The Giver of Stars: A Magnificent Blend of Informational and Entertaining

A historical fiction novel that portrays the power of books and is filled with an intellectually diverse cast of independent women? Yes please!

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes follows Alice and Margery, two women who belong to the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky—an initiative between 1935-1943 that focused on delivering books to those in the Appalachian region who were unable to access books, and often uneducated. Alice and Margery were joined by three other women—which is historically accurate, as the majority of the Packhorse Librarians were women—who rode on horseback to deliver books to remote places. 

The women in the novel face dangers, including floods and male chauvinism; form friendships; and have to confront a traditionalist town who largely disapproves of what they are doing. Most of the people who disapprove happen to be men. Alice and Margery are initially at different levels of woke-ness, but Alice uses Margery as a role model, learning what it means to be a woman away from the chains that her husband tries to place on her, and finding true love with a man who does not suffocate her or believe her to be inferior. The novel climaxes when Margery is arrested for killing a man with whom her late father was feuding and the women have to try to prove her innocence in a town that thinks Margery is guilty simply because of her non-conforming nature. 

I had never heard of the Packhorse Librarians prior to reading the novel, and I think that reading this book is a great way to delve into that aspect of history, which is what attracted me to the book in the first place. The novel beautifully conveys the power of books, education, and a commitment to improve. In other words, the concept of the novel is great. 

I remember when I first started the novel, I had some misgivings. Some dialogue meant to be funny (an attempt at wry humor) sometimes didn’t deliver. At times I felt like something was missing. I think perhaps too much dialogue was at fault; as occasionally she loads on the dialogue without a break and she lacks descriptions of mannerisms. That was at the beginning, anyways. However, I could kind of tell that it might be a slow burn, because it had potential. It had that vibe to it that once you get into it, you’re addicted… which is what happened with me. 

I got hooked to the characters, as they had such depth and were so vivid. It was such a great display of women learning fierce independence and overcoming obstacles with no intention of being the damsel in distress.

I definitely recommend it, but keep in mind it might be slow to start. But the beauty of the story and the beauty of the history it references is totally worth pushing through it.