Mount Gambier Library tonight will host an author event with bestselling author Victoria Purman for the launch of her latest release “The Nurses’ War”.

Ms Purman is well known for writing historical tales and ‘The Nurses’ War is based on the real experiences of Australian nurses in World War I, giving an insight into their bravery, strength of character, compassion, love and loss while treating wounded service men.

Library Programs team leader Kristi Brooks said the 7pm session was a “must event for lovers of historical fiction who will respect the amount of research Victoria has undertaken to piece this story together”.

“In 1915 as World War 1 rages in Europe Australian nurse, Sister Cora Barker, leaves her home in Australia for England, determined to use her skills for King and country.

“When she arrives at Harefield House – donated to the Australian Army by its expatriate Australian owners – she helps transform it into a hospital that is also a little piece of home for recuperating Australian soldiers,” Ms Brooks said.

“As the months pass, her mission to save the lives of diggers becomes more urgent as the darkest months of the war see injured soldiers from the battlefields of France and Belgium flood into Harefield in the thousands.”

When the hospital sends out a desperate call for help, a quiet young seamstress from the village, Jessie Chester, steps up as a volunteer.

“At the hospital she meets Private Bert Mott, a recovering Australian soldier, but the looming threat of his return to the front line hangs over them.

“Victoria is an Australian top 10 and USA Today bestselling fiction author and The Nurses’ War is an extraordinary story of grit, love and loss so please join us for this free event.”

To attend, contact the Mount Gambier Library for bookings online at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/Library or phone 8721 2540.