The Book Club for Troublesome Women

A Novel

De: Marie Bostwick

Narrado por: Lisa Flanagan

Margaret never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution, for that matter in this bold and plucky novel from New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick.

"Ideal for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry." --Library Journal, starred review

"Readers will cheer." --Kirkus

"Perfect for those who love book club, nostalgia for the 1960s, and stories of female friendship." --Booklist

"A feel-good beach read with . . . elements that spark a revolution." --Southern Review of Books

By 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan is living the American woman's dream. She has a husband, three children, a station wagon, and a home in Concordia--one of Northern Virginia's most exclusive and picturesque suburbs. She has a standing invitation to the neighborhood coffee klatch, and now, thanks to her husband, a new subscription to A Woman's Place--a magazine that tells housewives like Margaret exactly who to be and what to buy. On paper, she has it all. So why doesn't that feel like enough?

Margaret is thrown for a loop when she first meets Charlotte Gustafson, Concordia's newest and most intriguing resident. As an excuse to be in the mysterious Charlotte's orbit, Margaret concocts a book club get-together and invites two other neighborhood women--Bitsy and Viv--to the inaugural meeting. As the women share secrets, cocktails, and their honest reactions to the controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique, they begin to discover that the American dream they'd been sold isn't all roses and sunshine--and that their secret longing for more is something they share. Nicknaming themselves the Bettys, after Betty Friedan, these four friends have no idea their impromptu club and the books they read together will become the glue that helps them hold fast through tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments--and what will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a humorous, thought provoking, and nostalgic romp through one pivotal and tumultuous American year--as well as an ode to self-discovery, persistence, and the power of sisterhood.

©2025 Marie Bostwick (P)2025 Harper Muse

Reseñas de la Crítica

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

SOUTHERN INDIE BESTSELLER

A BRENDA NOVAK BOOK GROUP PICK

GLOSS BOOK CLUB PICK

THE GIRLFRIEND BOOK CLUB PICK

A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2025 (SheReads)

The struggle women had in that time.

The things we take for granted today that could not happen without a man's consent.

I’m sold!! Joining the book club!!

What a wonderful story and an incredible group of characters. I feel like I traveled back in time and met some wonderful new friends.

character development

The author portrays an accurate description of the historical times . The character each portray an obstacle facing women in the 60's realistically.

Good enough

I was a young girl during the early 60’s, so this book’s historical perspective helped me glean a part of my Mother’s life, and those of her peers,that I could not have known. As the characters were aptly portrayed in this story, women were reluctant to acknowledge their own needs and desires beyond their husbands and families. I typically like Marie Bostwick’s style and characters. This story had, for my tastes, a few too many overly sentimental aspects. Could have been the times! Worth a read/listen.

The bookclub for Troublesome women

Really enjoyed the book. It had the right amount of players. They were all interesting in their own right. The way they all became intertwined was fun and entertaining. The book was detailed enough and it sped along nicely, no dull spots.

The characters

I didn’t want it to end. I loved the characters and wanted to spend more time with them.

Dakota

Echoes of my own experiences. Characters who are real, Vlad, and lovable. An uplifting ending. What more could a reader ask?

Great characters!

Loved all the characters and their support of each other. Really good historical fiction and I got teary at the ending.

Full of pain and inspiration.

Wonderful mix of fiction and history. The women were all amazing. Didn't want the story to end.

Couldn’t put it Down

The characters and the stories of women in the 60’s were so compelling. Like the author, I was sad to see the story end, but the ending was very satisfying.