THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB, by Martha Hall Kelly, opens in 2016 where we meet grieving Mari Starwood who travels from her home in California to Martha's Vineyard. Β Why? Among her dead mother's possessions, she found a piece of paper with a famous artist's name. Β That of Elizabeth Deveraux who resides on Martha's Vineyard. Β She planned to sign up for a painting class but ended up telling her the truth. Β She wants to know why her mother had her name. Β In response, Mrs. Deveraux tells her the story of the Smith sisters who had once lived on the property Mrs. Deveraux is now the caretaker of. Β As the story progresses, a shocking secret and truth is revealed. Β The narrative switches to 1942 where we meet the Smith sisters, their brother Tom and his girlfriend Bess and their grandmother who are all trying to eke out a living on their farm. As if life isn't difficult enough, Tom enters the service, sixteen-year-old Briar finds a stranger washed up on the beach and nineteen-year-old Cadence, an aspiring writer, unexpectedly falls in love. Β What to do? Cadence and Bess start a book club which leads to surprising events.
Based on true events, this story is a tribute to the power of family and the strength and resilience that comes from it. Β Added to the mix, the family and the community come to grips with American troops near their homes, U-boats in their waters and a German spy in their midst. The well-drawn and highly individualistic characters are a formidable group and most are to be admired.
As Mrs. Deveraux's story approaches its end, Mari is eager and impatient to have her questions answered. Β And they are and come with a life-changing surprise.
This book is a mesmerizing, memorable and powerful story. Β Highly recommended.
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