The Ops Room Girls
This story is about a working-class girl called Evie Bishop, who, supported by the sacrifices that her parents made for her, wins a scholarship to Oxford University to study mathematics. A dreaded event comes to pass, however, and her dreams are shattered by one decision. Determined to get away from home, Evie makes an impulsive choice to join the WAAF as an Ops Room plotter. Little does she know that she will find friendship, love and danger during her time at Amberton Air Base.
In a world of war where the Germans are seeking to invade Britain, the author creates a wonderful air of suspense beginning at the start of the novel when Evie realises how vital her work is to the survival of their pilots. Beeby then tells the other side of the story through the life of the pilots too, using Evie’s love interest – Alex. Beeby also conveys the inner workings of the RAF base through Evie’s two friends Jess and May, who are also from different social backgrounds. Because of this, we are aware of how all types of lives were affected by the Second World War and that, although it was war, the times were also an opportunity for many to make new lives for themselves.
