Title | : | The Briar Club |
Author | : | |
Rating | : | |
ISBN | : | 0063244748 |
ISBN-10 | : | 9780063244740 |
Language | : | English |
Format Type | : | Hardcover |
Number of Pages | : | 432 |
Publication | : | First published July 9, 2024 |
Washington, D.C., 1950. Everyone keeps to themselves at Briarwood House, a down-at-the-heels all-female boardinghouse in the heart of the nation’s capital, where secrets hide behind white picket fences. But when the lovely, mysterious widow Grace March moves into the attic, she draws her oddball collection of neighbors into unlikely friendship: poised English beauty Fliss whose facade of perfect wife and mother covers gaping inner wounds; police officer’s daughter Nora, who is entangled with a shadowy gangster; frustrated baseball star Bea, whose career has ended along with the women’s baseball league of WWII; and poisonous, gung-ho Arlene, who has thrown herself into McCarthy’s Red Scare.
Grace’s weekly attic-room dinner parties and window-brewed sun tea become a healing balm on all their lives, but she hides a terrible secret of her own. When a shocking act of violence tears apart the house, the Briar Club women must decide once and for all: Who is the true enemy in their midst?
The Briar Club Reviews
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As a devoted fan of Kate Quinn’s historical fiction novels, I happily delve into them without concern for their length. Once I immerse myself in one of her works, I find myself captivated by her stories and deeply engaged with her characters, just as I did with her latest offering.
The opening was intriguing: the story begins in 1954, in Washington D.C., at a woman’s boarding house called Briarwood House on Thanksgiving Day, where a brutal murder occurs. One of the boarders may be the culprit, but the identity of the victim remains unknown, although we learn that the murder took place in the room of a boarder named Grace March.
We then quickly jump back four years earlier to follow thirteen-year-old Pete, who shoulders more responsibilities at a young age to help his mother as a handyman at the boarding house. He takes care of his sister, who suffers from lazy eye and a learning disorder. Through his perspective, we are introduced to the boarders, including Grace March, who moves into the attic's shoebox room. Grace is a mysterious widow, tight-lipped about her past, who easily befriends the other boarders: the beautiful young mother Fliss, whose doctor husband works in San Diego as the approaching Korean War affects the political climate; Nora, the youngest of them at only twenty, who works for the National Archives and is having a love affair with a gangster despite being the daughter of a police officer; Beatrice, an ex-baseball player whose career was cut short by WWII and her injuries; Reka, an elderly Hungarian immigrant; and Arlene, a secretary for HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee) who becomes a devoted supporter of McCarthy’s Red Scare.
These women, each from different backgrounds and dealing with their own demons and regrets, gather around Grace’s attic room to heal their emotional scars with the sweet taste of Grace’s special sun tea, sharing their love, hate, and miseries under the tight bond of friendship. But Grace’s secrets threaten the sacred bond they've built, and unexpected violent tragedies may tear their lives apart. In the end, each of them must make a choice to differentiate between who is their real friend and who is the enemy hiding among them.
Overall, the characterization in this book is remarkable. You can easily connect with each of the women, embracing them with their flaws and mistakes without judgment. Though it may seem like a long journey, you never want it to end because the pacing is incredibly balanced, including the heart-throbbing action parts. Nothing feels rushed or overly repetitive or dragging. The trajectory of events is executed perfectly, and the conclusion is also very satisfying.
This is definitely one of my favorite historical fiction reads of the year, and I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with this remarkable book's digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts
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Imagine curling up with a book that feels like a warm hug—this one is it! Quinn has done it again with her latest historical gem. Grace, our wonderful heroine, effortlessly brings the residents of Briarwood House together. You'll find a charming mix of old and new, young and old, all coming to life in such a delightful way.
But wait, there's more! A sprinkle of romance and a "not-so-gangster" fling add just the right amount of spice. This story will hold your attention and transport you to a different time.
While it might not be my absolute favorite from Quinn, it's still a lovely, steady read that leaves you feeling cozy and content. -
‘If these walls could talk. Well, they may not be talking, but they are certainly listening. And watching.’
Kate Quinn’s The Briar Club is a fascinating dive into the 1950s, wrapped up in a cozy murder mystery. If you love historical fiction with a touch of suspense and strong female leads, this book is a must read.
Set in Washington, D.C., the story kicks off with a shocking murder at Briarwood House, a slightly run down boardinghouse exclusively for women. Grace March, the new tenant in the attic, is at the heart of the story. She quickly becomes the glue that holds together an eclectic group of boarders: an elegant Englishwoman, a police officer’s daughter mixed up with a gangster, a former baseball star, and a die hard McCarthy supporter.
