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A review by asourceoffiction
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Fierce women, breaking down gender stereotypes and providing books to the community regardless of anyone's background or beliefs? Sold.
I've never read a Jojo Moyes and I had no idea what to expect when I picked this up. Though what I definitely didn't expect was what I got. The Kentucky backdrop is absolutely stunning and so well brought to life. The story is fascinating, steeped in history and filled with gorgeous detail. And the characters? The characters are EVERYTHING.
So much of this story rests on the limits placed on women in the early-mid twentieth century: get married, have kids, keep the house, support the husband. And for various reasons, the women at the heart of the Packhorse Library decide that's not enough for them thank you very much. The bond that they form while smashing through the barriers placed before them completely hooked me.
It's also incredibly emotional at times. The pain Margery, Alice and everyone has to endure is so raw and well written. Their frustration when their actions have so little effect on the wider community is palpable, and still so dishearteningly relevant today. But what shines through all of that is a brilliant group of women who refuse to stop fighting, and that will stay with me for a long time.
I've never read a Jojo Moyes and I had no idea what to expect when I picked this up. Though what I definitely didn't expect was what I got. The Kentucky backdrop is absolutely stunning and so well brought to life. The story is fascinating, steeped in history and filled with gorgeous detail. And the characters? The characters are EVERYTHING.
So much of this story rests on the limits placed on women in the early-mid twentieth century: get married, have kids, keep the house, support the husband. And for various reasons, the women at the heart of the Packhorse Library decide that's not enough for them thank you very much. The bond that they form while smashing through the barriers placed before them completely hooked me.
It's also incredibly emotional at times. The pain Margery, Alice and everyone has to endure is so raw and well written. Their frustration when their actions have so little effect on the wider community is palpable, and still so dishearteningly relevant today. But what shines through all of that is a brilliant group of women who refuse to stop fighting, and that will stay with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Racism, and Animal death
Moderate: Rape and Pregnancy