Ms. Arthur presents Edith Cavell, the subject of her historical novel, Fatal Decision: Edith Cavell WWI Nurse.  A century ago during World War I, Edith Cavell, a British nurse and head of a Belgian Hospital and Nursing School, was found guilty of espionage for rescuing Allied soldiers. Kaiser Wilhelm II said, “Executing Edith Cavell was the worst thing I did in this war.” The killing of this forty-nine year old nurse captured the hearts of thousands of Allied soldiers who joined the war to avenge her death. Her execution resulted in a call to arms worldwide, influenced the opinion of Americans, and put into motion a chain of events that brought the United States into the war. Her story carries a timeless message about sacrifice, devotion, perseverance, honor, and courage in the face of adversity, and is a testament to her unwavering faith in God and love of humanity.

Haunted by images on a set of vintage postcards, Terri Arthur set about learning more about the life and death of Edith Cavell. A nurse herself, Arthur was surprised to learn that none of her colleagues were familiar with Cavell’s amazing story or knew how it had influenced World War I. Arthur felt that, as a nurse, she could throw fresh light on the life and career of this extraordinary woman.  After years of research and encouraged by interest in her article on Edith Cavell (“The Life and Death of Edith Cavell, English Emergency Nurse Known as `The Other Nightingale’”), Arthur followed up with this novel based on Cavell’s heroic career.

Born in New York, Terri Arthur is a long-time resident of Massachusetts and has served as a nurse in hospitals on Martha’s Vineyard, Plymouth, and Cape Cod. She is a volunteer for the American Red Cross. In addition to her nursing, she holds a BS in Education and Biology, and an MSM in Health Business Management. Also an entrepreneur, Arthur created and manages Medical Education Systems, Inc. a business that provides continuing education to nurses, doctors, and medical personnel.