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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I absolutely loved this book!! Characters made me smile! These women banded together during World War II in England to sing together and emotionally support their sisters! I didn’t want it to end! The author left some of the endings to the reader’s imagination!
I got this book because it was advertised that ‘if you liked Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, you will like this book’. I just loved Guernsey, so I bought Chillbury. About the only things similar between these books are that they both take place in England, the seeing is post-WWII, and the style is epistolary. I’ve not finished Chillbury yet, but it’s more like a chick-lit book, pretty light reading. Its enjoyable enough, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
I loved this book! Women in an English village in WWII find friendship, solidarity, inspiration, and hope through song. Don’t miss this one!
Loved this book. Took me one chapter to get into it and then I was hooked! People are so real . I want another book. I fell in love with the town the time and the stories. Just an old fashioned top notch story. READ IT!!! You’re gonna think about it for awhile.
Good writing and interesting characters
Excellent book, everyone should read!
An unusual and interesting format with well done characters.I .look forward to another book by this writer
Fantastic,,
Wonderful look into ordinary lives in wartime.
Lovely book. The WW II era setting was interesting. I liked the characters and the pace.
This is a heart-warming and inspirational story written in a unique way. Human nature during war time is explored in the background of WWII. Great read.
A good read, well researched and mostly believable characters.
Inspirational.
I thought the characters were well developed. I loved the way their stories were intertwined. I enjoy historic fiction set in the UK.
A World War II English “homefront” novel in the vein of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and the series “Home Fires.”
So good it’s been added to our book club roster. Great as audio book as well!
Beautiful story of women gaining empowerment during WW. II when all the men have left for the war, and women gain confidence in “handling” Everything beautifully! Also involves mystery, romance and tragedy, but also wonderful character development!
I am still readings this, well listening to it, at the moment and I really am enjoying it. The different voices of the ladies reading gives it a wonderful life of its own. So far the story is very interesting as to what the women needed to do, and did, with WWII going on. There are times when I want to strangle some of the characters for being so silly but this was the thinking at the time and as said I really enjoy this.
Just finished this last night. So good! If you like historical fiction, you can’t go wrong with these wonderful ladies from Chilbury!
An excellent read about WWII women left at home during the war. Many different characters displaying their bravery & talents. Fast read & inspirational.