The Giver of Stars: Book Review
Title: The Giver of Stars
Author: Jojo Moyes
Genre: Historical Fiction
The theme of a traveling library mentioned in the synopsis piqued my interest.
The Giver of Stars is the story of 5 extraordinary women who call themselves the pack horse librarians.
Alice Wright marries American Bennett Van Cleve, hoping to escape her rather oppressive life in England. Yet her marriage and life in Kentucky isn't what she envisioned to be. She begins to feel claustrophobic living with a rather overbearing father in law who doesn't hesitate to raise a hand over a woman who stands up to him.
When a request goes around asking for women to be a part of a library team which can deliver books on horseback to the remote rural side, Alice eagerly volunteers. She begins to find a purpose and a friend in the group leader Margery O Hare-a feisty, unconventional and independent woman who lives life on her own terms.
However Mr. Van Cleve-Alice's father in law is dead against the librarians and Margery in particular. He uses his influence to ensure the collapse of the library. An unfortunate incident results in Margery's arrest and a trial. What unfolds is a compelling drama that tests the friendship between these 5 women and proclaiming justice for the accused.
Set in the Depression-era, The Giver of stars is based on a true story. The characters evoke several reactions from the readers. You empathize with Alice who is trapped in a loveless marriage and is unable to fit herself in a society that does not cater to her English ways. Margery's character evokes admiration with her ability to not cow down to men in what is otherwise a patriarchal society.
The author also takes us to the beautiful landscapes of Kentucky. The noble deed of promoting reading reading to people with the aim of changing their lives is the USP of this book. Its interesting to see how The classic-Little women plays a significant role in the plot.
The Giver of Stars is a poignant and enthralling read. It isn't often one comes across a book with a theme of a travelling library or books.
Author: Jojo Moyes
Genre: Historical Fiction
The theme of a traveling library mentioned in the synopsis piqued my interest.
The Giver of Stars is the story of 5 extraordinary women who call themselves the pack horse librarians.
Alice Wright marries American Bennett Van Cleve, hoping to escape her rather oppressive life in England. Yet her marriage and life in Kentucky isn't what she envisioned to be. She begins to feel claustrophobic living with a rather overbearing father in law who doesn't hesitate to raise a hand over a woman who stands up to him.
When a request goes around asking for women to be a part of a library team which can deliver books on horseback to the remote rural side, Alice eagerly volunteers. She begins to find a purpose and a friend in the group leader Margery O Hare-a feisty, unconventional and independent woman who lives life on her own terms.
However Mr. Van Cleve-Alice's father in law is dead against the librarians and Margery in particular. He uses his influence to ensure the collapse of the library. An unfortunate incident results in Margery's arrest and a trial. What unfolds is a compelling drama that tests the friendship between these 5 women and proclaiming justice for the accused.
Set in the Depression-era, The Giver of stars is based on a true story. The characters evoke several reactions from the readers. You empathize with Alice who is trapped in a loveless marriage and is unable to fit herself in a society that does not cater to her English ways. Margery's character evokes admiration with her ability to not cow down to men in what is otherwise a patriarchal society.
The author also takes us to the beautiful landscapes of Kentucky. The noble deed of promoting reading reading to people with the aim of changing their lives is the USP of this book. Its interesting to see how The classic-Little women plays a significant role in the plot.
The Giver of Stars is a poignant and enthralling read. It isn't often one comes across a book with a theme of a travelling library or books.
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