This book is a change of scene for Jojo Moyes, with its period 1930s setting in rural Kentucky. It tells the story of Alice who has left her cold, formal family in England to marry rich Kentucky mining heir Bennett Van Cleve. However it’s obvious pretty quickly that the marriage is going to be equally cold and unloving, and she also has Bennett’s bullying father to contend with. Alice finds comfort and friendship with a group of local women who are running a mobile library, delivering books on horseback to poor families in remote mountain shacks, an idea first suggested by the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt in order to promote literacy and learning.

The locals are initially suspicious and hostile towards these unconventional, independent women, especially when they hire an African American woman to repair their battered books and knock their record keeping into shape, but as the ‘packhorse library’ gathers pace and starts to make a real difference to people’s lives, they begin to be respected and supported. However, one of the women, Marjorie, is even more independent and strong willed than the rest and she eventually falls foul of her family’s long running battle of wills with Alice’s brutish father in law,

Based on the real ‘Horseback Librarians of Kentucky’ (which I personally think would have been a great title for the book!) I really enjoyed this warm, entertaining and ultimately uplifting story of the power of friendship, loyalty and of course reading. I was rooting for this disparate, determined group of women to triumph over the suspicious locals, harsh mountain terrain and the expectations of conventional society, and found it an inspiring and engaging read

Just beautiful!
As a librarian, I appreciated reading about the Packhorse Librarians standing up to naysayers who wanted to shut down their services.
Absolutely loved it.

Set in Kentucky in the 1930s, the tale centres around Alice who rushes into marriage to escape her English family. She becomes a mobile librarian delivering books to isolated families. A married woman working was total anathema at the time and resulted in her leaving her husband.
I was taken by the way women have changed in a relatively short space of time and the independence we have now.
This novel is totally different from Jojo Moyes' previous work, subject - wise but her development of character is so strong that I was totally hooked and was disappointed when I reached the end which came much too soon. What happens next.
I loved it.

There were actually Horseback Librarians of Kentucky, which was a mid-Depression drive by the US Government to try and lift some of the most isolated and deprived families out of the grinding poverty they were experiencing by giving them free access to books. And a group of courageous women volunteered to deliver these by horseback all over the Appalachians. Moyes extensively researched this book by visiting the area and I think it shines through the writing, as her descriptions are a joy.

She weaves an engrossing story in amongst these facts, highlighting the social inequalities and injustices of the time – something she’s a dab hand at doing without appearing to preach in any way. I expected the layered characterisation of her main protagonists and the fact we get to see their vulnerabilities as well as their strengths and though I don’t know the area, I was convinced by the setting. The attitude to women and Afro-Americans certainly seemed horribly realistic. I’d also expected a page-turning story full of tension and high stakes – and Moyes delivered on that, as well.

So why a 9 and not a 10? Because I felt the main antagonist lacked a certain amount of depth. While I loved to hate him, I wanted Moyes to get under his skin just a little bit more so that he was as fully developed as the main protagonists. It would have given the story just that extra emotional heft I know she is capable of. That said, it is a quibble – this is a wonderful, engrossing read I stayed up far too late to finish and highly recommend to anyone fond of reading historical adventures set in the last century.

The ebook arc copy of The Giver of Stars was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest opinion of the book.
9/10

Not as good as JoJo Meyes previous work.
I found myself switching off and thinking of mundane things like what I needed from the shops - never a good sign!
In the end I gave up with this book at approximately 55% - something I am always loathe to do, but in this case I just lost the will to live with it.
As a fan of some of her earlier work this was disappointing.

I genuinely love the premise of this book - I especially love that it's based on real life events - a library that serves remote houses in the wilderness of Kentucky, and the women riders who worked out there on horseback delivering books to people who would have no access otherwise. It's a starry eyed romantic sounding experience until you remember the wildlife and the unscrupulous people and the sheer amount of things that can go wrong otherwise - the weather, the horse you rely on falling ill.

Moyes starts out the book seeming undaunted by these prospects - the townspeople bring it up in the original town meeting about the idea of having a travelling library - but it then doesn't come into play at all past the prologue. Only one women is harassed by a drunk man but that had more to do with old family blood feuds than anything truly sinister, which seemed unrealistic overall.

It was unrealistic throughout though. Especially in the way that these mostly unmarried young women were allowed to do and say whatever they wanted, free to trounce around town mostly unworried by anyone's opinions. Women were a lot more oppressed back then - but all the oppressing in this book was done by a single bad man. The attitudes were anomalous, with the two main love interests of the two main characters both openly saying that only cowards beat women. I really don't think this was a common attitude back then. Nor was the fact that everyone was quickly fine with a 'coloured' working at the library and receiving the same wage as the other girls. And don't get me started on everyone being ultimately fine with babies being born out of wedlock. But these things are all fine now, in our society, therefore they're themes the author wanted to include, history be damned.

