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jennie_cole's review against another edition
3.0
This book was sent to me as an advanced reader's copy through Penguin's First to Read. I tend to like stories of the average civilian during war and this book was a pretty good one. It is set in a town in the south of England during 1940 and while the title mentions the Chilbury Ladies' Choir it is not the only aspect of these character's lives. In fact it is a small part of the story.
The book is told entirely through letters and diary entries. This narrative path really works for the story because each character has different things happen to them so the various narrators is great. This book wasn't amazing but I would definitely recommend it.
The book is told entirely through letters and diary entries. This narrative path really works for the story because each character has different things happen to them so the various narrators is great. This book wasn't amazing but I would definitely recommend it.
deemend's review against another edition
3.0
Compelling, interesting premise. At times didn’t believe the characters dialogue. And the empowerment of women is a great theme.
cheraford's review against another edition
5.0
great summer beach read. loved the story, characters and the epistolary format
sarah_reading_party's review against another edition
I tried to read this, I really did. But I wasn't into it. I didn't like the transition between diary and letter, or the constant switching of perspectives. The tone was stuffy and gossipy all at once. After reading about 25/30 pages, I was just done. I didn't want to read because I didn't want to pick this book up... and I have plenty of other books, so... adios! Maybe I'll try again another time. Side note: I wish I did like it--the topic is right up my alley (WWII! historical fiction!). But this time, I just wasn't having it. Hopefully others do!
woomom's review against another edition
4.0
This was a strong 4.5 stars for me.
It is the beginning of WWII in a small town of Chilbury in England. All the men have gone off to ward and the women have to learn to do lots of things on their own- including having a women’s only choir.
This is mainly a story about a village of women coming together to help one another through tragedy, fear, frustration and deceit. But it’s also a story of resilience, finding your voice, love and becoming.
Really loved this book.
From a content perspective, no cursing, a few implied sex moments but I wouldn’t hesitate having a teenager reading this.
It is the beginning of WWII in a small town of Chilbury in England. All the men have gone off to ward and the women have to learn to do lots of things on their own- including having a women’s only choir.
This is mainly a story about a village of women coming together to help one another through tragedy, fear, frustration and deceit. But it’s also a story of resilience, finding your voice, love and becoming.
Really loved this book.
From a content perspective, no cursing, a few implied sex moments but I wouldn’t hesitate having a teenager reading this.
beatniksafari's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the ensemble cast, the sense of community, and the writing about how music brings people together. However, the dialogue at times felt clunky and some of the characters cartoonish.
slanger7's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this book! The story is told through letters and journals of women who have put together a women's only choir because the men of the small England village are away at war. Taking place during World War II, it follows the lives of the women left behind and how the cope and find their own strength in a new world.
adventuremama08's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I struggled to stay interested in the plot (maybe because I've read so much WWII lately), I think it was really due to the back and forth various character viewpoints/letters/diary entries. It just didn't go smoothly for me. However in the end I was rooting for Mrs Tilling and even Venetia to get a well deserved ending.
christinavarela's review against another edition
1.0
Could not get into this book. Women in World War II is usually my thing. There was a particular storyline that was really bothering me. Read about a quarter of the book and decided I was done.
kathyblais's review against another edition
2.0
I actually quit this one with only a few pages left -- couldn't get it done in time for book club, and to be honest I was kind of bored with the story. It's got great characters and some interesting plot lines, but it's not my cup of tea.