Set in Depression-era Kentucky, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes follows Alice Wright, who relocates from England and joins the WPA Pack Horse Librarians, finding purpose and friendship despite facing community resistance and a failing marriage. Themes include misogyny, friendship, corporate greed, and inequality, woven through the lives of women delivering books on horseback in the Appalachian Mountains. Instances of domestic abuse, misogyny, and racism appear in the book.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes captivates readers with its rich historical setting and strong, well-drawn female characters. The novel excels in depicting the camaraderie and resilience of women during the Depression era. However, some critiques point to predictable plot developments and occasional modern dialogue that can disrupt the period atmosphere.

The reader who would enjoy The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes is one who appreciates historical fiction with strong female protagonists, intricate friendships, and a rural American setting. Similar readers may also enjoy The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson.

Adventurous / Inspirational / Romantic / Emotional / Contemplative

- The Giver of Stars is inspired by the true story of the Pack Horse Library Project, an initiative that delivered library books to rural communities in Kentucky during the 1930s.
- Jojo Moyes drew upon historical research and her personal passion for equestrian activities to bring authenticity to the horseback librarians depicted in the novel.
- The book was selected for the Reese Witherspoon Book Club in November 2019, garnering it significant attention and readership.

**Alice Van Cleve**  
A young English newlywed who moves to Kentucky and finds purpose and independence by delivering books to mountain families, challenging societal expectations.

**Bennett Van Cleve**  
Originally charming, he becomes a passive husband who is obedient to his domineering father and struggles with the constraints of his societal role.

**Mr. Geoffrey Van Cleve**  
An influential yet domineering businessman in the town, he uses unethical means to control and manipulate those around him, including his son and daughter-in-law.

**Margery O’Hare**  
A fiercely independent and resilient woman from a notorious family, who stands up to societal pressures and is an inspiration for the packhorse librarians.

**Beth Pinker**  
A resourceful and unconventional young woman who works for the Pack Horse Library, demonstrating independence through her secretive moonshine enterprise.

**Izzy Brady**  
A shy girl who overcomes her initial reservations to become a passionate member of the Pack Horse Library, discovering the power of her singing voice.

**Mrs. Brady**  
A strong-willed woman who supports the library and her daughter Izzy, standing up to opposition in the community.

**Fred Guisler**  
A quiet, supportive ally of the librarians who communicates with Alice through books and offers significant help to the library.

**Sophia Kenworth**  
A dedicated and organized black librarian who maintains her composure in challenging social conditions and later moves to pursue further opportunities.

**Kathleen Bligh**  
A resilient mountain woman who aids the library after receiving help from its members, playing a supportive role in the community.

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Prologue-Chapter 3

The Giver of Stars Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

The Giver of Stars Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-11

The Giver of Stars Chapters 8-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-15

The Giver of Stars Chapters 12-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

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Chapters 20-23

The Giver of Stars Chapters 20-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-28

The Giver of Stars Chapters 24-28 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

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