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A review by literarypenguin
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book pays homage to the hardworking, strong, and independent women of the Packhorse Librarians and their never-ending mission to deliver knowledge and wisdom to families who didn't have access to such things in the 1930's.
The story follows Alice Wright, a newlywed who left her home country of England to move to a rural county of Kentucky so she may be with her new handsome and well to do husband Bennett. Soon though her newly martial bliss wears thin, so to bring some excitement into her life she gets a job at the newly established library delivering books to needy families all over the county. She meets Margery O Hare, a strong, independent, confident woman who lets nobody man or woman tell her what she can and can't do. Along the way they are joined by Beth, A strong and slightly foul mouthed farmer's daughter who dreams of seeing the world, Izzy, A daughter of wealthy parents who wants to show others that she is more then just her Polio and limp and Sophia, A African American woman who is trying to get by in a world that doesn't want her to succeed. Together these women go from being hated and distrusted to valued and beloved, not without having to go through some rough terrain first.
The friendship and eventually sisterhood these women have is so beautifully told. I loved how they went from a group of strangers working together to a group of people that would do anything and sacrifice anything for one another. I loved how the author wrote these women forming a fierce and loyal bond with one another despite them having to face such challenges in 1930's America. They had to face misogynic treatment from men, racism toward one of their own, disbelief and distrust from people in the town, a corrupt mining business who valued dollars over their own employees wellbeing's, even a murder. They won over the hearts of some of the people who didn't trust them in the beginning and more families, especially children, grew excited for their visits with knowledge and stories of all sorts.
The writing was smooth and beautiful. The research put into how the people talked and behaved back then really got you sucked in and connected with the story even more. Her attention to detail, even a trip on horseback into the mountains or a trip into one of the towns markets, was beautifully described and told in such great detail that you really believed you were there.
As a person who loves History and stories set in different era's and locations, I very much appreciate learning about the actual Packhorse Librarians and their mission to deliver books to families in need even if it was placed into a fictional setting. Everything written in this book could have happened back in the 1930's from how men and women courted one another to how certain people were treated and judged because of one thing that other people did not care for. You got to really see how people in a rural community treated one another and how one person needed help they were always there to provide a helping hand.
This novel really shows how much books played a role in our society and how we must try to prevent the written word from disappearing completely as more and more bookstores are under constant threat. If you want a book that makes you feel good inside and gives you a new appreciation for library's and librarians everywhere then give this one a try. I think you will like it I know I did.
The story follows Alice Wright, a newlywed who left her home country of England to move to a rural county of Kentucky so she may be with her new handsome and well to do husband Bennett. Soon though her newly martial bliss wears thin, so to bring some excitement into her life she gets a job at the newly established library delivering books to needy families all over the county. She meets Margery O Hare, a strong, independent, confident woman who lets nobody man or woman tell her what she can and can't do. Along the way they are joined by Beth, A strong and slightly foul mouthed farmer's daughter who dreams of seeing the world, Izzy, A daughter of wealthy parents who wants to show others that she is more then just her Polio and limp and Sophia, A African American woman who is trying to get by in a world that doesn't want her to succeed. Together these women go from being hated and distrusted to valued and beloved, not without having to go through some rough terrain first.
The friendship and eventually sisterhood these women have is so beautifully told. I loved how they went from a group of strangers working together to a group of people that would do anything and sacrifice anything for one another. I loved how the author wrote these women forming a fierce and loyal bond with one another despite them having to face such challenges in 1930's America. They had to face misogynic treatment from men, racism toward one of their own, disbelief and distrust from people in the town, a corrupt mining business who valued dollars over their own employees wellbeing's, even a murder. They won over the hearts of some of the people who didn't trust them in the beginning and more families, especially children, grew excited for their visits with knowledge and stories of all sorts.
The writing was smooth and beautiful. The research put into how the people talked and behaved back then really got you sucked in and connected with the story even more. Her attention to detail, even a trip on horseback into the mountains or a trip into one of the towns markets, was beautifully described and told in such great detail that you really believed you were there.
As a person who loves History and stories set in different era's and locations, I very much appreciate learning about the actual Packhorse Librarians and their mission to deliver books to families in need even if it was placed into a fictional setting. Everything written in this book could have happened back in the 1930's from how men and women courted one another to how certain people were treated and judged because of one thing that other people did not care for. You got to really see how people in a rural community treated one another and how one person needed help they were always there to provide a helping hand.
This novel really shows how much books played a role in our society and how we must try to prevent the written word from disappearing completely as more and more bookstores are under constant threat. If you want a book that makes you feel good inside and gives you a new appreciation for library's and librarians everywhere then give this one a try. I think you will like it I know I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Animal death
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Incest