historical fiction
In 1895 London, a wealthy three-time widow invites three acquaintances to join a secret society in which they read books from the widow’s library and discuss them over tea. She had chosen these women specifically because she suspected their lives were being stifled by their circumstances at home and their limited control. She gives them reading material to which they otherwise would not have had access, given their strict circumstances.
I devoured this one. The charming premise, characters, and setting were so compelling. Madeline Martin alternated the viewpoints of each of the four women, giving the reader the complete picture. As the very real, unjust threat of admitting bothersome women to insane asylums hung over each of their heads, they formed a sisterhood where they could each be themselves and trust one another.
The widow seemed a little too omniscient but it made for a good story. Women had to abide by a very narrow code of conduct in Victorian London high society. They had to obey their husbands and their individuality was choked. Each woman was facing her unique troubles. The Secret Book Society allowed these four women to forge important friendships that enriched and improved all of their lives. I was pulled in to their stories and looked forward to discover each woman’s personal secret. Plus, I also enjoyed the novels selected by the women.
The audiobook was narrated by Saskia Maarleveld who is always a fabulous voice actor. She employed her large vocal repertoire for the cast of characters and I give her an A.
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