What makes this book a delight is how it captures the era’s societal changes, particularly the evolving roles of women. Grace's weekly dinner parties in her attic room become a symbol of camaraderie and healing, even as she harbors her own dark secret.
Quinn excels at creating strong, relatable women who each face their own struggles and secrets. The dynamics between them are both heartwarming and tense, adding layers of depth to the story. Plus, the inclusion of recipes from Grace’s supper club adds a charming, personal touch. The characters are well drawn and relatable, and the plot keeps you guessing until the end. Plus, the chapters from the house’s perspective are a quirky and fun addition.
One of the standout aspects of this book is how it captures the era’s atmosphere, suspicion, the Korean War, and the early days of the birth control pill are all woven into the plot. Quinn’s attention to historical detail is impeccable, making you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, strong female leads, and a good mystery, you’ll likely find ‘The Briar Club’ a rewarding read. Just be prepared for a slower pace, as this one dives deep into character development and setting the scene.
The Briar Club is a rich, immersive novel that offers a fresh take on the historical mystery genre. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend read and would make a fantastic book club pick.
I Highly Recommend.
Thank you HarperCollins Australia for gifting me a copy of The Briar Club for review. -
EXCERPT: Thanksgiving 1954 - Washington DC
If these walls could talk. Well, they may not be talking, but they are certainly listening. And watching.
Briarwood House is as old as the century. The house has presided - brick fronted, four-storied, slightly dilapidated - over the square below for fifty-four years. It's seen three wars, ten presidents, and countless tenants . . . but until tonight, never a murder. Now its walls smell of turkey, pumpkin pie and blood, and the house is shocked down into its foundations.
Also, just a little bit thrilled. This is the most excitement Briarwood House has had in decades.
ABOUT 'THE BRIAR CLUB': Washington, D.C., 1950
Everyone keeps to themselves at Briarwood House, an all-female boarding house in the heart of the US capital, where secrets hide behind respectable facades.
But when the mysterious Grace March moves into the attic room, she draws her oddball collection of neighbours – a poised English beauty, a policeman’s daughter, a frustrated female baseball star, and a rabidly pro-McCarthy typist – into an unlikely friendship.
Grace’s weekly attic-room dinner parties and window-brewed sun tea become a healing balm on all their troubled lives, but she hides a terrible secret of her own. And when a shocking act of violence tears the house apart, the Briar Club must decide once and for all: who is the true enemy in their midst?
MY THOUGHTS: Kate Quinn's The Briar Club is enchanting and compelling. When I wasn't reading, I was thinking - What is Grace's story? Whose are the bodies? Who killed them? And why?
This is not Kate Quinn's usual fare - yes, it is historical fiction (or should that be faction?), but it is the characters who carry this story, including Briarwood House, a character in its own right. Spanning the years from 1950 when new tenant Grace March arrives at Briarwood House to 1954 when the murders occur, The Briar Club is an intriguing story of friendship set against a backdrop of political and social change encompassing the atomic bomb, McCarthyism, the Korean war, racial discrimination and the Cold War.
I loved getting to know these characters. Grace Marsh is the mysterious woman in the tiny attic room who draws all the other characters together. Nora, the daughter and sister of Irish policeman who, although she is estranged from her family, is still expected to support them. Bea is a woman frustrated by the curveball life has thrown her. Arlene is an unhappy husband-hunting woman who doesn't understand why no one likes her. Rekha is an older Hungarian woman, a professor and artist before she escaped to America who now earns a living shelving books at the library. Fliss is English and bringing up a baby with no family support, her doctor husband having been sent overseas to treat those injured in the war. Claire is focused only on getting out of the boarding house, her dream being a small house in the suburbs with a white picket fence. She will do whatever it takes to attain her dream. In addition to these characters there is the Nilson family - Mrs Nilson, a penny-pinching harridan who treats her children like slaves; Pete Nilson her teenage son; and Lina, Pete's slightly younger sister. There is also a gangster, a jazz musician or two, a G-Man, a politician's wife and a Russian spy.
Don't expect a fast-paced intense story. The Briar Club is very much a slow burn, character focused read. And one I loved. The storyline is intricate and richly layered with historical detail that I reveled in. I loved the characters' dramas, their relationships, and their stories which Grace seamlessly extracted from them. I really didn't want this book to end, as satisfying as that ending is. The Briar Club elicited all the emotions from me - it is sad, funny, touching, appalling and entertaining. A perfect mix.
