Amy Lynn Green is back with another WWII era novel and this one might be my favourite yet from Green.
The first and central aspect of this story that captured my attention was that, while this was a WWII novel with loss and romance, at it's core, the story centered on community and friendship that can form in unlikely places. While Avis, the new housewife turned librarian is positioned as the main character she really feels more as one of many surrounded by the quiet Martina running from her past while caring for her children, the spirited Ginny with her big dreams, and Louise the wealthy library patron alone but for her cook and gardener.
Green packs a lot into this motley crew and any of the characters could easily have overshadowed the other and yet Green really brings them together well. I loved how gently their stories were teased out as their relationships grew. I loved how natural their shared moments were as they realized how much they had to offer and how much they came to mean to one another.
Also, it was just refreshing to read a novel where female friendship played a larger role than romance or intrigue. I feel this really helps The Blackout Book Club stand out in its genre.
I was also pleased to see Green sticking to her trademark of incorporating some sort of correspondence from the characters within the plot, this time in the form of the official notes from the book club. I've come to look forward to these unique sections of writing from Green and this novel's inclusions were a delightful way to gain extra insight into Avis, Ginny, and Freddy especially, and it was a testament to Green's skill with this literary format that the sections always felt natural.
Green quickly made her way onto my author's to watch list after her novel Things We Didn't Say but The Blackout Book Club easily moves her into one of my favourite current writers.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
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