Life in Chilbury changes dramatically with the start of World War II. Suddenly all the men in the village are away at war and the dread that fell during the previous war revisits Chilbury. Without men the choir is disbanded but through the efforts of a spunky newcomer to town, and the ladies of Chilbury themselves, a new choir of female voices is formed. Some complain that it’s wrong, that it’s never been done, but what during these turbulent times is that way it has always been?
This is a book about women coming together and redefining themselves during turbulent times. Told entirely in letters at first glance it may remind readers of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society but only at a glance. This book is a lot deeper; the war hits Chilbury and the town feels loss deeply. There are also spies, slighted love, conspiracies, and romance. It’s war, so naturally the book takes some dark turns; it’s a small town, so of course there are nefarious things going on in the shadows; but all’s well that ends well, in case you wanted to know.
This is one that you should listen to rather than read. Each letter writer is voiced by a different reader, an experience that really helped immerse me in the story and form pictures in my head of each character. And it’s available on Playaway so pop in a pair of headphones and get out in the sunshine (when it returns) and listen to the ladies of Chilbury tell you their stories.
