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The Angry Women's Choir
'...this is a mighty fun read' - Jessie Tu
Freycinet Barnes has built herself the perfect existence. With beautiful children, a successful husband and a well-ordered schedule, it’s a life so full she simply doesn’t fit.
When she steps outside her calendar and is accidentally thrown into the generous bosom of the West Moonah Women’s Choir, she finds music, laughter, friendship and a humming wellspring of rage. With the ready acceptance of the colourful choristers, Frey learns that voices can move mountains, fury can be kind and life can do with a bit of ruining.
Together, Frey and the choir sing their anger, they breathe it in and stitch it up, belt it out and spin it into a fierce, driving beat that will kick the system square in the balls, and possibly demolish them all.
'If you have forgotten why you're angry, if you've forgotten that you are angry, this laugh-out-loud, sob-out-loud, sing-out-loud book will remind you.' Minnie Darke
'A boisterous tale of music, friendship and women's rights.' Books + Publishing
'Bignell gives us an abundance of truth and laughter. Never a dull moment.' Country Style
Freycinet Barnes has built herself the perfect existence. With beautiful children, a successful husband and a well-ordered schedule, it’s a life so full she simply doesn’t fit.
When she steps outside her calendar and is accidentally thrown into the generous bosom of the West Moonah Women’s Choir, she finds music, laughter, friendship and a humming wellspring of rage. With the ready acceptance of the colourful choristers, Frey learns that voices can move mountains, fury can be kind and life can do with a bit of ruining.
Together, Frey and the choir sing their anger, they breathe it in and stitch it up, belt it out and spin it into a fierce, driving beat that will kick the system square in the balls, and possibly demolish them all.
'If you have forgotten why you're angry, if you've forgotten that you are angry, this laugh-out-loud, sob-out-loud, sing-out-loud book will remind you.' Minnie Darke
'A boisterous tale of music, friendship and women's rights.' Books + Publishing
'Bignell gives us an abundance of truth and laughter. Never a dull moment.' Country Style
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 424 reviews
April 25, 2023
Several complimentary reviews and the intriguing title prompted me to reserve the library audiobook.
To be honest, I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. I consider myself a gold-card feminist, but my contrary personality makes me even more critical of books that appeal to my biases. My qualms were quickly put to rest, as I fell under its charm quite early.
The novel is set in Tasmania, the smallest state in Australia, an island on the SE coast of Australia.
The cast of characters is varied as far as age, origins, and life stories are concerned. I felt invested in everyone's stories. Unsurprisingly, they all have different viewpoints and grievances. The first character we meet, and probably the most developed, is Freycinet Barnes, a middle-aged mother of three, whose main job is looking after the family, chauffeuring the kids to their respective schools and after schools activities. She's a privileged middle-class woman. Then why is she feeling unsettled when on paper she's got a perfect life? One inauspicious day, she gets hit by a car and discovers something unexpected. Enter the West Moonah Women’s Choir, whose characters Freycinet finds fascinating. Their singing is out of this world. When they sing their troubles, Freycinet is hooked.
She's accepted and embraced by the group. She gets to know Rossana, Bizzy, Kyrie, Avni, Irene, Dr Sally, Quin, Mary, and Eleanor.
I cried, laughed and raged.
Meg Bignell not only wrote this terrific novel, but she also did a great job narrating it.
I hope somebody grabs the TV/movie rights for this because it could make for a fantastic mini-series or movie.
Meanwhile, I'll go join the choir, I can't sing, but I've got plenty of built-up anger.
To be honest, I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. I consider myself a gold-card feminist, but my contrary personality makes me even more critical of books that appeal to my biases. My qualms were quickly put to rest, as I fell under its charm quite early.
The novel is set in Tasmania, the smallest state in Australia, an island on the SE coast of Australia.
