The Masks of War delves into one of the lesser-known aspects of World War I: the pioneering medical work that allowed soldiers to reclaim their identities. At Queen’s Hospitla in Sidcup, England, Percy witnesses the remarkable skill of the real-life Archie Lane, a dental technician creating masks and prosthetics for soldiers with facial injuries.
Lane’s “Tin Faces” restore a sense of humanity to men who might otherwise feel lost in society. From intricate eye masks to full facial prosthetics, these devices not only conceal disfigurements but also rebuild confidence and dignity. Through Percy and Harry’s experiences, the novel explores the intersection of medicine, art, and the human desire to reclaim selfhood after war.
This aspect of the story also highlights the dedication of nurses like my fictional characters Nora Blakely and Edie Walters, whose care extends beyond medicine to emotional support, guiding patients through fear, isolation, and recovery. The Masks of War shows that sometimes healing the invisible wounds of war is just as vital as treating the visible ones.