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A review by nataliekeith
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
emotional
fast-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? No
5.0
This is the best novel I’ve read this year! It’s a historical fiction that’s not centred around a war (I’ve been reading a lot of WW2 novels). The setting is perfectly described and feels very authentic. The plot is so intriguing and suspenseful and not too predictable.
But my favourite thing about the novel is the characters. There are 6 strong females at the centre of this novel. They all come from different backgrounds but they work together delivering books for the Kentucky packhorse library. I think you can see 6 different stories in this one novel even though there’s only one narrative POV and one main plot.
Alice is a British woman who came to America with her new husband, but he barely pays her any attention. She discovers her true self and her voice riding in the mountains. She stands up to her father-in-law, overcomes abuse, and fights for what she wants.
Margery is a fiercely independent woman dealing with the reputation her father left behind. She finds herself becoming a mother and suspected murderer all at the same time. Her fall from the strongest to the most vulnerable character is an amazing story to read.
Izzy is the spoiled and sheltered girl who does what her parents want. But like all the others she finds her self through the library. Her part of the story is unexpected and lighthearted.
Beth is the girl who grew up among brothers. She is the least like the other women and balances the group nicely. I think she acts as one end of the spectrum to make Alice’s growth seem a little less extreme. And that’s definitely not a bad thing. I love spectrums and fluidity in stories.
Sophia is a black woman working in a white library in the south. She brings a sense of strength and calm to the women. She gets things done and she’s not as daunted.
Kathleen is the widow who joins the group. She offers yet another perspective on love and marriage and has a knowledge of the town and it’s people that really adds to the authenticity.
I can’t do this novel justice with my review. I don’t have enough words to describe the way Moyes writes about female characters in a mans world, the power of books, the politics of a mining town, the role of god, and navigating relationships.
Even though the story is about women and love and friendship it is the furthest thing from a chick-lit romance novel.
The Giver of Stars is such a powerful story and I cannot recommend it enough. ✨
But my favourite thing about the novel is the characters. There are 6 strong females at the centre of this novel. They all come from different backgrounds but they work together delivering books for the Kentucky packhorse library. I think you can see 6 different stories in this one novel even though there’s only one narrative POV and one main plot.
Margery is a fiercely independent woman dealing with the reputation her father left behind. She finds herself becoming a mother and suspected murderer all at the same time. Her fall from the strongest to the most vulnerable character is an amazing story to read.
Izzy is the spoiled and sheltered girl who does what her parents want. But like all the others she finds her self through the library. Her part of the story is unexpected and lighthearted.
Beth is the girl who grew up among brothers. She is the least like the other women and balances the group nicely. I think she acts as one end of the spectrum to make Alice’s growth seem a little less extreme. And that’s definitely not a bad thing. I love spectrums and fluidity in stories.
Sophia is a black woman working in a white library in the south. She brings a sense of strength and calm to the women. She gets things done and she’s not as daunted.
Kathleen is the widow who joins the group. She offers yet another perspective on love and marriage and has a knowledge of the town and it’s people that really adds to the authenticity.
I can’t do this novel justice with my review. I don’t have enough words to describe the way Moyes writes about female characters in a mans world, the power of books, the politics of a mining town, the role of god, and navigating relationships.
Even though the story is about women and love and friendship it is the furthest thing from a chick-lit romance novel.
The Giver of Stars is such a powerful story and I cannot recommend it enough. ✨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault