The Secret Book Society

The Secret Book Society is a captivating read if you're a fan of historical fiction with emotional depth and endearing characters. Set in Victorian London, it follows the lives of three women-Eleanor, who feels stifled by her controlling husband; Rose, an American who struggles to find her place after marrying into the British upper class; and Lavinia, a young artist harboring a dark family secret. Their paths cross in an underground book club led by the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, a widow who has been married and has lost three husbands, which has led to all sorts of rumors about her.

The strength of the book lies in these characters. I loved seeing each woman acknowledge and deal with the challenges presented. Through these three women, the author sheds light on the struggles women endured during this time, when their access to literature and independence were limited. Watching these women support each other and discover their strength through reading is deeply moving.

Lady Duxbury is the kind of character you're not sure whether to trust at first, which keeps things interesting. It's a little darker than you might expect going in, but in a good way - it doesn't shy away from how rough women's lives actually were in this era. If you loved The Lost Apothecary or anything with female friendship at its core, this is absolutely worth picking up. It's especially good for readers who enjoy books about women, friendship, resilience, and the power of reading.