Women during World War II

American women at home and at the front

"Our mothers' war" is an eye-opening and moving portrait of women during World War II, a war that forever transformed the way women participate in American society. Never before has the vast range of women's experiences during this pivotal era been brought together in one book.

Heartbreaking accounts

Now, "Our mothers' war" re-creates what American women from all walks of life were doing and thinking, on the home front and abroad. These heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking accounts of the women we have known as mothers, aunts, and grandmothers reveal facets of their lives that have usually remained unmentioned and unappreciated.

Women worked in factories

During the war, women worked in factories throughout much of the West and East. In the United States and Canada women also joined the workforce. President Roosevelt stated that the efforts of civilians at home to support the war through personal sacrifice were as critical to winning the war as the efforts of the soldiers themselves.
American production was the major factor in keeping the Allies better supplied than Germany and Japan. The necessity to use the skills and the time of women was heightened by the nature of the war itself. Women did, for the duration of both World Wars, take on jobs that were traditionally regarded as skilled men's work. However, in accordance with the agreement negociated with the Trade Unions, women lost their jobs at the end of the World War.

Extraordinary bravery, strength, and humanity

"Our mothers' war" gives center stage to one of WWII's most essential fighting forces: the women of America, whose extraordinary bravery, strength, and humanity shine through on every page.

Emily Yellin

Born in White Plains, New York, Emily Yellin grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. Yellin received a B.A. in English literature from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and an M.S. in journalism from Northwestern University. In the mid-1990s, Emily Yellin taught journalism at The University of Memphis.
Emily Yellin has also lived in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and London, but currently lives in Memphis.

Women during World War II

Our mothers' war; American women at home and at the front during World War II by Emily Yellin
Publisher: Free Press
ISBN: 0743245164

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