Review: The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett is the long-awaited second book from the acclaimed author of The Help.
It’s been 17 years since The Help skyrocketed into a huge success, selling 15 million copies, a film adaptation, and a star-powered cast. While it was so popular, it also faced a lot of criticism.
But The Calamity Club was definitely worth the wait, and in fact, I think it’s even better than The Help. The story is 656 pages, and I do feel it was a slow start. But once the novel gets rolling, it’s fantastic, and in fact, I didn’t want it to end. I don’t think I’ve ever felt like that after an almost 700-page novel.
The sense of place is so vivid and absorbing. I felt like I was transported to 1933 Mississippi, which was not an easy time by any means. It’s during the Great Depression, and the impacts are felt everywhere. No one is immune to heartache.
The characters are so real and drawn out that, despite an ensemble cast, you feel like you get to know each one. The journey they go on is remarkable and incredibly surprising. There’s also plenty of humor.
This is a book where you don’t want to read spoilers ahead of time, so I promise I will keep this spoiler-free, but I will lay out why I think it’s a great book club pick.
What’s the Story About
We read the story from the perspectives of two very different people: Meg is an 11-year-old living at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum. While her mother abandoned her, all Meg recalls is love and affection from her, and she secretly hopes that her mother will come back for her one day.
And then we got Birdie, who comes to Oxford to ask her sister for money to help their struggling family back home. Her sister married rich and seems to have a charmed life, but looks are deceiving.
Birdie and Meg will eventually cross paths and leave an impression on each other. And when Birdie meets Charlie, who is desperate for a change in life, it will impact all of their lives forever.
Slow Start
As I mentioned, it’s best to know as little as possible because this book takes the reader in all kinds of unexpected directions. I don’t think I’ve been surprised by a book in a long time. So don’t read any spoilers ahead of time!
What I can tell you, though, is I do feel it takes time to really get into the engaging sections of the novel. While I was immediately drawn to Birdie and Meg as characters, there is a bit of repetition that I felt happened, and I was wondering when it would pick up.
But once Charlie enters the picture, the story goes full steam ahead.
The length I know is probably a deterrent to some people, and I think they could have easily cut down the beginning and still have a complete story. But I’m here to say that if you’re starting The Calamity Club, but aren’t absorbed yet, give it at least 100 pages. I would hate for readers to miss out just because it takes time to get to the really interesting parts.
Cast of Characters
First, we have Birdie and Meg. Meg has been through so much trauma, but she still has her spirit. And dreams of a better life.
Birdie is one of a kind. She’s honest and doesn’t back down. I loved how strong Birdie was, and also how loyal. Even though her sister Frances is spoiled and selfish, Birdie is still always there for her.
There’s also Frances’ mother-in-law, Mrs. Tartt, who I thought would be a different kind of character. She’s well-off and has never struggled, but she is full of surprises, too.
There are even more characters, too. But safe to say, if you enjoy stories that feature a range of personalities and traits, you’ll enjoy this ride.
Verdict
I highly recommend you read The Calamity Club. I know the length is long, and that can be tough on book club members, but I’m telling you this is so worth it.
While I read the printed version, I did hear the audiobook is incredible, so that’s also an option as well.
This novel is engaging, with plenty of twists, but most of all, it’s full of heart.
For book clubs, check out my discussion questions here.
About the Author