The cast of characters is varied as far as age, origins, and life stories are concerned. I felt invested in everyone's stories. Unsurprisingly, they all have different viewpoints and grievances. The first character we meet, and probably the most developed, is Freycinet Barnes, a middle-aged mother of three, whose main job is looking after the family, chauffeuring the kids to their respective schools and after schools activities. She's a privileged middle-class woman. Then why is she feeling unsettled when on paper she's got a perfect life? One inauspicious day, she gets hit by a car and discovers something unexpected. Enter the West Moonah Women’s Choir, whose characters Freycinet finds fascinating. Their singing is out of this world. When they sing their troubles, Freycinet is hooked.
She's accepted and embraced by the group. She gets to know Rossana, Bizzy, Kyrie, Avni, Irene, Dr Sally, Quin, Mary, and Eleanor.
I cried, laughed and raged.
Meg Bignell not only wrote this terrific novel, but she also did a great job narrating it.
I hope somebody grabs the TV/movie rights for this because it could make for a fantastic mini-series or movie.
Meanwhile, I'll go join the choir, I can't sing, but I've got plenty of built-up anger.
July 12, 2022
I loved this story so very much, it is witty, laugh out loud funny, emotional, I cried and I yelled and I thought what the hell are they doing a few times as well, this is the story of a group of very different woman who come together as a choir, they are woman activists and music is the revolution of life and emotion, all the emotions, come along and meet theses woman.
Freycinet Barnes literally falls into the hands of the West Moonah Woman’s Choir, Frey has everything, doesn’t she a loving husband three beautiful children and is content but one morning everything seems different and this is the morning that starts the biggest change in her life ever, she is introduced to the choir, Bizzy, Kyrie, Rosanna, Irene, Sally, Eleanor, Mary Quin and Avni, these woman sing beautifully and Frey is introduced to the furies a time to let anger go and sing it away but surely the choir is not for her, or is it?
All these woman have a reason to be there their pasts are very different but music brings them together and now Frey has joined them and together they are going to become the Angry Women’s Choir to get woman the equality they deserve to stand together but emotions run high, there is laughter, tears and anger as they rally.
This story shows friendship, strength and support and is a book I would highly recommend, there are some way out there moments in this one but the powerful emotion and passion that runs through these woman vibrates through the words, this is the first book of MS Bignell’s that I have read it won’t be the last.
My thanks to Penguin AU for a copy to read and review.
Freycinet Barnes literally falls into the hands of the West Moonah Woman’s Choir, Frey has everything, doesn’t she a loving husband three beautiful children and is content but one morning everything seems different and this is the morning that starts the biggest change in her life ever, she is introduced to the choir, Bizzy, Kyrie, Rosanna, Irene, Sally, Eleanor, Mary Quin and Avni, these woman sing beautifully and Frey is introduced to the furies a time to let anger go and sing it away but surely the choir is not for her, or is it?
All these woman have a reason to be there their pasts are very different but music brings them together and now Frey has joined them and together they are going to become the Angry Women’s Choir to get woman the equality they deserve to stand together but emotions run high, there is laughter, tears and anger as they rally.
This story shows friendship, strength and support and is a book I would highly recommend, there are some way out there moments in this one but the powerful emotion and passion that runs through these woman vibrates through the words, this is the first book of MS Bignell’s that I have read it won’t be the last.
My thanks to Penguin AU for a copy to read and review.
March 25, 2023
This book is a riot! What a wild ride of emotions, it’s completely zany and over the top but oh so witty. I absolutely loved the set up of this story with the book revolving around a motley crew of women who band together to form the Angry Woman’s Choir. As a woman and mother it’s just so achingly relatable, this book runs the gamut of emotions, rage inducing, cry laughing and everything in between! Whether you’re a die hard radical feminist or a more moderate one this book has a little bit for everyone. Although I won’t be joining any singing groups any time soon I especially loved the camaraderie and the connection these women had to each other and their “call to alms” their compelling desire to dismantle the patriarchy once and for all. Queue all the crazy shenanigans!
August 25, 2022
Its just as well we all enjoy different books as after reading the 5 star reviews I feel I must have missed something with this one! I found the story far fetched and fanciful and most of the characters unbelievable and often irritating.
November 5, 2022
“Always look for the laughs. And if there are none about, either make some of your own, or go and find them.”
