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moonlightcupofcocoa 's review for:
The Book Club for Troublesome Women
by Marie Bostwick
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received a free ALC for this book. All thoughts presented here are 100% my own!
This is my first time reading for Marie Bostwick but I am hooked!
'The Book Club for Troublesome Women' is a historical fiction book set in the 1960s in a Virginia suburb featuring four housewives from different backgrounds at different stages of life. What starts off as an awkward, haphazardly thrown together, book club ends up not only bringing them together but changing the projections of their lives altogether.
While at the beginning the group starts by reading 'The Feminine Mystique' by Betty Friedan, the reactions of each of the Bettys and what they make of what they read is the actual focus of the book. Feminism, motherhood, community support, societal pressures, working mothers, financial independence and many more topics get explored through the Bettys' journeys.
I was surprised to find myself relating to not only one or two of the ladies, but all of them. They are all distinct, relatable and very likeable once you get to know them more. Even the secondary characters were memorable and well-done.
The pacing was pretty good! I didn't feel like any particular part overstayed its welcome. I found myself just breezing through the book which is an impressive feat while juggling four different POVs.
Regarding the subject matter, I thought the book covered the struggles women faced then (and now) very respectfully. I took down many notes about further topics and other books recommended by the characters in the book. I especially appreciated the characters (I believe it was Viv) pointing out that many of the conversations being had at the time (again, and now) are limited to women with privilege. That we need to bring in voices from all backgrounds and walks of life to the table if we truly wish to achieve true equality.
I think the only thing I wish we saw more of is more agency for one of the Bettys, Bitsy. While Charlotte and Viv were active drivers in how their lives turned around in my opinion, I can't help but feel that Bitsy's life change was more the result of a decision by her husband. While many women can find themselves in her shoes and perhaps even make the same choices, I think I was still rooting for her to be an active decision maker in her life considering the message of the rest of the book.
For Margaret, I feel she did speak up for herself and was actively balancing her life goals and pleasing her husband. I was a bit surprised by her husband's transformation feeling it a bit sudden despite the circumstances that led to them. Perhaps it's the cynic in me but I think I didn't expect him to change that fast. But still, it was refreshing seeing a husband like him choosing to change for the sake of his mother, wife and daughters.
Specifically for the audiobook, I want to applaud Lisa Flanagan for her narration. She did a fantastic job bringing all four ladies and all the secondary characters to life giving them each a distinctive voice that makes you sometimes forget they're all voiced by the same narrator! I am actually currently looking for other audiobooks specifically narrated by her because she's THAT good!
Overall, I really loved the book and have been recommending it to everyone I know! While going through the book, and now that I'm done, I have found myself constantly thinking about moments from it. Similar to what the Bettys themselves say in the book, while this book in itself won't dramatically change your life, it offers an enjoyable story that will leave you relating and thinking. Changing you in small but meaningful ways.
This is my first time reading for Marie Bostwick but I am hooked!
'The Book Club for Troublesome Women' is a historical fiction book set in the 1960s in a Virginia suburb featuring four housewives from different backgrounds at different stages of life. What starts off as an awkward, haphazardly thrown together, book club ends up not only bringing them together but changing the projections of their lives altogether.
While at the beginning the group starts by reading 'The Feminine Mystique' by Betty Friedan, the reactions of each of the Bettys and what they make of what they read is the actual focus of the book. Feminism, motherhood, community support, societal pressures, working mothers, financial independence and many more topics get explored through the Bettys' journeys.
I was surprised to find myself relating to not only one or two of the ladies, but all of them. They are all distinct, relatable and very likeable once you get to know them more. Even the secondary characters were memorable and well-done.
The pacing was pretty good! I didn't feel like any particular part overstayed its welcome. I found myself just breezing through the book which is an impressive feat while juggling four different POVs.
Regarding the subject matter, I thought the book covered the struggles women faced then (and now) very respectfully. I took down many notes about further topics and other books recommended by the characters in the book. I especially appreciated the characters (I believe it was Viv) pointing out that many of the conversations being had at the time (again, and now) are limited to women with privilege. That we need to bring in voices from all backgrounds and walks of life to the table if we truly wish to achieve true equality.
I think the only thing I wish we saw more of is more agency for one of the Bettys, Bitsy. While Charlotte and Viv were active drivers in how their lives turned around in my opinion, I can't help but feel that Bitsy's life change was more the result of a decision by her husband. While many women can find themselves in her shoes and perhaps even make the same choices, I think I was still rooting for her to be an active decision maker in her life considering the message of the rest of the book.
For Margaret, I feel she did speak up for herself and was actively balancing her life goals and pleasing her husband. I was a bit surprised by her husband's transformation feeling it a bit sudden despite the circumstances that led to them. Perhaps it's the cynic in me but I think I didn't expect him to change that fast. But still, it was refreshing seeing a husband like him choosing to change for the sake of his mother, wife and daughters.
Specifically for the audiobook, I want to applaud Lisa Flanagan for her narration. She did a fantastic job bringing all four ladies and all the secondary characters to life giving them each a distinctive voice that makes you sometimes forget they're all voiced by the same narrator! I am actually currently looking for other audiobooks specifically narrated by her because she's THAT good!
Overall, I really loved the book and have been recommending it to everyone I know! While going through the book, and now that I'm done, I have found myself constantly thinking about moments from it. Similar to what the Bettys themselves say in the book, while this book in itself won't dramatically change your life, it offers an enjoyable story that will leave you relating and thinking. Changing you in small but meaningful ways.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Pregnancy
Minor: Miscarriage, Sexual content