Don't finish this read without reading Kate Quinn's explanation of how this book and its characters came about. It is worth five stars on its own.
There is also the bonus of recipes for Grace's Sun Tea, and the various other dishes served at the Thursday evening supper club and a musical recommendation to accompany the food. I had tears of laughter running down my face at Arlene's Candle Salad.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheBriarClub #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: A native of southern California, Kate and her husband now live in San Diego with three rescue dogs.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers Australia via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Briar Club by Kate Quinn for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
The Briar Club is due for publication 18 July 2024.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/... -
where are my historical fiction + Kate Quinn fans at?! THE BRIAR CLUB is her latest release and it was such an enjoyable read 💛 i highly reco the audiobook!
🎧 narrated by @saskiaaudio—10/10!
read if you like: multiple POVs, HF not centered around war, murder mysteries
i’m such a huge fan of Kate Quinn’s work (THE ROSE CODE is a top 10 fave book of mine) so i was sooo happy to dive into THE BRIAR CLUB. as someone whose read all her work, this story was really different for her and i applaud the uniqueness! it’s not centered around a war (instead: the 1950’s Red Scare era) and is told in 9 chapters with 9 different POVs—all by women who live in the Briar House boardinghouse.
i really enjoyed the various POVs and how each one felt like a piece to the puzzle, both with the murder mystery as well as the timeframe. all the women had secrets and struggles of their own and it was refreshing to read so many stories that women went through at this time, all leading to unexpected friendship 🫶🏼 Reka and Nora were my personal faves! Saskia’s narration was flawless and really kept me invested.
THE BRIAR CLUB follows the women that live in a boardinghouse in DC in the 1950’s. there’s a murder in the house on Thanksgiving of 1954 and the story covers the events—and secrets—leading up to it. is someone who lives in the house a murderer?
my main complaint was that with the 9 POVs and long chapters for each one, it felt almost like 9 mini stories in one book. sometimes i was JUST getting into one character’s story and the POV would end and we wouldn’t hear from them again the entire book—so i missed them 🥹 there were also some POVs i enjoyed more than others, so i found myself wishing to get one back or move on quicker.
TLDR—i enjoyed the ending and the overall story, but it’s hard to beat THE ROSE CODE! its always refreshing to read a historical fiction not centered around a war, especially with timeframe i don’t know a ton about! -
Briarwood (Boarding) House, Washington DC, Thanksgiving 1954. Turkey, pumpkin pie and murder. Which of the characters present on this catastrophic night will end up clapped in handcuffs? The house knows…..
Backtrack to June 1950, maybe the answers lie there when widowed Mrs Grace March arrives seeking a room, that’s when the house wakes up that’s for sure. Why so? Maybe its because Grace draws all the ‘motley’ collection of boarders into the unlikely friendship of The Briar Club. There’s English Fliss and her young daughter Angela, who’s trying to be a perfect mother while her husband is in Korea, Nora holding a gangster at bay, injured former baseball star Bea, Arlene an ardent supporter of McCarthy, Hungarian born artist Reka Takacs to say nothing of Peter and Lina, the lovely put upon children of the less than lovely owner of Briarwood, Mrs. Nilsson. All of them from very different backgrounds, but in November of 1954 all having a huge decision to make- will their friendship hold good?
Fantastic, quite simply fantastic. I love the way that Kate Quinn writes, she pulls you into her well researched sagas immediately and keeps you utterly riveted. The characterisation is outstanding as I find myself caught up in each of their lives. There are quite a lot of characters, but as each has their own distinctive voice, it’s not in the least hard to keep track of them. Their backstories are fascinating and you need to brace yourself with one or two as the odd surprise or even a bombshell is dotted along the way! They’re all fantastic characters but for me Grace, Pete and Bea stand out in differing ways.
The early 1950s are captured to perfection, this author is known for her extensive research and ability to convey a strong sense of time and place. Here we have an America deep in the reds under the beds with the paranoia of McCarthyism, a time of deep suspicion. Mind you, Mrs. Nilsson is suspicious of everything, just ask the house. There’s the Korean War in the background, gangs, crooks, corruption, prejudice, and judgement to name but a few of the themes and of course, close friendship.
This is a terrific slow burner intense novel with the author cleverly keeping you in suspense on the number of things. It builds to a very good ending with a few sharp intakes of breath.