“Don’t just be yourself, be someone kinder, braver and more generous than yourself.”
This is a feminist contemporary fiction set in Tasmania by Australian author Meg Bignell which I read for book club. Freycinet Barnes has a busy suburban life juggling kids, work and her husband’s pressing schedule. One day she is inadvertently thrown into a choir where women meet, chat and sing out their anger together. She meets an assorted bunch of colourful characters including the choir director and activist Bizzy, the beautiful vivacious Rosanna struggling with terminal illness, murderer Eleanor, slowly dementing Irene and outrageous potty-mouth Quin. Together the women deal with their challenges, including Frey herself as an unexpected discovery puts her ordered life into turmoil. The women also work together to stage a protest drawing attention to women’s issues and oppression.
This was a feel good fiction with quirky strong female characters. Somehow I wasn’t totally sold though. The thing I enjoyed most was Rosanna’s list of life tips to pass onto her children interspersed throughout the book. Some of the characters felt like cardboard cutouts and it felt like a tick box exercise of how many issues you can squeeze into one book such as eating disorders, death and dying, infidelity, homelessness, the environment and feminism. Ultimately, although it was fun, it boiled down to privileged white women trying to feel important by hashtagging the crap out of everything, with their achievements and success measured by the number of Facebook likes.
“Don’t just be yourself, be someone kinder, braver and more generous than yourself.”
This is a feminist contemporary fiction set in Tasmania by Australian author Meg Bignell which I read for book club. Freycinet Barnes has a busy suburban life juggling kids, work and her husband’s pressing schedule. One day she is inadvertently thrown into a choir where women meet, chat and sing out their anger together. She meets an assorted bunch of colourful characters including the choir director and activist Bizzy, the beautiful vivacious Rosanna struggling with terminal illness, murderer Eleanor, slowly dementing Irene and outrageous potty-mouth Quin. Together the women deal with their challenges, including Frey herself as an unexpected discovery puts her ordered life into turmoil. The women also work together to stage a protest drawing attention to women’s issues and oppression.
This was a feel good fiction with quirky strong female characters. Somehow I wasn’t totally sold though. The thing I enjoyed most was Rosanna’s list of life tips to pass onto her children interspersed throughout the book. Some of the characters felt like cardboard cutouts and it felt like a tick box exercise of how many issues you can squeeze into one book such as eating disorders, death and dying, infidelity, homelessness, the environment and feminism. Ultimately, although it was fun, it boiled down to privileged white women trying to feel important by hashtagging the crap out of everything, with their achievements and success measured by the number of Facebook likes.
September 1, 2022
“I’m all for stirring things up but the West Moonah Womens Choir manages perfectly well in its steady, peaceful way. The Angry Womens Choir would burn down the world.”
I knew by page three I was going to adore Meg Bignell’s new release, The Angry Womens Choir, as much as I did The Sparkle Pages and Welcome To Nowhere River.
A story of friendship, community and empowerment, it begins when busy wife and mother Freycinet Barnes distractedly steps in front of a moving car. The driver, Kyrie and her passenger Rosanna, are members of the West Moonah Womens Choir, and Freycinet (who dislikes being called Frey) finds herself welcomed into their supportive fold.
The award-winning West Moonah Womens Choir is made up of nine women of different ages and stages of life. They are well known for their traditional repertoire performed at various events in Tasmania, but in private the women transform into The Angry Womens Choir, belting out their large, and small, frustrations and ‘furies’ in song.
“So we have a rebel princess, the actual Liniment Girl, a hero lawyer, a badly behaved genius, a dementing woman, a rising star, a dying woman and a murderess.”
The choir is more than just a group of singers, they are a family who choose to love, support, and celebrate one another, even if they occasionally squabble like siblings. Bignell has created a delightful cast of unique women, some with quite extraordinary histories, all of whom I came to care for, from the formidable choir director Bizzy, to the brave and tragic Rosanna. Despite appearances, and her own doubts, Freycinet, it transpires, fits right in. I enjoyed getting to know her and cheered her on as she struggled to reclaim herself.
