Let me start by saying this book WRECKED me in the best way possible. As someone who devours historical fiction, 'Three Women of Liverpool' stands out for its raw, unflinching portrayal of the Blitz through the eyes of ordinary women.

The GOOD: The character development is phenomenal. I felt like I knew these women personally - their fears, their quiet rebellions against class norms, and that distinctly Liverpudlian humor shining through even in air raid shelters. The scene where Sickos bonds with Mrs. Pickle? Absolute gold.

The BAD: That ending hit me like an unexploded bomb (pun intended). Just when I became emotionally invested in every subplot - BAM - curtain drops. No resolution for Robert/Dickie's paternity mystery, no closure for Patrick's dad subplot. It's like the air raid siren sounded mid-sentence.

Personal connection: My grandmother was a war bride from Bootle, and reading descriptions of familiar streets like Princes Park gave me chills. The author nails the sensory details - the taste of rationed tea, the smell of cordite after raids - but some dialogue felt slightly off for true Scousers.

Final verdict: At just 168 pages, it's more novella than novel. While brilliantly researched (those bombing sequences are TERRIFYINGLY vivid), it leaves too many threads dangling. Would I recommend? Absolutely - but with a warning to brace for literary blue balls.