Overall, I find this a cracking read. I love the use of actual characters such as Senator Margaret Chase Smith and little inclusions like JFK proposing to Jackie in the Martin Tavern on Wisconsin Street. June 1953 FYI! It’s also worth reading all the authors notes at the end. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins for the much appreciated in return for an honest review. -
Briarwood House is a run-down boarding house in Washington, D.C. for ladies, and each of its occupants has a past and is keeping secrets. A mysterious widow Grace March moves into the smallest room in the attic, for her the green walls and window are perfect.
The boarding house is owned by a frugal Mrs. Doilies Nilsson, her teenage son Pete and she has a younger daughter Lina. The borders are: English rose Fliss and her baby Angela, Nora who works for the National Archives, Bea a high school physical education teacher, Arlene the snippy girl from Texas, Claire who likes to be left alone and Reka an elderly lady. Thursday nights Mrs. Nilsson goes out, everyone breathes a huge sigh of relief, Grace introduces the idea of holding dinner parties in her room, she serves her famous sun tea, Pete and Lina are keen to attend and slowly each of the ladies start making an appearance.
When a shocking act of violence tears the house apart on the 28th of November 1954, The Briar Club women have to decide who they can trust, do they have an enemy living amongst them and slowly they reveal via the narrative what they have been hiding about themselves and their vulnerabilities and all is not what it seems.
I received a copy of The Briar Club from HarperCollins Publishers Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have been a big fan of Kate Quinn’s novels for years and her latest book is well written, captivating and a real page turner.
Not all what I was expecting and in a good way, it covers topics such as where women lived in 1950’s America and boarding houses were a popular choice, unlikely friendships and loneliness, food and sharing it with others, insecurities and jealously, fear of communism in the US at the time, post-natal depression, access to birth control and what was available, sports women played and did it make a lady less feminine to be an athlete, gangsters, crime and corrupt cops and controlling men.
Most of all it's a story about secrets, what goes on behind closed doors, and in people's minds. Five stars from me, The Briar Club is brilliant read and full of so many twists and turns and I predict it will be a best seller! -
There's a reason Kate Quinn is the Queen of Historical Fiction. She's just a brilliant writer and a masterful storyteller. Though this is a bit of a departure from her previous books, her fans are in for another treat with THE BRIAR CLUB. Set in a woman's boarding house in Washington DC during the Cold War, Quinn brings together a rich ensemble cast combined with lyrical prose, a touch of romance, and equal measures of heart and suspense. This novel has it all and will keep you turning pages until the surprising end.
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4 solid stars for the "Briar Club" and it's amazing women of the 1950's!! Really loved this D.C. boarding house set historical of a "found family" of very, very different people all coming together and their quite dramatic Thanksgiving dinner climax. My only quibble was the extremely long chapters about each of the women and at times this just felt so long! But I had a tear or two at the ending and a twist I didn't see coming, so I highly recommend this one.
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The Briar Club represents a change from Kate Quinn’s prior books, which were truly historical fiction. My definition of historical fiction is a story that teaches me something about a prior time period or the people who lived then. This is more fiction that happens to take place in the past. Yes, there’s a lot about McCarthy and the Red Scare, but it's more background noise for the majority of the book. It’s billed as a mystery, but that’s also more of a misnomer, although there are dead bodies, whose identities aren’t made known until the fabulous ending.
The story revolves around a group of eight women who are all renters in a rundown house in 1950’s Washington, DC. One of the boarders begins to bring them together weekly for dinners which finally brings a sense of friendship to the place despite the nasty landlady.
The chapters alternate between each of the residents’ backgrounds and current lives along with chapters told from the perspective of the house itself. Those chapters really didn’t work for me, but I make no secret of my dislike of the supernatural. Quinn could just as easily have moved the murder chapters along with a plain old third person omniscient narrative. The women’s stories also aren’t uniformly interesting, but more were than weren’t. Quinn does an excellent job of moving the story across the 4 years as each woman takes up the storyline.
It’s important to go into this with the right expectations. This is a character driven story and those expecting much in the way of action or murder will be disappointed. Although the ending does a great job of dispensing justice. Those looking for true historical fiction will also be disappointed. Those looking for a lovely women’s lit will be pleased. Once I adjusted my expectations, I ended up really enjoying this.
Make sure to read/listen to the Author’s Notes. I was surprised at how the book came into being and how each of the tenants has their basis in a real person.
