The Giver of Stars: A Novel

“The book ladies” of rural Kentucky are five ladies who distribute books on horseback to destitute families in rural Kentucky during the Great Depression in this compelling historical fiction tale by Jojo Moyes.

The ladies include Alice Van Cleve, a lonely English woman trapped in a loveless marriage to an American mining baron. She married Bennett Van Cleve hoping to escape a dull-as-dirt life in England. She winds up in Kentucky. But life in a small mining town isn’t exactly a bowl of cherries, either. So when she hears about a team of women that’s forming to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s traveling library, Alice jumps in.

It’s not long before Alice and the rest of the pack horse librarians run amok of the town jerk and mining baron Geoffrey Van Cleve. Rich and powerful, Van Cleve the elder is used to getting what he wants. And he wants a shrinking violet of a daughter-in-law and the traveling library shut down.

There’s also a strapping mine fire chief named Sven. A quiet widower, Fred. The formidable Mrs. Brady. Margery O’Hare, who’s practically a force of nature and daughter of a local moonshiner. An indomitable mule named Charley. And a team of resolute women who are determined to plow new ground, casting off stifling expectations and limitations in the process. Watching each character grow and develop throughout the pages of this 387-page book is a delight. (Note: While I don't not necessarily agree with everything presented in this book, I do agree that it’s an excellent read. In fact, I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting.)

Tightly written and eminently engaging, The Giver of Stars has more plot twists than the tilt-a-whirl at the county fair. Sweeping in its grandeur and epic scope, this thoroughly engrossing novel is based on a true story from American history. It’s a wonderful story of love, loyalty, and friendship, ably capturing how opening a new book is like coming home. (From whence does the title come? Hint: Amy Lowell.)

Powerful and poignant, The Giver of Stars is a big read. It’s a keeper. Indeed, anyone who’s ever wanted to expand their own universe and cherishes books like their next breath will love The Giver of Stars. Mom did. (And she sets a pretty high bar!)

Historical fiction at its finest. A triumph!