What I’m Reading: The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir

I’m busy this weekend taking some time off with family.  I’m adding a extra book review in the line up as I’m guessing many of you are busy too…perhaps shopping for presents or perhaps enjoying some down time.  Whatever you’re doing, I hope you’re enjoying your day.  Now onto the book review…

A blog reader recommended I read The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir.  My library had it and I didn’t have to it on the waitlist.  It was an immediate borrow.  That never happens.

The author of the book is Jennifer Ryan.  You might remember some time ago I reviewed the book, The Kitchen Front.  I really enjoyed that book and this book is by the same author.

I enjoyed this book.  It is written in a letter-writing/diary-keeping format.  I have always enjoyed books that use that format.

It is a WWII book that takes place in England.  The story takes place on the home front.  Each character who shares their story has a slightly different take on the war.  One is a mother who lost a son.  There are mothers having babies.  There are little sisters coming of age…old sisters saying goodbye to boys going off to war.  I loved listening and hearing the many perspectives.

Here is what Amazon had to say:
“As England becomes enmeshed in the early days of World War II and the men are away fighting, the women of Chilbury village forge an uncommon bond. They defy the Vicar’s stuffy edict to close the choir and instead “carry on singing,” resurrecting themselves as the Chilbury Ladies’ Choir. We come to know the home-front struggles of five unforgettable choir members: a timid widow devastated when her only son goes to fight; the older daughter of a local scion drawn to a mysterious artist; her younger sister pining over an impossible crush; a Jewish refugee from Czechoslovakia hiding a family secret; and a conniving midwife plotting to outrun her seedy past.
 
An enchanting ensemble story that shuttles from village intrigue to romance to the heartbreaking matters of life and death, Jennifer Ryan’s debut novel thrillingly illuminates the true strength of the women on the home front in a village of indomitable spirit.”

Amazon readers gave the book 4.4 stars.  I would agree.  I loved the letter-writing/diary-keeping format.  There is one dangler in the whole story that I wish would have come to a better ending as the thought of it all makes me crazy…but, that dangler didn’t ruin the story for me.  That’s why I’d give it 4.4  stars as well.

You can find The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir HERE.

You can find the other book I previously reviewed, The Kitchen Front, HERE.

I highly recommend them both.  In writing this post I learned that the author has another book, The Spies of Shilling Lane.  You can find it HERE.  I plan on adding this one to my reading list.  In fact, I’m off to see if it is available.