The Blackout Book Club

Told in various points of views, and in part, a secretarial's transcription of the book club and what ensued, I found this book to be quite refreshing and a good read. The main characters include Avis, the sister of Anthony who is the Head librarian who went off to war and begged his sister to keep his job warm, Louise, the town spinster who seems cold and callous and the owner of the town's library, Ginny, a spunky, outspoken girl who needs to save money and finds not only interesting ways to feed herself but is never shy of sharing her opinions with the residents, and Martina, a mother who has two children: Gio and Rosa, is struggling to survive in this perilous war time and not be viewed as a spy because she is Italian.

As the women form a book club before the library closes its doors, they delve into the world of literature, they discover a shared passion and a newfound sense of connection. The books they read become more than mere stories; they serve as mirrors, reflecting their own lives, their struggles, and their dreams.

Through the power of literature, the women forge an unbreakable bond, supporting each other through the trials of war and personal challenges. They find solace in the shared experiences and insights gained from their book club discussions, their laughter, and their tears.