Despite my complaining, this is historical fiction, and it was nice that it was heartwarming and uplifting and not depressing and realistic. I didn't want to put the book down because it was a nice read, and compellingly written after we got through Alice describing how she came to be in America and how dire her life was beforehand. I just feel like the premise was very romanticised by the author, and the real story by someone who was actually there would probably be a lot more boring without the drama, but more important because they were there and experienced it how it really was.

The pacing was off, but it was still very readable.

Thanks to Net Galley and Penguin UK.
What an outstanding read, which will definitely touch the readers heart.
The story is set in the late 1930’s and is about a group of woman who set up a library, via horseback,, delivering books weekly to homes in very rural areas, in all kinds of weather, to encourage people from all age groups to read. Often the book had been repaired, perhaps missing a page, comics, recipes to share among the wives and sample readers for the children.
These woman, Margery, Alice, Izzy, Beth, Sophia and Kathleen have all very individual characters, they come alive as the pages turn, and as the story unfolds they stand together united,
An emotional read, story telling at its best, I didn’t want it to end
Any reader who finds joy in books will love this story, as a community is encouraged to read, despite problems and struggles along the way, these woman continue on, Together they fight an injustice.
A truly brilliant moving read, one of those books that stays with the reader long after the last page is read.

A gentle, yet hard hitting story about the hardships in the 1920s and how a horse-backed library service brought books and literacy to so many people isolated by the nature of where they lived. This book made me grateful for how the world has moved on, in terms of the rights of women, and yet it still celebrated the importance of strong female bonds and how a strong spirit can overcome most difficulties. A most enjoyable read.

A gem of a book!
I loved this book, based on the real life horseback librarians in Kentucky in the 1930s
The story follows a group of women who break the norms of society at the time and bring reading to the outback
The characters are beautifully portrayed. Jojo makes the locations come alive, the reader feels they are there. The book is extremely well researched.
The book covers the struggles of the time, the climate, racism, poverty, chauvinism, opression and predjudice and is beautifully written. A beautiful inspiring read.
Thank you to Netgalley, and Penguin uk- Michael Joseph for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

A wonderful telling about a group of fierce women setting up a new branch of Horseback Librarians, which was set up by Eleanor Roosevelt. Based on historical facts, Jojo Moyes describes the lives of fiercely independent Margery O'Hare and Alice Wright-trapped in a disappointing marriage. Together with a group of women they overcome obstacles of oppression and prejudice, racism and suspicion, as Alice is considered an outsider with her British accent, bringing books to people who otherwise would not have access to them. You can tell Jojo Moyes did her research well, as the descriptions of the American landscape and the lives of its people are so vivid. And her love for these brave women shines through in her writing. Absolutely loved reading this book and would highly recommend this to any of my friends!

This had more in common with Moyes’ earlier novels than the later rom-com fare ( don’t get me wrong- I loved Me Before You et al but this has more of a message and historical setting) and portrayed life for women in late 1930s Kentucky. Interesting, soapy fun with plenty of drama and a couple of compelling villains.

I loved this so much. I’m not normally a fan of historical fiction but fell in love with Alice and Margery and their gang of brave, fierce women. I loved learning about the packhorse library; something I hadn’t previously been aware of, and their stories of family, love and friendship woven around the central theme. Highly recommended.

Jojo Moyes at her best! I loved this book, the historical angle, the story, all blended together beautifully. I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone who likes historical facts in a story.

I love it when a book not only entertains, but enlightens. I learnt with this book, not only about Kentucky and the lives of people in that region in the 1930's, but Eleanor Roosevelt's 'cavalry' of horseback librarians, an original mobile library. Books have always been seen as a form of escapism, and this is literally the case for our heroine who struggles with the constraints of a society she is new to. She's tried to escape by marrying, but it is only when Alice comes across her Marjery that she finds her path opened up.
This book is based on a true story and is embellished faithfully with the lives and struggles of the time and place (chauvinism, racism, poverty, etc.), but the true story is one of friendship and hope.
A valuable story about the advent of libraries, resonating eerily with today's library-poor times.

Another classic Jojo Moyes book, a brilliant story, well written, great characters and such an interesting read, loved the focus on the women dealing with oppression and prejudice, a fantastic read, highly recommended

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Another compelling read by Jojo made all the more special as it's based on a true story. Lovers of historical fiction with a dash of romance will LOVE this book as much as I did, but what truly shone throughout for me whilst reading were the incredible women involved. Epic, fierce and unforgettable; an absolute classic.
4.5 Stars.

