The Giver of Stars

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. Viking, 2019. 390 pages. ****

Alice Wright has an adventurous soul and in an attempt to escape her life in England marries Bennett Van Cleve, a handsome, wealthy bachelor from Kentucky. Alice is unprepared for the hardships of rural Kentucky during the depression. She is intrigued by the horseback riding librarians who deliver library books to the people living outside of town and up in the mountains. Alice feels isolated living with her controlling father-in-law and introverted husband. When more librarians are needed, Alice volunteers much to the wrath of her husband and his father. Independent Margery leads the charge with the Packhorse Librarians and she and Alice become friends. Delivering books this way is not for the faint of heart, but anything is better than staying in the Van Cleve home. When Margery is accused of murder, Alice steps in and runs the program and is determined to prove Margery's innocence.

Moyes has written a compelling story that is indicative of the hardships of the times. The greed of the mine owners and the attitude of the wealthy and landowners is highlighted in this story. Loved the ending even if it is somewhat predictable.

There is some controversy surrounding this novel and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, for more information:

https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/books/1202348/Jojo-Moyes-Giver-of-Stars-Book-Woman-of-Troublesome-Creek-books-kim-michele-richardson

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/tomiobaro/jojo-moyes-the-giver-of-stars-kim-richardson-bookwoman-of

https://www.mhpbooks.com/jojo-moyes-new-book-bears-striking-similarities-to-a-recently-published-novel/

I read both books independently and did not look for points of comparison, I will leave that to the courts. I did enjoy both books and have recommended and loaned them to friends.

Jojo Moyes is the #1 New York Times bstselling author of Still Me, After You, Me Before You, The Peacock Emporium, The Horse Dancer, Paris for One and Other Stories, One Plus One, The Girl You Left Behind, The Last Letter from Your Lover, Silver Boy, and The Ship of Brides. She lives with her husband and three children in Essex, England.

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