Review: "The Chilbury Ladies' Choir" by Jennifer Ryan

From the previews that I read about this book, it appeared to be something that I would enjoy. They were correct and I couldn’t put it down. This story covers a period of six months, from March 1940 to September 1940. It takes place in Chilbury, Kent. World War II is in progress. Most of the men from Chilbury are off at war and the choir must be disbanded for the lack of male voices. Then a member had a revolutionary idea, to have an all ladies’ choir, something unheard of in this time. This begins a series of events that help the women of the town realize that they can survive and thrive in this new world. The story is told mostly thru diary entries and letters of four women from the village.

I love Ms. Ryan’s writing style. She allowed you to see the effects of the war on four completely different classes of people from a young girl to an older widow. By having a glimpse into their letters and diaries, it appears the characters are talking directly to you. You experience their fears and desires first hand. You share humorous and tragic events from each of their prospective. This technique keeps you breathless and turning pages to discover how each one handles the different dilemmas.

I highly recommend this book. It is a great work of both historical and women’s fiction. It allows you to get a taste of what life was like in England during World War II and the fear that was experienced, never knowing if or when death would come and who it would claim. The women are courageous and rise and flourish in the occasions that they are forced into. It can be enjoyed by both teen and adult readers and is a wonderful way to get a glimpse into life in this period.