As England becomes enmeshed in the early days of World War II and the men are away fighting, the women of Chilbury village forge an uncommon bond. They defy the Vicar’s stuffy edict to close the choir and instead “carry on singing,” resurrecting themselves as the Chilbury Ladies’ Choir. We come to know the home-front struggles of five unforgettable choir members: a timid widow devastated when her only son goes to fight; the older daughter of a local scion drawn to a mysterious artist; her younger sister pining over an impossible crush; a Jewish refugee from Czechoslovakia hiding a family secret; and a conniving midwife plotting to outrun her seedy past.
An enchanting ensemble story that shuttles from village intrigue to romance to the heartbreaking matters of life and death, Jennifer Ryan’s debut novel thrillingly illuminates the true strength of the women on the home front in a village of indomitable spirit.
This book was the book club book that was reviewed at the March meeting. It sounded interesting to me, so I requested it and read it. What a lovely book. Each "chapter" is either a letter to someone or an entry in one of the characters journals. Despite there being a number of characters, its very easy to follow along with the story that way.
The way the characters evolve throughout the book, makes this a great read. Also prior to the war the women totally relied on the men for the most part. Now that all the men have gone to war, their attitudes have to change whether they like it or not and that can cause quite a few issues for them.
This book has plenty of twists and turns in it. Some you will predict that will happen, other's will surprise you. Set in a small village in Kent not far from Dover, you will see how the war touched these women (and men.)
Stars out of 5:5 A solid five at that. A wonderful book to read especially if you like all things British!
This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.
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