When middle age hits – it hits hard. Marriages fall apart, children leave for college, and jobs despair. The six women of NOVEL WOMEN stand at this crossroad in their lives when their beloved book club goes on hiatus for the summer.
Energized by changes in careers and romances, the ladies of Novel Women book club transition from a tumultuous summer into autumn. But they soon discover that this new stage of life doesn’t come with instructions.
Novel Women 3 completes the trilogy begun in Novel Women– with the ladies of the book club finding the strength they need to confront new challenges in business, love, and family by the support and care of life-long friendship.
Colm Tóibín’s Long Island is a sequel to his acclaimed novel Brooklyn, reuniting readers with Eilis Lacey two decades after her initial journey from Ireland to America. Set in 1976, Eilis is now settled in Lindenhurst, Long Island, with her husband, Tony Fiorello, and their two teenage children. Her seemingly tranquil life is disrupted when a stranger arrives, revealing that his wife is pregnant with Tony’s child, a revelation that propels Eilis to return to her hometown of Enniscorthy, Ireland, for the first time in twenty years.
Eilis returns to Ireland to reassess the life she built in America. She falls back in with her old friends and her former lover, stirring up long-buried emotions and forcing her to confront not only her past but also the person she has become. Torn between the familiarity of her roots and the life she has carefully constructed across the ocean, Eilis’s journey becomes one of profound self-reflection and reckoning.
Our book club was torn on this book. Some absolutely fell in love with the language and the way the story rolled along, appreciating how Tóibín delicately portrays Eilis’s struggles and the complexities of life. The novel’s exploration of the choices that define us struck a chord with many of us, offering a poignant look at the intersections of identity, loyalty, and belonging.
Others in the group, however, found the pacing slower than expected and wished for more resolution in certain plotlines. The tension between Eilis’s old and new lives, while beautifully written, left some readers craving a clearer sense of closure.
Kristin Hannah’s novel, “The Women,” is some book! It’s poignant and compelling story explores women’s lives during the Vietnam War era. Our book club has never read anything like it. Hannah brings to life the experiences of women who served as nurses who were all but forgotten for their efforts and sacrifices.
“The Women” follows the journey of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young woman from a privileged background who volunteers as a nurse in Vietnam. Frankie’s decision to serve is driven by a desire to break free from societal expectations and make a meaningful impact. The novel chronicles her experiences on the front lines, where she faces not only the horrors of war but also the camaraderie and resilience of her fellow nurses.
Upon returning home, Frankie grapples with the challenges of reintegration into a society that is largely indifferent to her sacrifices. Her struggles reflect the broader societal attitudes toward Vietnam veterans, particularly women, who are often forgotten in the annals of history.
Hannah’s multi-dimensional protagonist’s growth is portrayed with depth and sensitivity. Her courage, vulnerability, and determination make her a relatable and inspiring figure. The supporting characters, including fellow nurses and soldiers, add richness to the narrative, each representing different facets of the wartime experience.
We had so much to talk about at book club with this novel. We discussed female empowerment and what it looked like in the 1970s and what it looks like now. We talked about the war and its aftermath. But we talked mostly about Frankie and her struggles to find her own place in a world that didn’t really appreciate her. The trauma from the war was heightened by her isolation from society. The exception was the strong bonds of friendship she had with two other nurses who served with her. They dropped everything when she needed them. They were Frankie’s lifeline. What incredible friends they were.
This novel is a powerful tribute to the unsung heroines of the Vietnam War. Through Frankie’s story, Hannah sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in wartime, providing a narrative that is as informative as it is inspiring. The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the profound impact of those who serve in times of conflict.
Barbara Davis’s The Keeper of Happy Endings is a beautifully woven tale of love, resilience, and second chances that spans decades. The novel intertwines the stories of Soline Roussel, a Parisian seamstress with a gift for crafting wedding gowns said to ensure happy marriages, and Rory Grant, a young woman in Boston grappling with her own heartbreak and loss.