I listened to this and Saskia Maarleveld does her normal superb job. -
This is an entertaining, well-written, 1950's historical fiction novel which is based on actual persons and events. It has a diverse cast of interesting characters, a touch of humor, secrets, intrigue, suspense, friendship, a touch of romance, recipes, a surprise appearance, an unexpected twist, and a satisfying conclusion. Ms. Quinn's loyal readers will appreciate the nod to one of her previous novels. The author's notes and the interview with the author and narrator, which is available with the audio book, are interesting and informative, and are truly appreciated. The talented Ms. Saskia Maarleveld, who has a captivating voice, does an outstanding job voicing the characters of the audio book.
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Kate Quinn is an auto-read author for me as she writes excellent, informative and engaging historical fiction. Her latest, The Briar Club is an absorbing, compelling look at the residents of an all-female boarding house in Washington, D.C. set during the turbulent, paranoia-filled (1950s) McCarthy years.
This book is somewhat different from this author’s previous historical fiction reads in that it is more character-driven (although there is a murder that takes place that bookends the novel) and it is not set in this author’s usual WWII setting.
The plot focuses on six strong, relatable women, each with complicated pasts, struggling in a society of fear, distrust, misogyny and sexism. I loved the characters! Each of the women gets her story told and in each, we see how the Briar House residents come to play a big part in helping each other deal with their pasts. I was completely absorbed by these women and loved this story of found friendships. I also enjoyed how the Briarwood House itself was a character.
I loved how the author cleverly interwove the historical events that were happening at the time into each woman’s story, including the Korean War, the Holocaust, the Holodomor famine in Ukraine, and the development of the birth control pill. The story also touched on depression, abuse, loss but also resilience and hope.
This is a quieter novel than this author’s previous novels, but it is just as good as her previous ones, in my opinion. The writing flows off the page, there is a satisfying conclusion and the characters and their stories are so compelling. I had trouble putting the book down and stayed up late reading it. This is historical fiction at its best. Highly recommend! -
“It’s seen three wars, ten presidents, and countless tenants….but until tonight, never a murder.”
Although not my favourite of this author’s work (I prefer her previous style/genre), I think I’ll remember it come Thanksgiving for the next few years! Quinn has taken a different approach and created a character-focused slow burn cozy mystery centered around female friendship and secrets and set against the backdrop of a boardinghouse in Washington, DC during the McCarthy era.
As you can tell from the quote, Briarwood House has a character-like role in this story. Miss Nilsson runs a boarding house for ladies and is at full occupancy with 8 eclectic boarders. Quinn devotes time to each of the tenants and shares their backstory; what led them to Briarwood House, and the secrets they don’t share when they meet with the other ladies in the top-floor apartment. Some of the characters were so interesting, I was sad to arrive at a new chapter and a new boarder! I love Quinn’s message about the need for connection and friendship.
This book is not as fast-paced and intense. Yes, as readers get closer to Thanksgiving 1954 and the aftermath of the tragic event, the story gains speed and the mystery deepens. Yes, the paranoia of the McCarthy era/Red Scare comes through loud and clear in her writing, but the readers’ focus is on the unity and friendships forged during this time in history when anyone could pose as a friend and confidante. I loved the mystery and the chance to become involved in the story.
If you’ve read The Rose Code, you’ll remember Beth. She’s Felicity ‘Fliss’ Orton from 2A’s auntie.
I loved the fantastic cover and the recipes inserted! I made Grace’s Sun Tea and sipped it on the deck as I read this book yesterday.
Fans of slow-burn mystery and character-centered historical fiction will love this one.
I was gifted this copy by Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review. -
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn is a historical novel set around the post McCarthy era around 1950 Washington DC. This novel is slower than many of Quinn’s typical WW2 novels. I find myself waiting for wars and the resistance with strong female heroes. Instead we get a murder, eccentric women, affairs and spies.
The Briar Club is for the ladies the reader meets on the way. They include Pete and Lima the children of the strict boarding House owner, Mrs Nillson, Fliss and her sweet baby, Angela, Nora, Bea, Arlene, Claire, Reka and Grace. Slowly the reader is introduced to each of them and their secretive background stories. They live and meet in a run down boarding house, Briarwood. When Grace moves into the tiny attic in the house she gets everything started. Her eclectic style is appealing to those around her. On Thursday nights Grace hosts dinner parties in her room. Slowly the reader is introduced to other characters in the novel, including the children. The story offers a-lot to keep the reader pulled in and interested. Themes include murder and gangsters. Fear of communism. Lack of trust, loneliness, poverty, friendship, and love. -
4.5 stars
The Briar Club is a historical fiction novel taking place in the 1950s during the McCarthy era. Briarwood House is a boarding house in Washington D.C. and the story follows the different residents living there. There’s a bit of a mystery as you find out early on that police are investigating a murder at Briarwood House in 1954. The bulk of the story is what was taking place in the years before the crime but developments regarding the case are also included throughout the book.
