BOOK REVIEW
How beautiful is that cover, I could get lost just staring at it. A absolutely heart warmer this one was!!I should rephrase that....because this story is far from joyful all the time - especially to begin with, there were times it filled me with nothing but worry and dread, but at it's core was beautiful tale of finding friendship and love in the places you least expect. It was the first book I've read outside of the fantasy realm that I have been living recently and I couldn't recommend this book more if I tried!!
This was the first of JoJo Moyes I have ever read. A friend of mine recommended the Me Before You Series but having seen the movie remake, I haven't been able to dive in knowing who dies at the end, I'm a sucker for a happy ending - if it is no longer obvious.
Set in Depression era-America begins the story of a rebellious young women Alice who's whisked away to a small Kentucky town by a seemingly wealthy impressional boy who passes through London. When we first met Bennett I was struck my how lovely he was, safe to say the turn of events that enslave I was not expecting.
Van Cleve men were certainly a brute to be reckoned with!! I loved how strong willed and forthright Alice was in an era where women were seen as far less than superior, testing the boundaries of equality, sex and race. Inspired by true events - I loved how the travelling library and a love for books brought this town and friendships together.
- SPOILERS AHEAD -
Marg, Beth, Izzy, and Alice become the woman's group we all want to be apart of!! They are like the Sex and the City of the 1930's. I would have love to hear their conversations surrounding the little blue book!!
Bennett frustrated me to no end - it bugged me that we never really got an apology or an explanation. He never stood up to his father and just moved on, the reason behind his behaviour was never fully delved into. Sven on the other had, made up for all the mistreatment he was gorgeous, I loved him and Marg's relationship and despite the tribunals she tested him with. His unfaltering loyalty was a warmth and a pleasure.
Fred was kind and caring in all the ways that the Bennetts weren't. I enjoyed the growing friendship between Alice and Fred, I struggled ever so slightly when it pushed forward though, I had pictured him as an old man and Alice herself being an older teenager I felt the age game significant. In reality though, I see that in real-life the age gap between husband/wife would have been significant at times and natural for the time period.
I loved the ever evolving dynamic of the town and its people!! The Kentucky town is warmed be the souls of these four woman as their compassion and kindness slowly cracks not only its people but the rules of society at the time.
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