About the Book
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Four dissatisfied sixties-era housewives form a book club turned sisterhood that will hold fast amid the turmoil of a rapidly changing world and alter the course of each of their lives.
By early 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan, Viv Buschetti, and Bitsy Cobb, suburban housewives in a brand-new "planned community" in Northern Virginia, appear to have it all. The fact that "all" doesn't feel like enough leaves them feeling confused and guilty, certain the fault must lie with them. Things begin to change when they form a book club with Charlotte Gustafson--the eccentric and artsy "new neighbor" from Manhattan--and read Betty Friedan's just-released book, The Feminine Mystique.
Controversial and groundbreaking, the book struck a chord with an entire generation of women, helping them realize that they weren't alone in their dissatisfactions, or their longings, lifting their eyes to new horizons of possibility and achievement. Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv are among them. But is it really the book that alters the lives of these four very different women? Or is it the bond of sisterhood that helps them find courage to confront the past, navigate turmoil in a rapidly changing world, and see themselves in a new and limitless light?
My Review
It’s the 1960’s and four unhappy housewives decide to form a book club. Their first book discussion is The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. Although they were hesitant to read it, they do, and each wife is very much affected by this book.
Margaret, Viv, Bitsy and Charlotte all embark on their own journey to happiness. It’s not easy and it takes more than reading a book to do it. Fortunately, they have each other to lean on during the tough times.
The 1960’s were a turbulent time, and women didn’t get many opportunities to succeed, but these four women are determined. They each hit many bumps along the way, but they have every intention of reaching their goals.
I have always enjoyed books set in this timeframe and this book is no exception. I loved every minute of it. I felt as if I was right by their side, cheering them along. It, also, reminded me that women have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.
The author did an excellent job of bringing each character to life. They are realistic people placed in real life situations. It’s both a heartbreaking and inspirational read. Sometimes a book just resonates with you and this one did for me. My eyes filled with tears at the end. I’m already missing these characters. It truly touched my heart.
This is my first Marie Bostwick book but definitely won’t be my last.
For reading challenges:
Literary Escapes Reading Challenge 2025 (Virginia)
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I like reading about that time period too.
ReplyDeleteI was born in this decade, and books about it are always fascinating to me.
ReplyDeleteI would really like to read this, hopefully the library gets a physical copy or an e-audiobook.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see how much you enjoyed this! I've been wanting to try this author and this looks like a good one!
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