The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
“Giver of Stars” by JoJo Moyes was a real treat to read, with a powerful message of friendship and what it takes to follow your passion in order to help others less fortunate. Beatifically written, this story is set in the Great Depression in Kentucky where a group of women set up a pack horse library to share books to those who would never otherwise be able to access them. It’s a perilous journey but these women are dedicated to their mission.
What makes this story even more special to me, is that it’s based on a real life pack of feisty women who actually did this during the 1930-40s! Although this story is fictional, I am sure what they went through during that time period – with the rough terrain, the racism, and lack of gun laws, (to name but a few things) we’d be hard pressed to find many people offering to do the same thing these days, under those same conditions.
This was so well written, from the abuse English woman Alice received by her father-in-law and her weak minded husband, to the unconventional library leader Margery O’Hare’s murder trial, this book has got it all! I’ll be honest, what started out for me as just a historical fiction book, became one of my favourite books this year!
Would make a perfect gift for anyone looking for an entertaining story where strong women prevail, against all odds, (and there were several!) during a time where men practically owned them. Superb!
Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for my ARC copy, this is my unbiased honest review of this book – I loved it!
From Amazon
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Set in Depression-era America, a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond, from the author of Me Before You and The Peacock Emporium
Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically.
The leader, and soon Alice’s greatest ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self-sufficient woman who’s never asked a man’s permission for anything. They will be joined by three other singular women who become known as the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky.
What happens to them–and to the men they love–becomes a classic drama of loyalty, justice, humanity and passion. Though they face all kinds of dangers, they’re committed to their job–bringing books to people who have never had any, sharing the gift of learning that will change their lives.
Based on a true story rooted in America’s past, The Giver of Stars is unparalleled in its scope. At times funny, at others heartbreaking, this is a richly rewarding novel of women’s friendship, of true love, and of what happens when we reach beyond our grasp for the great beyond.
Have you read this book? Does it sound like one you’d like to read?
Check out my Waiting on Wednesday post for more information about this book!
Also featured on my Friday56 post, which you can find by clicking the link here… ‘Crazed with lust from a romance novel!’ (Book quote).
Disclosure: This post may contain compensated affiliate links and/or sponsored content. Mainly Amazon affiliate links. This is at no cost to you.
TOMY Pop Up Pirate Classic Children's Action Board Game, Family and Preschool Kids Game for Children 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Year Old Boys Girls Adults
53% Off
Five Survive: AN INSTANT NUMBER 1 NYT BESTSELLER AND SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER! An explosive crime thriller from the award-winning author of A Good Girls Guide to Murder.
£0.99 (as of December 9, 2023 14:50 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Belladonna: bestselling gothic fantasy romance
33% Off
Good Girl, Bad Blood: TikTok made me buy it! The Sunday Times Bestseller and sequel to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder: Book 2
55% Off
The Snow Ghost and Other Tales: Classic Japanese Ghost Stories
36% Off
Kindle (2022 release) | The lightest and most compact Kindle, now with a 6", 300 ppi high-resolution display and double the storage | With ads | Black
£84.99 (as of December 9, 2023 16:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Witch and the Tsar: a captivating 2022 debut historical fantasy retelling of the Russian folk tale of the legendary Baba Yaga
£0.99 (as of December 9, 2023 15:58 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Maid: The Sunday Times and No.1 New York Times bestseller, and Winner of the Goodreads Choice Awards for best mystery thriller (A Molly the Maid mystery, Book 1)
£2.99 (as of December 9, 2023 17:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Running Grave: Cormoran Strike Book 7
51% Off
I really enjoyed this one. I hope the paperback version allows many more people to also read and enjoy it.
Yes! I even bought copies for others that I knew would enjoy this. 🙂