Book For Review Courtesy of NetGalley / Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
War is an impenetrable force, reshaping and upending life. Sisterhood is equally powerful, especially in wartime. Martha Hall Kelly's novel The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club deals with how a military base takes over a quiet beach town during World War II and the effect that has on a particular family, even into the future. Tom Smith, an Army Ranger, is sent to the front leaving behind a grandmother, two sisters (Briar and Cadence) and a fiancee (Bess). Cadence and Bess form a book club, reading the novels tossed aside by the island's wealthy summer inhabitants. They come up with an idea to create small paperback books that soldiers can easily fit into their packs. Briar finds intrigue among a neighboring family.
Overall novel is an enjoyable read. Cadence and Bess' idea is rooted in Armed Services Books, a real program that gave readers the chance to read and trade books. * Briar's story felt a little tacked on as if readers need to be reminded about exactly who we were fighting in World War II. Briar could have been a much more interesting character without that particular storyline holding her down. The novel is framed with a woman hearing the story of Bess and the Smith Girls after coming to the island for a short trip and finding out the truth behind a family secret. The novel is a beautiful look at friendship and family and the necessity of both in the worst times people can face.
(*Curious readers can listen to this segment of Very Special Episodes to hear about The Great Gatsby's revival as an Armed Services Book. Happy 100 Old Sport.)
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