The Red Cross Girls with the Russian Army

by Margaret Vandercook

"The Red Cross Girls with the Russian Army" by Margaret Vandercook is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. This story continues the adventures of four American girls who previously served in the Red Cross during World War I. The narrative finds them in Russia, where they are engaged in nursing and humanitarian efforts amidst the backdrop of war, challenging political circumstances, and personal growth. At the start of the novel, we are reintroduced to the main characters, Nona Davis, Mildred Thornton, and Barbara Meade, as they adjust to the stark realities of their new environment. After their experiences in Belgium, where they aided wounded soldiers, they now find themselves faced with the mystery of a letter that leads Nona to a peasant's hut, where she encounters a woman, Sonya Valesky, who claims to have known her mother. As the story unfolds, themes of friendship, duty, and discovery of one's heritage emerge, while the tension of impending conflict looms over their efforts to help those in need. Nona's growing connection to Sonya complicates her mission, as she grapples with the ideals of peace amidst the chaos of war.