Soline’s life is marked by tragedy, including the loss of her fiancé during World War II and the destruction of her Parisian shop. Years later, Rory stumbles upon Soline’s story while seeking her own path after a failed engagement and the disappearance of her mother. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways, revealing secrets, healing wounds, and celebrating the power of hope.
Our book club found the characters multidimensional with deeply felt struggles and triumphs. Davis moves through dual timelines very well blending historical and contemporary settings with emotional depth. Themes of grief, love, and destiny are explored with a touch of mysticism, adding a magical quality to the narrative.
The novel’s pace is gentle but engaging and the story is heartfelt and memorable. Our book club talked about how she rebuilt her life after such a tragic lost. We talked about the importance we place on some treasures that we hold on to for years. Some of us didn’t like the fact that Rory is drawn to the burned up building. They found it too convenient. But for me it added a bit of mysticism and what’s wrong with that.
Lauren Weisberger’s When Life Gives You Lululemons is a sparkling, witty sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, shifting the focus to the glamorous yet tumultuous life of Emily Charlton, Miranda Priestly’s sharp-tongued former assistant. Now a high-profile image consultant, Emily faces a career crisis when her A-list clientele begins to dwindle.
The story unfolds in the affluent suburbs of Greenwich, Connecticut, where Emily joins forces with her old friend Miriam, a former high-powered attorney turned stay-at-home mom, and their mutual friend Karolina, a supermodel navigating a messy public scandal. Together, they tackle Karolina’s personal and professional dilemmas, exposing the absurdities and pressures of suburban life.
Weisberger’s satirical take on wealth, privilege, and the cutthroat world of image-making is both biting and hilarious. The characters are vividly drawn, with Emily’s sardonic wit and no-nonsense attitude providing the perfect counterbalance to the novel’s more heartfelt moments. Themes of friendship, reinvention, and resilience shine throughout the narrative, making it as empowering as it is entertaining.
Our book club loved this book – it was so much fun. It was light, funny, and full of drama. We talked about how Emily and her friends navigated all the crazy society challenges with humor and grace. It certainly shows how friends can help you get through anything. Enjoy the fun.
Michelle Cameron’s Babylon: A Novel of Jewish Captivity is a compelling historical fiction that delves into the Judean exile in Babylon during the 6th century BCE. The narrative follows Sarah, a young Judean woman whose life is irrevocably altered when Nebuchadnezzar’s army conquers Jerusalem, leading to her enslavement and forced march to Babylon. The novel spans multiple generations, exploring the challenges Sarah and her descendants face in preserving their faith and identity amidst a foreign culture.
Cameron’s meticulous research brings to life the ancient world, vividly depicting the opulence of Babylonian society and the complexities of palace intrigues. The characters are richly developed, each grappling with themes of assimilation, faith, and resilience. The portrayal of Sarah’s son, Uri, as a scribe transcribing foundational stories of the Hebrew faith, adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the importance of storytelling in cultural preservation.
Critics have lauded the novel for its immersive storytelling and historical accuracy. The Historical Novel Society describes it as a “beautifully crafted masterpiece” that offers a Judean perspective on exile, enriched with detailed descriptions of ancient customs and politics.
Our book club enjoyed this novel. First, the story is truly captivating. You find hours have gone by and you’ve forgetten to get dinner ready. We talked about Sarah’s struggle to maintain her faith and the broader challenges of exile and assimilation. We talked about what choices we’d make if we were in Sarah’s situation. And then we discussed how we’d might try to preserve our cultural traditions and adapt to a foreign society. We certainly had a lively discussion.
“Cabrini” is a 2024 biographical drama directed by Alejandro Monteverde, chronicling the life of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant nun who became the first American citizen to be canonized as a saint. Set in late 19th-century New York City, the film portrays Cabrini’s unwavering dedication to aiding impoverished Italian immigrants, particularly orphaned children, amidst societal challenges.
