself and eventually becomes a crucial member of the Resistance movement in France, showcasing her unwavering commitment and determination to excel in a predominantly male-dominated environment.

Author Paula Napier has crafted a powerful tale that portrays the discrimination and prejudice women faced during World War II, emphasizing their resilience and determination to gain recognition in traditionally male-dominated roles. Lottie's character development is nuanced and compelling, as she evolves from an observer to a formidable leader in the fight against the Germans in her own unique way, which is distinctly feminine and never simply impersonating or mimicking male power. While Lottie's role in the war is vital, the novel also highlights the limitations and challenges she encounters in a society where women's contributions are often underestimated, and the dialogue and attitude of the time are well balanced to showcase this without ever feeling like it’s too much. Overall, Lottie Beauchamp's War is a powerful tribute to the resilience of women and a thought-provoking, inspiring read.

WINNER OF THE LITERARY TITAN GOLD AWARD

Lottie Beauchamp’s War by Paula Napier offers an engrossing narrative that follows the life of the fictional character Lottie Beauchamp during the tumultuous times of World War II. The novel is meticulously divided into three distinct segments, each focusing on a different phase of Lottie’s life and her evolving roles during the war.
In the opening part, readers meet Lottie as a student in Cambridge, consumed by her studies in archeology. Yet, her academic pursuits feel hollow and insignificant against the backdrop of a world at war. Lottie’s aspiration to actively contribute to the war effort is realized when she joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, marking her first substantial involvement in the conflict.
The second part delves into her newfound life as a pilot officer in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. Though a remarkable feat for a woman at the time, Lottie’s capabilities are constantly underestimated, with her responsibilities limited to flying smaller planes. Her journey towards piloting larger aircraft and earning the respect of her peers mirrors the broader struggle women faced during the war.
The final section of the novel follows Lottie as a dedicated member of the resistance movement in France. The portrayal of her relentless efforts to prove her worth in a predominantly male-dominated environment is both captivating and thought-provoking.
Napier skillfully uses Lottie’s story to shed light on the challenges women encountered during World War II. By highlighting the discrimination and prejudice they faced, the author emphasizes the grit and determination women displayed to gain recognition and respect in a field traditionally closed to them.
Lottie’s character development is crafted with nuance and care, transforming her from a mere observer of war to a determined leader in the fight against the Germans. While Lottie’s role in the war is vital, her actual influence and control over events are limited. Her tasks primarily involve piloting for drop-offs and pick-ups, and as a member of the resistance, her position can be somewhat passive at times.
Lottie Beauchamp’s War is a compelling read that provides an insightful look into the life of a young woman navigating the complexities of a world at war. It is not merely a fictional biography but a resonant piece that echoes the trials and triumphs of women during an era when their contributions were often underestimated and overlooked. This novel is a testament to women’s resilience and a valuable addition to the literature of World War II.” - LITERARY TITAN

I really enjoyed Lottie Beauchamps war. By Paula Napier. It was very interesting and engaging and the wonderful spirited character of Lottie was sympathetic and well drawn. The descriptions of the various exciting and dangerous events Lottie experiences are very compelling and vividly described. It's a real page turner and I didn't want it to end
I felt moved by her struggles, her courage and her losses and it made me want to know more about women's role in WW2. I liked that the author weaves in real events to the plot and at the beginning of every chapter tells us what was happening on that day in the war. This gives helpful context .
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
This book is highly recommended