NATIONAL BESTSELLER • “A delightful debut.”—People For readers of Lilac Girls and The Nightingale, The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir unfolds the struggles, affairs, deceptions, and triumphs of a village choir during World War II.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 … 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.
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It took a little time to figure out the characters because this book was written using diary entries and letters. Different from other books I’ve read. I enjoyed reading the book once I got used to the writing style.
I enjoyed every aspect of this book. It was a very interesting and different view into WW2 era England focusing not as much on the new careers of women, but instead what it was like to live in a town where the men have gone away and how they handled themselves. Each character was well created and felt so real. The town of Chillbury sounds so lovely I wish I could visit. I definitely recommend.
One of the best books I have read in ages.
I didn’t start another book for weeks after I read this one, because another book couldn’t be this one. I just wanted more. Weeks later, the characters are still amusing me. These women behave the way I hope my town would behave in the face of such challenges. I’d want them to be my friends. (Well, maybe not a couple of them.)
different and enjoyable
These ladies were an inspiration!
Liked it very much.recommended it to my book club.
Just the type of book you want to curl up with a good glass of wine (or two) and escape into. The story is well crafted, jumping from one character’s perspective to another in the form of letters or journal entries. The characters themselves are well drawn. Like The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, you find yourself embroiled in World War 2, small town survival, and how women of the time became stronger and more forthright, developing and growing as most of the English men go off to war. A charming, well written read!
Fabulous historic novel with a realistic bent.
I especially liked the format of the book using letters and diary entries to tell the story. The characters were charming and colorful adding to the enjoyment of the book. An interesting take on life in England during WWII.
WWII has come to England. The rector of the local parish church has disbanded the choir because all of the men have gone to war, but the ladies of the choir find this decision completely unacceptable. They band together to tackle the rector and convince him to allow them to continue. They are bolstered by the arrival of the nearby college’s new professor of music, a very energetic woman who understands the women’s need to continue singing through difficult times. The story is told through the writing of these women, diaries and letters. I couldn’t put it down.
Great story of women taking control and supporting each other in the absence of men during WWII. Love that the choir is the center of the plot.
Excellent! Hard to put down. Can’t wait to read the rest!
Very enjoyable book, fictionalizing what village life was like during WWII. Perhaps the ending is a bit too pat, but it is pleasant reading, told through letters and diaries.
I really enjoyed the characters and the optimism that many found during a time of hardship.
Delightful, a most enjoyable book set in WWII London and inhabited by characters
you’d like to meet or feel as if you already know.
Such fun to read. Enjoyed it very much.
Beautifully descriptive language where you can envision every scene in great detail. Characters are so well discribed that you can predict their actions and feelings
Good read
Excellent book about the women who belong to a Ladies’ Choir in 1940. The characters are memorable in such a trying time.
Do women depend on men, as a rule? And must the usual activities of life stop cold because the men of the village/town/city have gone to face a World War? If you are a lady of Chilbury, the answer is a resounding ‘No!’
Oh, you aren’t getting any further details from me … I refuse to spoil a good story by being too chatty on the plot and details, but if the history during the first fifty years of the 20th century interests you, as it does me, this book will make you frown, smile in delight, nod in agreement and finally appreciate a good story well told.
That missing star— that might be my fault as I will usually devour a book in one night or maybe two, but the last several weeks have been hectic and my reading pleasure has taken the toll. Picking up, then needing to put down on a repeat cycle, made the work a little choppy, through no fault of the writer.