I really enjoyed this one as it featuring some strong and fascinating female characters. After reading the book and then the Author’s Note at the end, I appreciate the historical content that was incorporated into the story. Having said that, the story does lean more to the creative side of historical fiction rather than being strictly fact based. However, Kate Quinn did a great job capturing this era and it’s a book worth reading if you are a fan of the author and the genre.
Thank you William Morrow for sending me an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion. -
THE BRIAR CLUB is now out in stores everywhere across the US! Come see me on tour (tour information on my website,
www.katequinnauthor.com/events/) or drop a review here on Goodreads--I'm so proud to see this book finally hit shelves!
Print, ebook, and audio versions all available from the vendor of your choice here:
https://www.harpercollins.com/product... -
Not sure how to review this one.
First off, it’s not your typical Kate Quinn book. If you’re picking this up expecting a deep historical fiction story it is not going to be that. Instead, it reads more like a collection of short stories, since each chapter is from a different character’s point of view without any repeats (well one does but it’s short).
I guess it’s best to break it down by chapters for ⭐️ rating:
Peter: 1.5
Nora: 4
Reka: 2.5-3
Fliss: 3
Bea: 2.5-3
Clair: 4
Arlene: 3.5
Author’s Note: Actually the best part of the book!
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
This is a very slow character driven story. Most of the chapters feel like they become repetitive within their own character’s story and it made it hard to really get into and enjoy for some of the chapters.
Thank you, WilliamMorrow for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions. -
Kate Quinn’s books tend to become my entire personality when I read them. The author’s note at the end, as well as Kate and Saskia’s interview at the end of the audiobook, are essential to get the full experience of this book.
The Briar Club is the single best thing to come out of the COVID-19 Pandemic. -
4.5 stars
As I continue to work my way through my toppling summer reading TBR, I’ve been trying to prioritize works by my favorite authors first and foremost. Last week, I finished the latest new release by Liz Moore (which I loved) and this week, it’s Kate Quinn’s turn. I’ve read and loved most of Quinn’s 20th century historical novels and her newest work, The Briar Club, is of course no exception. This time around, Quinn takes on 1950s America at the height of McCarthy’s Red Scare, with both the Korean War as well as the aftermath of WWII playing minor roles in the backgrounds of a few of the characters. At the center of the story is the Briarwood House, an all-female boardinghouse in Washington D.C., where, on Thanksgiving Day 1954, a murder has just taken place and the police are on-site investigating. As the police get ready to interview witnesses (of whom there are many – the tenants of the boardinghouse as well as various friends and relatives), we are taken back through the past 4 years leading up to this point, starting from the day that mysterious widow Grace March moves into the closet-like room on the top floor and starts a Thursday night supper club that ends up drawing her eclectic mix of neighbors together.
The structure of the story is a unique one – in between a narrative that alternates between the perspectives of each of the characters where we learn their varying backstories, there are short interstitial sections that return us again and again to the present storyline in 1954, each time revealing more clues about the murder currently being investigated. All these threads converge into an unexpected plot twist in the end that actually had me going back through some of the chapters trying to understand how I missed some of the clues that were staring me in the face. Also, one of the things I found different about this novel compared to Quinn’s previous ones is that the historical elements were more subtle, blended seamlessly into the various characters’ backstories to the point that you kind of have to pay close attention in order to notice them. In this regard, Quinn’s Author Note – which she deliberately puts at the end of the book because it reveals spoilers from the story – is a must-read, as it provides much of the historical context for both the story as well as the characters.
Those who’ve read Quinn’s previous historical novels will notice that she went in a slightly different direction with this one (both story and structure-wise), but one aspect that’s a constant with her works is the focus on strong yet flawed female protagonists and the friendships (as well as rivalries) that are formed as the story progresses. It is also worth mentioning that the tone of this novel overall is much lighter than that of Quinn’s past works, with some subtle humor interspersed throughout the story that is not usually present in her other novels. The biggest indication of this, in my opinion, exists in the interstitial sections from the “present” 1954 timeline, which are all told from the perspective of the Briarwood boarding house (yes, you read that right – the house actually narrates those portions of the story) in contrast to the rest of the chapters which are told from the actual characters’ perspectives. I found this narrative structure quite interesting and in this case, it worked well for the story that Quinn was trying to tell.
