The Giver of Stars

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes is an immersive and moving historical novel, inspired by the true story of the Pack Horse Library Project in Depression-era Kentucky. It’s a powerful tribute to the transformative power of literature and the fierce strength of female friendship.

The story follows Alice Wright, a young Englishwoman who seeks escape from her dull life through marriage, only to find herself equally stifled in small-town Kentucky under an overbearing father-in-law. Seeking purpose, Alice joins the traveling library, delivering books on horseback to the most remote mountain corners. This decision introduces her to a group of extraordinary women, particularly the self-sufficient leader, Margery O’Hara.

“Nothing more dangerous than a woman armed with a little knowledge.”

Together, the “Packhorse Librarians” forge a bond of sisterhood, battling harsh elements and confronting the rigid, misogynistic attitudes of their community. Moyes skillfully brings the Kentucky landscape and the tough realities of the 1930s to life, exploring empowerment, literacy, and justice. While the first half of the novel sets the scene, the plot takes a dramatic, gripping turn when an incident tests their loyalty and freedom to the limit.

The Giver of Stars is a rewarding read. It’s an ode to the quiet heroism of women who dared to ride their own path, and a stirring reminder that a book can change a life. Needless to say, it is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and stories of powerful female bonds.