Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the best books I have read so far this year. The writing is excellent! Every time I opened the book I was right there in Chilbury. Kitty and Mrs. Paltry had some lol moments. This is a keeper for me. I will definitely want to re-visit the people of Chilbury again. Looking forward to more from this author. The BBC could make a fantastic series out of this one.
This is a story told by journal entries and letters. It takes place in a small English village, Chilbury, during the early days of WWII when most of the men have gone to join the fighting forces and the women remain to maintain the homefront. Five women share their observations of life within Chilbury - there are intrigues, deceptions, romances, and betrayals. There is also a growing belief in the strength of their abilities. An interesting sequel would follow these women during the progression of the war as they face increased hardships.
A wonderful book told through the eyes of the women in a small English town during the year 1940. All of the young men have left to fight in WWII leaving the town's women as the strongest group to run the town. The women, of course, are overwhelmed, sad, and not used to running the show. They quickly band together with the help of the new choral director to become each other's support system. Told mostly through letters this book deals with every kind of issue you could expect during this time period. Loss, love, grief, war, and family issues.
I would welcome another work by this author gladly!
Thank you First to Read for the opportunity to read this wonderful work.
I would welcome another work by this author gladly!
Thank you First to Read for the opportunity to read this wonderful work.
Loved this book. The story is told through journal entries of very different, but connected, women in a small town in England at the beginning of WW II. If you liked "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" give this book a try!
Story of various well-drawn characters who form a women's choir during WWII. Interconnected stories of daily life and dramas in the village are told with letters, notes, diaries, etc.
A different take on England during WWII. The women of Chilbury have found their choir devoid of men, as they are all off to the war. The vicar wants to stop the choir altogether, but the women have other plans. This alone is enough of a story, but throw in a baby switch, Nazi bombs and spies, an evacuee, and you have a ripping good yarn.
One of my favorite books that I've read this year (and I've read A LOT)! It's so different from most WWII novels. Just so, so wonderful! I immediately checked out Jennifer Ryan's second novel from the library after reading this one.
World War II provides the context for The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan, but the war is not the story itself. The heart of this story are the women of the small village of Chilbury in Kent, England. This story becomes about each woman finding her own individual voice and about learning that the voice can stand alone and can be heard. The end result is a charming story of women, love, and survival tempered by the somber circumstances.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2017/02/the-chilbury-ladies-choir.html
Reviewed for NetGalley
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2017/02/the-chilbury-ladies-choir.html
Reviewed for NetGalley
I thought the book was a good read, but I did think that sometimes it had a bit too modern a tone - characters are very candid about matters that "one just did not talk about" in that era -- even though nobody seems concerned with (lack of) birth control. It's a jarring mixture at times. But I like the semi-epistolary format and was drawn into the characters' lives and events. It turned out to be a very good read. I also appreciated the explnatory material, recipes, etc. in the back. I would recommend it. I will be looking for Ms Ryan's next book.
