I wanted to read The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green from the moment I heard its title. Who were the members of the book club? What were they reading and where did they meet? Was this book set in the US (as the author's previous novels) or in Europe?
Thankfully the novel was as interesting as its title and I liked it for several reasons:
- interesting cast of characters of various ages and backgrounds who were each dealing with disruptions caused by WWII
- real wartime situations including eminent domain, women working in factories, and black market racketeering
- dynamics of the book club, its selections (list included) and discussions, and the private library details
The tone is generally serious and dark, which is appropriate for the subject, and the book club meeting minutes bring welcome humor to the plot. It was heartwarming to watch the characters create a found family with each other and their small Maine community.
Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the review copy of this bookish novel.
Thankfully the novel was as interesting as its title and I liked it for several reasons:
- interesting cast of characters of various ages and backgrounds who were each dealing with disruptions caused by WWII
- real wartime situations including eminent domain, women working in factories, and black market racketeering
- dynamics of the book club, its selections (list included) and discussions, and the private library details
The tone is generally serious and dark, which is appropriate for the subject, and the book club meeting minutes bring welcome humor to the plot. It was heartwarming to watch the characters create a found family with each other and their small Maine community.
Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the review copy of this bookish novel.
The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green gives us a look at life on the home front during World War II. A diverse group of people come together to discuss books when Avis dreams up the book club to save the library from closing. The book club turns out to be so much more. As they meet, they begin to know each other. Friendships are formed that turn into lasting bonds. This is a heartwarming story. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I liked seeing the characters grow as they got to know each other. The cast of characters is diverse. I also thought the characters were realistic. The story is told from several points of view which I found challenging in the beginning. It became easier as I got further into the story. The book is full of history and literature. You can tell the author did her research. I especially enjoyed the references to Mrs. Miniver (love that movie). I liked that the group did not just read novels. They enjoyed poetry, how to books, Shakespeare, fiction, and much more. The notes from each meeting were entertaining. I especially enjoyed them when Ginny wrote them. Ginny is a lively character who has spunk. We get to see how it was at home for different types of people during the war. Avis is a young married woman who does not want her husband to go off fighting. Avis is not a reader, but she agreed to take her brother's librarian job while he is off fighting. She promised him she would do her best to keep the library open. Louise is a spinster and the richest woman in town. Louise owns the library. She has kept herself apart from others because she is afraid that they will discover her secret. Ginny is working at the foundry (which is dirty, hot work). She would rather be out on a boat, but the war department requisitioned the family island. Martina is married with two kids. She also works at the foundry. Martina hopes her no-good husband will not find her. I was sorry when The Blackout Book Club ended. My favorite line from the book is, âFor I have found that books make find friendsâbut fellow readers even better.â Those who love books, will enjoy reading this story. The Blackout Book Club is a poignant tale with a large library, daycare center conundrum, blackout curtains, war rationing, a sly spouse, lively talks, and enduring friendships.