This is based on true facts in the depression era of the 1930’s America. Women taking books to far out homes to give them and their children the chance to read and learn.(The WPA library- works progress administration) The women have to endure hard rides, snakes and difficult terrain but the harshness of humans who were totally against the idea. One, Alice is English and due to her accent is already finding it difficult to be accepted. She can lose herself in her work and love of books, and very soon finds that there is so much more to this job than she first anticipated. She gets to meet families and lonely souls who treasure her visits. A book about love and life and the difficulties the women faced in all aspects of their lives. This is a different write for Jojo being historical but still has that same magical feel. The depth and warmth of characters that bring a book alive and snippets from historical fiction very suitably placed. I believe that this is going to be a film which I can very much see from reading this- the story and the scenery make for a powerful combination telling the bravery and hardiness of these women. A really beautiful inspiring read.
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A wonderful read!

Jojo Moyes delivers another wonderful tale, set in the early 20th century, telling the story of Alice, who escapes life in England to start married life with her American husband.
Her happy ever after doesn’t quite happen with Bennett and to add distraction to her long days she starts working for the newly formed horseback library, where she makes friends with the most wonderful colleagues and clients.
Life isn’t always easy for the library girls both in and out of work, but they stick together, and look out for each other through challenging times.
I loved this book and it’s characters, especially the strong women! Thank you!

Jojo Moyes is an amazing storyteller who keeps you spellbound for the whole book. I knew nothing about these intrepid women who risked a lot to deliver books to people who wouldn’t otherwise get them. British Alice who wanted to escape her stifling family to find she now has another, Margery the brains behind the horseback librarians who doesn’t care about the gossips in the town who think she’s bad because of her family. Margery’s character just jumps right off the page she’s so ahead of her time and fierce. This book has stayed with me long after reading it as it’s so special and such a celebration of women.

Another excellent book, a beautiful and thought-provoking story.

I have read two other books by Jojo Moyes and enjoyed them immensely so was delighted to receive her latest book, and it certainly does not disappoint. Ms Moyes seems to have the knack of writing strong female characters in such a way that you are drawn into their lives and find yourself on their side throughout.

This book revolves around a young lady, Alice Wright, living in England in the late 1930s who feels totally restless and bored with her life. When in a chance encounter she meets the handsome and wealthy American, Bennett Van Cleve, she willingly accepts his marriage proposal dreaming of big cities where she can become a member of society and attend fascinating events. The reality is completely different, and she ends up in Baileyville, Kentucky, a small town full of prejudices and rules to be observed. However, to make matters worse, Bennett and Alice have to live with Geoff, her overbearing father-in-law who believes women’s’ places are in the home and despite all Bennett’s words of love when in England, he keeps Alice at arm’s length and is unwilling or unable to consummate his marriage.

Alice feeling even lonelier than before jumps at the chance to link up with Margery O’Hare who is the leading instigator of a travelling library that involves delivering books to the people living miles away throughout the countryside surrounding Baileyville. Despite the disapproval of her husband and father-in-law, Alice is determined to become involved with this and although she finds it very hard, to begin with, not only with the hard work but also with the hostility of local people both in and out of the town, slowly but surely, she grows to love her work which makes up for her unhappiness at home. She becomes fast friends with Margery who is independent and determined to carry on her mission to spread the word of books to people who have very little else in their lives. She has a lover but is totally against marriage despite being very much in love with Sven, as memories of her childhood still haunt her.

Alice confronts her father-in-law, who brutally attacks her and she flees from her home and stays with Margery. She meets Fred and realises that she is falling in love with him, but she is a married woman and is unable to give into her feelings due to the rigid rules of the society she is living in.

For Alice, the library and the handful of women prepared to be involved in it becomes her life and helps assuage her unhappiness in her marriage. However, things come to a head when Margery is accused of murdering one of the loners up in the mountains and is thrown into prison. The primary opponents to the library, in particular Alice’s father-in-law, Geoff Van Cleve, have now the perfect excuse to stop the travelling library and Alice has no real alternative but to return home to England despite her love for Fred.

It would be unfair to give away anymore of this story because it needs to be read and enjoyed. Suffice it to say that I loved the whole book and recommend it to anyone. It is such a joy to read a book about strong female characters battling against the prejudices around them, and as I stated earlier I found myself rooting for them. It was also an excellent storyline, and I must admit that at the very end, there was an ironic twist that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I have also just discovered that this is based on a true story which is just amazing. I only hope that Jojo Moyes carries on producing such brilliant books for years to come. One of my must-read authors.

Dexter

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review