She Flew Bombers
Also by Jeane Slone
She Flew Bombers
From the Factories to the Bases During WWII
Historical Fiction
In this award winning historical novel, the heroine Violet Willey wanted to learn to fly. It was an amazing time to be a female pilot and the book takes us on Violet’s journey from flying in a “barnstormer” airplane to piloting a pursuit.
Life wasn’t easy for a woman serving as a Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP)–a job that wasn’t military, yet subject to the military control. The 1,074 brave women pilots learn how to fly over 77 types of military aircraft, crisscrossing the United States to deliver them to over 130 army bases for the men to fly into combat. Thirty-eight WASPs died in service and never left the United States. These daring young women met up with the Soviet night witches to deliver planes to them for the lend-lease program.
Praise for She Flew Bombers
She Flew Bombers is a funny, sad and heroic story about the strength of one woman, Violet Willey, and her WASP colleagues, a colorful assortment of other patriotic women, each one strong in her won way. Women pilots were and exotic and unappreciated item during WWII, and as such, had to fight their own battles against gender discrimination before it became a problem. The Same was not true of Russian women pilots, as Violet finds out in the course of delivering a pursuit airplane to self-proclaimed “Night Witches,” as those extraordinary women combat pilots were called because they made their aerial raids under cover of darkness. Flying a dizzying variety of airplanes was a constant challenge of WASP pilots, as well as the terrifying problem of sabotage. Add to this the knowledge that many of the planes they flew were relatively untested as they came off the assembly line, and the reader will easily understand the origin of the term, “Flying by the seat of their pants!”. ~ Mary Lynn Archibald, author of Accidental Cowgirl: Six Cows, No Horse, and No Clue
Author Jeane Slone Does an outstanding job in her new novel She Flew Bombers. This well written and fast-paced book chronicles the history of the WASP through the personal experiences of fictional aviatrix, Violet Willey. This Civil Service Organization transported all types of military aircraft across country to bases so male American flyers could be freed up to do the job of winning the war. Violet’s passion for flying is documented from her first experience as a young girl going on a flight with a California barnstormer to joining the WASP and flying pursuits . Little seems to be written about this heroic status until 1977. The obstacles and biases they managed to overcome as women pilots during their service to our country are expertly put to paper by author Jeane Slone. Written with humor, emotion, and accuracy, this film-worthy story will be enjoyed by anyone interested in military and aviation history, a plain good book, or a fast read.
~ Tony Lazzarini, president, Military Writers Society of America
I really enjoyed your book! I laughed, cried and wondered about those exciting times and amazing women! So much of the book reminds me of my mother’s remaining days at Boeing Aircraft Co. She told me that when the woman who was a WASP came to visit on leave it really caused Big excitement. Everyone was all ears listening to her stories! I do think your book would make a great movie. I will look forward to She Built Ships.
~ Stanley E. Richardson author of Growing up in a Foxhole 1944-1946
We would like to thank you so much for sharing your book and your own flying experiences! We had the best, most fun meeting ever! Thanks to you people stayed well past our usual Estimated Time of Departure! Thanks again Jeane! ~ The Santa Rosa Ninety-Nines Women’s Flying Club
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Rosa Writers wishes to express our thanks to you for presenting your novel, “She Flew Bombers” on February 28, 2009. Your well researched documentation on the subject of your book added to what was an exceptional presentation. The participants walked away with much more in-depth content from your point of view writing a historical fiction novel. You clearly communicated how your writing experience stems from a passionate and deep trust of your creative instincts as well. The informal manner in which you presented and engaged everyone to participate in a true “Forum” environment was very much appreciated. You are, indeed, a wealth of knowledge and so willing to share what you learn and know.
~ The Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Rosa Writers
She Flew Bombers is a fascinating account of one woman’s love of flying and her involvement with the WASPs during World War II. Anyone interested in aviation history, women’s history, or the World War II “war effort” will appreciate Jeane Slone’s careful research, as well as her ability to bring this little-known aspect of the US history to life so vividly. ~ Jean Hegland, Author of Into the Forest