A review by elyssam
The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore

emotional reflective slow-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

3.75

The Lonely Hearts Book Club is a quiet story following a group on unlikely friends. Sloane is a librarian who lost her sister in childhood, Arthur is a grumpy man with strong opinions on literature. When Arthur stops coming by, a worried Sloane seeks him out. This event leads to the formation of a book club where each individual finds that there are people who care about them in the world. 

I really liked this one! The audiobook narrator was absolutely fantastic. The different voices suited the characters’ ages and personalities so well. The dialogue between them was done very well. I was engaged throughout the entire story. 

As for the plot itself, I really did enjoy the concept of Sloane’s story. I was surprised when we got to hear everyone else in the book club’s perspectives too but it offered up different insights. The exploration of different types of grief, different types of loneliness was well balanced and what really made the book shine. It also visited topics of life purpose. I think for all that it encompasses, it can reach a wide and diverse audience. It is very slow paced. Folks who are trying to find a path in life or those who have already fulfilled theirs and are wondering what’s next. 

This had a Harry Potter reference. In 2023. Jumpscare!
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