Cristiana Dell’Anna delivers a compelling performance as Cabrini, capturing her resilience and compassion. The film’s cinematography effectively evokes the era’s atmosphere, immersing viewers in the historical context.
Although, critics have offered mixed reviews; RogerEbert.com praised it as a “dignified” portrayal that honors Cabrini’s efforts, while IndieWire criticized it as “stodgy” and “histrionic.” Our book club thoroughly enjoyed the movie. We felt that the movie offered an insightful look into the life of a remarkable woman whose legacy of charity and perseverance continues to inspire. All of us were inspired. It was amazing to us how much she accomplished with all those obstacles thrown at her. A truly remarkable women.
Alice Hoffman’s The Marriage of Opposites is an evocative novel inspired by the life of Rachel Pizzarro, the mother of the renowned Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro. Set on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas in the early 19th century, the book weaves themes of love, rebellion, and art into a tapestry of cultural and historical intrigue.
Rachel, a strong-willed and passionate woman, defies societal expectations through her forbidden romance with her late husband’s nephew, Frédérick. Their love story is both a source of scandal and a testament to resilience, mirroring the novel’s broader exploration of identity, family, and creativity. Hoffman’s prose is richly descriptive, bringing the island’s landscapes and the complexities of its diverse communities vividly to life.
Through Rachel’s story, Hoffman examines the sacrifices and freedoms of defying convention while tracing the roots of artistic inspiration. The novel is a compelling blend of history and magical realism, offering a portrait of a woman whose indomitable spirit paved the way for her son’s artistic legacy.
Our book club was mixed on this novel. Some thought it was an enchanting tale with a dynamic female character and others didn’t care for Rachel. We discussed how societal expectations weigh heavy on people who live their life their way and damn with the consequences.
Happy New Year – 2024! What a better way to start the year – rebirth and resilience with our first book club of the year.
“The Stars Are Fire,” by Anita Shreve is a captivating historical novel that takes readers on a journey through love, resilience, and survival. Set against the backdrop of the devastating 1947 Maine wildfires, the story follows Grace Holland, a young mother whose life is forever changed by the destructive forces of nature.
The novel explores the complexities of relationships and the strength of the human spirit. Grace’s character undergoes a profound transformation as she grapples with loss, adversity, and the need to rebuild her life from the ashes – literally.
The book successfully transports readers to 1947 and the fires that devastated a large section of Maine. The wildfires become a powerful metaphor for the challenges and opportunities that arise in the face of tragedy.
The narrative balances suspense and introspection. Shreve skillfully weaves together the personal and the universal, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable will to survive. The pacing keeps the reader engaged, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you eagerly turning the pages.
As a book club we felt that the author’s character development of Grace was the real strength of the book as we watched her again and again rise from the ash. It’s about resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find hope in the darkest of times.
None of us knew about the fires in Maine and that’s one of the reasons why we really enjoy historical fiction. We learn something.
Anita Shreve’s “The Stars Are Fire” is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that explores the impact of natural disasters on the human psyche.
Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake is a poignant exploration of memory, love, and the intersections of past and present. Set during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the novel unfolds as Lara, the narrator, recounts a transformative summer of her youth to her three grown daughters while they all work together on their Michigan family orchard.
The narrative shifts between Lara’s present-day family life and her youthful romance with a budding actor, Peter Duke, whose star later rises to Hollywood fame. The story draws parallels between Lara’s youthful idealism and her mature understanding of love and sacrifice. The daughters’ varying reactions to their mother’s stories underscore themes of how family lore shapes identity and relationships.
Our book club mostly enjoyed the novel. We loved the looking back at one’s younger self as Lara explains her life to her daughters. We especially liked how the daughters reacted (some different some identical). We discussed how our pasts effect us and how and why we make the choices we do. I specifically loved the beauty of ordinary lives that Patchett’s tells so well in this book. I listened to Meryl Streep on the audible and she is so outstanding bringing Lara to life. Some of the other book club ladies read the book and thought it dragged a bit. I told them they should have listen to the audible.
