I enjoyed The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin immensely. I believe the message in this book is a message that is never out of date. Why do I believe this? Because I have been the victim of a tyrannical husband. I have been the one that didn’t fit in. And I have also been the misunderstood daughter/family member. I also know that if I had had a sisterhood that truly came together to support and help one another, I may not have chosen the life of an introvert. I will not share the specifics of the story, but let me break down for you the characters and why I liked the book.
The Characters
In 1895 London, women were considered property. Therefore, a woman like Lady Duxbury was the exception and not the rule. She had control of her own fortune, was accepted into the highest level of society, and had the intelligence and talent to maintain control over every aspect of her life.
Eleanor Clark had no control in her life. Her husband dictated everything from what she wore to how much time she was allowed to spend with their son. He decided what balls/parties they would attend. He decided when and where she was allowed to go. Verbal and physical abuse was her normal. And she had no way to change it.
Rose Wharton, an American heiress, who was sold off to a family with a title (yes, that was really a thing). Not really accepted by English society, she struggled to fit in and become the model wife of her aristocratic husband.
Lavinia Cavendish was a seriously misunderstood daughter. An young woman with an emotional nature, she struggled to control her passions. This made her shy with people and prone to bouts of depression.
Each woman needed help but didn’t know how to get it. Then they were invited to an afternoon tea hosted by Lady Duxbury. Thus, The Secret Book Society was born.
My Thoughts
I could identify with each character in a different way. The difference between me and them, I can fight back. I can change my life if I choose. I don’t have to stay in a marriage where I am made to feel less than worthy or told what to do every minute of every day. And I didn’t. Having been the victim of vicious gossip, I have chosen to not “fit in” rather than attempt to be something I’m really not. My family? They have no idea how to relate to me in any way. I’m nothing like the rest in any way. I’m even different in physical appearance. It took me years to have a conversation with family members in a way that allowed them to just accept me how I am rather than try to keep changing me.
Conclusion
I believe whole heartedly that women should come together in friendship understanding that we all bring something unique to the table. Ms. Martin totally makes that point in this book. Rather than ignore what 3 young women were going thru in their lives, Lady Duxbury reached out and offered support. She offered help and wisdom. In short, she offered, and showed them, true friendship.
Make no mistake, this book is not a “feel good” story. It is a story of the hardships we all face in different ways. This story reminds women how lucky we are to have choices, because we didn’t always have them. I, personally, took away the knowledge that if I had had a support group that accepted me for who I am that I would have a different outlook on society today.
I highly recommend this book for all women. And I also recommend that you take your time and think about what it means to be a friend. Are you trying to “one up” everyone in your circle? Are you participating in gossip about other in your circle? Or are you offering your own lessons learned from life? Are you too busy or offering help when they need it? I found The Secret Book Society to be entertaining while offering one pearl of wisdom for all of us.