Numerous books are published every day, so, sometimes it can be hard to discern which of this year’s newest books are actually worth the read. However, one that stands out from all the rest is “The Lonely Hearts Book Club” by Lucy Gilmore. “The Lonely-Hearts Book Club” was only published five months ago, on March 28, and has already earned a 3.89/5 on Goodreads.
“The Lonely Hearts Book Club” starts out with Sloane Parker a small town librarian who has recently become acquainted with the town’s old curmudgeon Arthur McLachclan. But as the two spend more time teasing each other and sharing book recommendations, they form an unlikely friendship with one another. When Arthur stops showing up during his usual time at the library, Sloane becomes worried. She soon finds out that Arthur had collapsed and has thrown all of his nurses out of the house. Sloane then forms an unexpected bond with his neighbor Maisey, Arthur’s grandson Greg, and another fellow librarian, Mateo, as they all try to help nurse Arthur back to health under the guise of a book club.
As the title probably shows, this is the ultimate book for book lovers, especially interested in more classical literature. Arthur practically lives in his own library and often threatens to make everyone read one of his large tomes such as “The Count of Monte Cristo” while Sloane tries to talk him into “Anne of Green Gables.” Other books that make it onto their reading list include “The Joy Luck Club” and “The Remains of the Day.”
One thing that the book does very well is helping the reader to form a connection with each and every character. The book is told from multiple viewpoints showing the reader exactly why it’s called the “lonely hearts” book club. All of the characters struggle with their own type of loneliness in life, and everyone can find themselves in one of them. Whether you are struggling with the loss of a loved one or accepting others into your life, this book will help you know that you’re not alone.
The only problem with the book is that it didn’t feel like some characters were fully fleshed out. Sloane’s fiancé is constantly portrayed as the “villain” but there is no clear evidence as to why her new friends think he shouldn’t be a part of her life. Mateo is another one of the characters who just felt neglected. Since he was the third viewpoint shown, it felt as if the author spent more time focusing on the book club than him and his part to play.
“The Lonely Hearts Book Club” is not only just another novel printed by yet another publisher but it is a story of friendship, true love, and finding who you really are.