I definitely enjoyed this one, though admittedly, it’s not my favorite of Quinn’s novels (which has more to do with me than her, as this particular historical setting – 1950s America, specifically Washington D.C. amidst McCarthyism – is one that I’ve never been too keen on). With that said, the writing is brilliant (as expected), but what blew me away the most is how Quinn wrote her characters – every single character has a distinctive personality as well as a unique backstory to match, yet the way the characters interact with each other when they come together as a group felt so natural. These are characters that, when I got to the end of the story, I honestly did not want to part with and would’ve absolutely been happy reading more about them -- if Quinn ever decides to continue any of these characters’ stories in future works, I am totally there for it!
Received ARC from William Morrow via NetGalley. -
Can I give it more than 5 stars, please?
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4.5⭐️Set during the McCarthy Era in Washington DC, The Briar Club tells the story of an all female boardinghouse in the 1950s. It is broken into 8 chapters, with each one following the life of a woman living there (so yes long chapters). The boarders come from different background, which gives the book a unique perspective and sheds light on life in the US during in the 1950s. This book is different than Quinn’s WWII books. It is more character-driven and a slow-burn, but when the action hits at the end, and everything you leaned about the boarders connects, you really appreciate Quinn’s talent and meticulous research. I particularly loved seeing how the women grew, learned from each other and became a family despite their differences.
Read if you like:
-The McCarthy Era
-Women’s history
-Mystery side storylines
*still deciding on final rating because I lovedddd it when I finished but found some chapters slow -
The Briar Club
By: Kate Quinn
Pub date: July 9, 2024
Publisher: William Morrow
Quinn is such an amazing and talented author. Her stories always transport me to a time and place which engage me while completely immersing me with her characters. She always has strong female protagonists which I appreciate.
1950-Briarwood House is an all-female boardinghouse in the heart of Washington, D.C. The ladies staying at the house all have the reasons and come from different backgrounds.
Fliss is English and a wife and mother. Nora whose gangster boyfriend could prove troublesome as her father is a police officer. Bea is a fascinating woman who used to part of the women’s baseball league. Arlene is political motivated. Grace March is the latest arrival, living in the attic. She has become the one whom everyone draws too with her dinner parties.
When violence tears the women apart they realize someone close to them could be an enemy.
A complex, thought-provoking novel about friendship in D.C at the height of the McCarthy era. Quinn is the queen of historical fiction and I always look forward to her novels. She is an auto-buy for me. -
🌟🌟🌟🌟.3 stars
"The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn is an absolute gem! This is my first book by Kate Quinn, and I'm thrilled! The characters, the setting, the intrigue—everything is beautifully woven together. I was completely engrossed from start to finish!
**Genres & Tropes:**
- Historical Fiction 🕰️
- Mystery 🔍
- Thriller
- Female Friendships
- Secrets & Lies 🗝️
- Found Family 🏠
Imagine a cozy boarding house in 1950s Washington, D.C., filled with fascinating women from all walks of life. That's *The Briar Club* for you! The story kicks off with a bang (literally) in 1954 on Thanksgiving Day with a shocking murder in Grace March's attic room. But then we rewind to 1950 to untangle the lives of the women at Briarwood House.
First off, the characters are superbly crafted. Grace March is the mysterious widow who brings everyone together with her weekly attic dinners and delicious sun tea. There's Nora, entangled with a gangster. Fliss, the beautiful English mother coping with her husband's absence due to the Korean War. Bea, the ex-baseball star frustrated by her career's abrupt end. Arlene, an ardent McCarthy supporter, and Reka, an elderly Hungarian artist turned librarian.
Grace's secretive past adds a layer of suspense as the women bond over shared meals and their struggles. Quinn does an incredible job of fleshing out each character, making them relatable and complex. The pacing is just right, balancing character development with intriguing historical details of the McCarthy era and the Cold War.
The book doesn't rush. It focuses on relationships and personal dramas against a backdrop of political tension. The historical setting is richly detailed, bringing the 1950s to life with authenticity. And that twist? Perfectly executed and deeply satisfying!
