The Calamity Club

Excellent. I read The Help on a whim all those years ago and was spellbound by the author's ability to weave a complex story across multiple narrators. When I'd heard that her second novel was coming out, I added it to my library wishlist as fast as I could. Then, the second I got word it was available, I couldn't help but immediately dive in... and, because her first novel made such an impression upon me, I had so much trust in the author's ability to deliver a story that I hadn't even bothered to read the blurb.Going in blind into the Calamity Club was a discovery! I was charmed, entertained, amused, and once again, spellbound by Stockett's ability to shift between narrators. One, a somewhat sheltered but very bright and kindhearted woman Birdie. And the other, a charming and very intelligent 11-year-old seemingly orphaned girl, Meg. But beyond this, her ability to weave together a story featuring the fringes of society, giving people -- women, of various walks of life -- a voice in an era where women might have the vote, but are still subjected to a variety of society norms, laws, and double standards, is still very compelling.I adored Meg, and I was so invested in seeing how things would turn out for her. And the strong female cast that Stockett features here only adds to the story's strengths.Having read a few comments here on length, while I agree the story is a little long and the try-fail cycle of getting the underground business off the ground may feel pointless for some, it didn't bother me and only served to showcase the strength of the women. There were so many characters in this book that one could examine closer, from the aching pain of Rory's story to the quiet pain of the accidental loss of someone struggling with emotional struggles and alcoholism to the desperation of destitution, and the lengths one might go just to survive. There's so much within these pages to mine and consider, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.My only critique is that I felt it ended so abruptly! I wanted just one further chapter, a glimpse of Meg's future...Still: an excellent read, and the Acknowledgements/Author's Note on the research involved in this one was one that made me think about how far we've come... and the direction of where we might go in the future.

At one point, I told a friend (the one who had recommended this book to me) that this was a real nail biter. Not in a murder mystery thriller sort of way, but in an emotional, tug on your heart strings kind of way. I couldn’t imagine what would happen next to little Meg, nor the way the 2 narratives would finally connect. I wanted nothing more than to finish reading THE CALAMITY CLUB so I could learn what happened to all of these wonderful characters, but I dreaded the thought of finishing, because I would then be saying good bye to them.This is a wonderful read. The characters each have such strong personalities. Particularly Meg and Birdie who narrate their stories. Their voices are clear and dynamic, distinguishing their individual characters so clearly. The small Mississippi town of the 1930 is painted in dusty brown, making a perfect backdrop for the colorful people who walk the streets.

I was first attracted to this book because of the author; I had read “The Help,” when first published and loved it. The beginning of this book was so different, I didn’t understand the plot; it wasn’t until much later in the story that everything fit together. Definitely a unique plot and characters. It is a long read, but once I got into the story, I couldn’t put it down. Great book! Can’t wait for her next one!

Kathryn Stockett, the 17 years between The Help and The Calamity Club was well worth the wait. My goodness, what a wonderful story. The characters in the book are so fully developed that I felt a strong connection to (most of!) them. If I have to wait another 17 years before your next book, I will wait. You are one of a kind. Thank you for this fabulous book.

Kathryn Stockett's The Calamity Club is well worth the wait, just as good or even better than The Help. This historical novel has all the literary ingredients to be added to the classics. This book is both engaging and horrifying since it reveals the cruel beliefs in Mississippi's past and explains the rigid mind-set of contemporary politics and culture. I was incensed by the ignorance and lack of empathy. However, as throughout history, the theme of women helping other women gave the story conflict, suspense, and lots of humor. The characters and plot are so engaging I would like a follow-up story, maybe a part two. I am ready for a movie version, if Meg and Birdie are well cast. The Calamity Club was worth the wait!