AUTHOR: Madeline Martin

NARRATOR: Saskia Maarleveld

RATING: ★★★★

REVIEW: Another wonderful book by Madeline Martin! If you love stories about female empowerment and sisterhood, then The Secret Book Society is definitely one you should add to your to-be-read list. I truly loved the friendship and camaraderie between Lady Duxbury, Eleanor, Lavinia, and Rose. Each of them have their own individual struggles and heartaches, and the way they stand up for each other and cheer each other on is so endearing. I found myself rooting for them also, and I lost count of the many times I clapped loudly and yelled "You go, girl!" while driving and listening to this audiobook. LOL. Madeline Martin is such an amazing storyteller, and her words flow effortlessly and beautifully. Also, I feel like I'm always learning something new (historically) when I read her work, and this time was no different. I didn't realize during this time period how many women were sent to mental institutions just for not bending to the "rules" of this era, when it was looked down upon for women to read and - heaven forbid - have their own thoughts and opinions. And what can I say about my favorite narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, that I haven't already said countless times before? She is simply incredible. I would happily listen to her recite the alphabet over and over again. When she and Madeline Martin join forces on a story, it's pure magic.