Overall, *The Briar Club* is a compelling mix of mystery, historical fiction, and a celebration of female friendships. -
The Briarwood is a "ladies only" boarding house in Washington DC run by Mrs. Nilsson, with many restrictive rules for her tenants, who all keep to themselves. It's 1950 and the post-WWII country is gripped by the Red Scare and the Korean War is about to begin. When Grace March, a lively widow, rents the very small apartment 4B, things start to change. She wants to get to know the women in the house and starts a dinner gathering on Thursdays, the night Mrs. Nilsson plays bridge. We learn from the start that on Thanksgiving, 1954, a murder has taken place. As the story goes back and forth in time, the lives and secrets of the "Briar Club" women come to light. Fliss, a British mother awaits the return of her doctor husband serving overseas. Nora, who comes from a family of policemen, is career-driven and works for the National Archives. She gets involved with a local gangster. Bea, a former baseball player. Claire, a loner saving up to be able buy her own house. Arlene, from Texas, is an unhappy, unlikeable woman, fearful of the threat of communists. Reka, an older woman who is a Hungarian refugee. Mrs. Nilsson's sweet, neglected son Pete, along with his sister Lina, are taken under the wings of the women. As details of the Thanksgiving event are revealed, it becomes clearer that anyone in the house could be a murderer.
While there is a murder to be solved in The Briar Club, Kate Quinn's compelling book is about friendship during an interesting historical period. The book provides a glimpse into the Red Scare years, when the country was poisoned by the views of Senator McCarthy. The mystery of who has been murdered and who is guilty, is an important and intriguing part of the story but doesn't overshadow the stories of the unique, complicated characters and their evolving relationships. While different from Quinn's other books, it was a satisfying read from a talented storyteller.
Review posted on
MicheleReader.com. -
Finished reading: July 11th 2024
"It's seen three wars, ten presidents, and countless tenants... but until tonight, never a murder. Now its walls smell of turkey, pumpkin pie, and blood, and the house is shocked down to its foundations."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
WARNING: it's another unscheduled stop of the unpopular opinion train!!
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3.5 ⭐️
Kate Quinn is the queen 👸🏼 of historical fiction so I was quite shocked to read this book which had a completely different style.
This is the story of a boarding room house in Washington for young women in the 1950’s.. Each chapter (and they are long) told the history of the tenants. Some of the chapters were more cumbersome than others; a definite slow burn. 🔥
The house 🏠 also had its own chapters where it talks about what is happening between the four walls. Almost like a “nosey parker” of the tenants. I quite enjoyed these segments as when I go to any city, I often wonder what lives are like behind the beautiful facades.
In a historical fiction read, I need to come away with more education and I certainly did with this book. I think overall, I didn’t connect with some of the characters. I think if I was to re-read this I would write the characters down as a guide. There were well over 40 characters within the story.
In saying this, the ending was fabulous. As well as the author’s notes. 🗒️ Take your time, I have a feeling that my rating is lower than what others will rate. -
Rtc
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This is a bit of a change up for Kate Quinn. There's a sentient house and a murder mystery.
Don't get me wrong, there are still multiple timelines and perspectives, a war going on, a kind-hearted main character with a shady past you can't help rooting for, and a physically abusive rich guy.
This book is like a new kind of cheese on the hamburger you're used to. Comfortable and familiar with a new twist. -
Wow wow wow what a treat!!!! Obsessed! Its the early 50s and we’re in DC at the Briarwood Boarding House for Women. We meet seven women with very different lives who come together every Thursday for the Briarwood Supper Club. The book is split up into seven parts with each woman getting their own part. Since I was on my kindle, I know that each part took me 45 mins-1 hour to read. So they’re big chunks. You get to know the women SO well in their parts but then also see them appear in all the others. This book covers SO 👏🏻 MUCH 👏🏻 HISTORY 👏🏻 McCarthyism, Korean War, Mobs, the atomic bomb, I love Lucy, the women’s baseball league, segregation, I could go on and on. Oh and the book opens up with the house telling us that a double murder has just occurred. Classic Kate Quinn - historically rich, amazing characters, twists and turns. I feel like I lived in the boarding house with the women. Just loved this so so much. It’s out 7/9
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While this was a bit of a departure from some of Kate's previous WWII historical fiction novels, I absolutely loved the 1950s McCarthy era setting, the female friendship among a group of very different residents living in a Washington D.C. boarding house, The Briarwood house.
The author did a great job telling the story of women's lives in the 1950s and how their roles changed at this time. From an undercover Soviet spy, to a African American former woman's baseball league star, a domestically abused mother, the lover of a gangster, a secret Sapphic romance, plus an excellent exploration of race, class and politics at the time.
Told from the POVs of each woman (and the house itself!), this story is both a murder mystery, a spy thriller, and a heartwarming story of companionship between women who come together to share food (recipes included) and the ups and downs of their individual lives.
Amazing on audio narrated by all time fav, Saskia Maarleveld, this book is perfect for fans of movies like A league of their own and Good night, and good luck and the tv show, The Americans. Readers don't want to miss the audio version with an author's note and an exclusive conversation between Kate and Saskia.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!