Book Review- The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Historical Fiction

Three Words: Empowering, Heartwarming, Strong

Review:

I admittedly finished this book in three days. I have always been a sucker for historical fiction, and after the first chapter, I was hooked. It is not your typical Depression-era saga, nor is it solely focused on race, politics or religion. Instead, all of the topics are intertwined in a tale of women and their individual struggles - a different take on traditional social stratification. It is from their point of view in which you will start off judging them harshly with a 21st century lens, but as their stories unfold you will finish loving each character for not only their strengths, but their faults as well. The ending wraps everything up nicely, even though that is not necessary for me to like a book, it was refreshing since my last read lacked any type of ending. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for not only a good story, but a story that will make you feel empowered and strong (particularly women).

Summary:

Set in rural Eastern Kentucky in the 1930s, the story follows five women from all walks of life who become unlikely friends and allies. Employed by Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration's Pack Mule library, these women are charged with supplying reading materials to people in their county. The two main characters, Alice and Margery are starkly divergent in body and upbringing but find a kinship like none other. Alice, newly arrived from England, uses the mule library as an escape from her new husband and her father-in-law. Margery finds strength in her independence and wants to escape her sordid family name. This is based on a true story. The adventures these women took, tribulations they faced, and purpose they shared is a testament to how amazing women can be when they band together, even when facing hatred, racism and misogyny.