Today I am reviewing The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green
Book Description
An impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European Front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn’t be more different–a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.
At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they share more in common with each other than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.
My Review
Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.
This is the first book I have read by Amy Lynn Green. I enjoyed the story. Its always good learning more about WW2 and facts I didn’t know about. I didn’t know how close to the coast of America the German U-boats came. I didn’t know about the coast guard and the others who guarded the coast line.
Now back to the book the book has 4 main leading characters all who have their own issues. Avis becomes the librarian holding the job for her bother. Louise is the owner of the library and had her own secrets. Ginny has had to move due to war and Martina an Italian immigrant. All 4 have things happening in their lives that they are working through.
They all become connected via the Blackout Book Club. As one other reviewer mentioned the first few chapters are a little slower moving but stick with it as it. The more we learn about the main characters the more we get to understand them. There were things that come out I wasn’t expecting at the beginning of the book but fall into place as we move along.
When I requested the book I was expecting a romance book which this isn’t. There is romance in it but it is more a Woman’s fiction about relationships between women.
I am glad I read the book as I do enjoy this era, I learnt new things and I got a good read.
I’ve read her before. Yes, often slow at the start, but when the interesting parts hit it’s really good. And no, romance is never a big thing for this author–I personally wish there was a dash more of it. I don’t read much women’s fiction, but I have enjoyed this author. Looking forward to reading this one! Thanks for the review Jenny!
I didn’t realise it wouldn’t have much romance. But I like the idea of a bookclub during WW2 and I did learn more about the Germans coming of the coast of Maine. Having the 4 points of view from diffenent members of the club was good too.
Sounds really interesting, I do enjoy reading novels with historical references as I find it very interesting. I’ll definitely be adding this book to my reading pile. Thanks for sharing.
thanks Keona, it was. I know the Japanese got to Sydney harbour but I hadn’t thought about the Germans getting of the Coast of America. But then Europe isn’t that far away from there. I Remember a book by Susan Page Davis The Crimson code that was about code breaking I think in that area which was also interesting.