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A review by katiecatbooks
The Inaugural Meeting of the Fairvale Ladies Book Club by Sophie Green
4.0
Women's fiction. Australia. Book club.
Story: In 1978 rural Australia, Sybil lives with her husband and youngest son, Ben, on their ranch. The seasons are harsh and the work is hard, but Sybil has raised her family and watched them become adults there. Ben's wife is the newest addition to their family and ranch. When Sybil starts a book club and invites other women to join, a new community of friends are formed.
Characters: Sybil is the first narrator and the rest of the stories revolve around her. The book club takes place mostly on her ranch and she's the one to make the connections with the other women. Kate is her daughter in law and from England. She's adjusting to being newly married and life in a whole new country and setting, and away from her own family. Rita is Sybil's best friend and they go way back. Sallyann has three children and an alcoholic husband. And Della comes all the way from Texas and works and rides with the men.
Language: The story covers three years and each section begins with a list of key events that happened that year worldwide. Then each section is broken down into chapters, each told from one of the 5 women's perspective. Although the book covers some heavy topics, it's a very light read, full of joy and hope and friendship. It's also a great representation of Australia and the time and setting, very immersive, even from far away.
For me, this was like if Maeve Binchy's characters transported to Australia during the late 1970's and decided to start a book club. It had the same idyllic atmosphere and comforting story and writing to enjoy over a long weekend. Great book! Encore!
Story: In 1978 rural Australia, Sybil lives with her husband and youngest son, Ben, on their ranch. The seasons are harsh and the work is hard, but Sybil has raised her family and watched them become adults there. Ben's wife is the newest addition to their family and ranch. When Sybil starts a book club and invites other women to join, a new community of friends are formed.
Characters: Sybil is the first narrator and the rest of the stories revolve around her. The book club takes place mostly on her ranch and she's the one to make the connections with the other women. Kate is her daughter in law and from England. She's adjusting to being newly married and life in a whole new country and setting, and away from her own family. Rita is Sybil's best friend and they go way back. Sallyann has three children and an alcoholic husband. And Della comes all the way from Texas and works and rides with the men.
Language: The story covers three years and each section begins with a list of key events that happened that year worldwide. Then each section is broken down into chapters, each told from one of the 5 women's perspective. Although the book covers some heavy topics, it's a very light read, full of joy and hope and friendship. It's also a great representation of Australia and the time and setting, very immersive, even from far away.
For me, this was like if Maeve Binchy's characters transported to Australia during the late 1970's and decided to start a book club. It had the same idyllic atmosphere and comforting story and writing to enjoy over a long weekend. Great book! Encore!