Why a Booktrail?
1940: Can a small village in Kent endure the onslaught of war?
The Chilbury Ladies Choir
What you need to know before your trail
In the idyllic village of Chilbury hearts are breaking as sons and husbands leave to fight, and when the Vicar decides to close the choir until the men return, all seems lost.
But the choir, the coming together to sing and forget about life for a while is just what the women of Chilbury need in these dark hours. With the arrival of a new musical resident, the charismatic Miss Primrose Trent, the choir is reborn.
Some see the choir as a chance to forget their troubles, others the chance to shine. Though for one villager, it’s a way of infiltrating the very heart of the village and ruining the harmony for ever.
Travel Guide
Chilbury (sadly fictional) Kent
The choir is at the heart of Chilbury village and all that it stands for. When it’s threatened with closure the village comes together “It’s not as if we’re a threat to national security” they say. The choir has been a part of the Chilbury was since time began and so it’s important for every villager.
As their men are sent to war, bad news comes and so funerals are held at Chilbury Manor in the village, ‘a Georgian monstrosity” The nearby Peasepotter Wood sounds charming though sounding as it does like a lovely sandwich filling of a more fitting name.
War comes to Chilbury however and the mood darkens. Life becomes insufferable for many – there’s no food, no lights after dark and no men around. Kitty Wintrop is only thirteen and she makes a list of what you should make note of before someone leaves for war such as the shape of their body so you remember the blank cutout that will be left when they’re gone.
The novel captures the spirit of a small community, the work of the WVS and the everlasting spirit of keeping calm and moving on while the world around you is collapses amongst your ears
Think of the TV programme “Home Fires” set to music against the backdrop of the most turbulent time in world history.
Booktrail Boarding Pass: The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir
Author/Guide: Jennifer Ryan Destination: Kent, Chilbury (fictional), Chilham Departure Time: 1940s
Back to ResultsWhere Next?