Freycinet joins the choir just as they have announced they are going to host their own rally in a few months to protest oppression in all its forms. Naturally there is a strong feminist angle to this theme, but it’s intended as an inclusionary term to encourage empathy and everyday activism. Bignell captures the passion, energy and courage of these women and their campaign to make a difference that will not only better the community, but themselves as well.
Other subplots are weaved neatly into the story including the threat to the choir’s practice space, a shabby historical building which a local councillor is determined to demolish and Freycinet’s daughter’s struggle with an eating disorder. Most of the choir members also have an arc of sorts from an unexpected pregnancy, to a reunion with a lost love.
Though there is plenty of humour, and even moments of sheer absurdity, to be found in The Angry Womens Choir, which are sure to make you laugh out loud, there is real emotional depth to this novel as Bignell explores loss, grief, regret, forgiveness, and rage.
The Angry Womens Choir is witty, impassioned, poignant. A joy to read, I encourage you to #JointheChorus
I knew by page three I was going to adore Meg Bignell’s new release, The Angry Womens Choir, as much as I did The Sparkle Pages and Welcome To Nowhere River.
A story of friendship, community and empowerment, it begins when busy wife and mother Freycinet Barnes distractedly steps in front of a moving car. The driver, Kyrie and her passenger Rosanna, are members of the West Moonah Womens Choir, and Freycinet (who dislikes being called Frey) finds herself welcomed into their supportive fold.
The award-winning West Moonah Womens Choir is made up of nine women of different ages and stages of life. They are well known for their traditional repertoire performed at various events in Tasmania, but in private the women transform into The Angry Womens Choir, belting out their large, and small, frustrations and ‘furies’ in song.
“So we have a rebel princess, the actual Liniment Girl, a hero lawyer, a badly behaved genius, a dementing woman, a rising star, a dying woman and a murderess.”
The choir is more than just a group of singers, they are a family who choose to love, support, and celebrate one another, even if they occasionally squabble like siblings. Bignell has created a delightful cast of unique women, some with quite extraordinary histories, all of whom I came to care for, from the formidable choir director Bizzy, to the brave and tragic Rosanna. Despite appearances, and her own doubts, Freycinet, it transpires, fits right in. I enjoyed getting to know her and cheered her on as she struggled to reclaim herself.
Freycinet joins the choir just as they have announced they are going to host their own rally in a few months to protest oppression in all its forms. Naturally there is a strong feminist angle to this theme, but it’s intended as an inclusionary term to encourage empathy and everyday activism. Bignell captures the passion, energy and courage of these women and their campaign to make a difference that will not only better the community, but themselves as well.
Other subplots are weaved neatly into the story including the threat to the choir’s practice space, a shabby historical building which a local councillor is determined to demolish and Freycinet’s daughter’s struggle with an eating disorder. Most of the choir members also have an arc of sorts from an unexpected pregnancy, to a reunion with a lost love.
Though there is plenty of humour, and even moments of sheer absurdity, to be found in The Angry Womens Choir, which are sure to make you laugh out loud, there is real emotional depth to this novel as Bignell explores loss, grief, regret, forgiveness, and rage.
The Angry Womens Choir is witty, impassioned, poignant. A joy to read, I encourage you to #JointheChorus
July 7, 2022
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Check out this gorgeous cover!
The female characters in The Angry Women's Choir by Meg Bignell are strong, vibrant, bold and boy they are angry! This is a fascinating tale of wisdom, rage, grief and standing up for what you believe in.
Freycinet Barnes is our leading lady who all in one day finds herself hit by a car, sights her husband in an inappropriate situation and accidentally finds herself welcomed into the West Moonah Women’s Choir, where she finds music, friendship and somewhere to vent her rage ‘furies’!
A charming and engaging story with a strong vibe of feminism, activism, friendship and women pulling together in the community. It’s amazing what these women could achieve together. Witty and emotional at times, an inspiring read!
Publication Date 05 July 2022
Publisher Penguin Books Australia (Michael Joseph)
A huge thanks to Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book
Check out this gorgeous cover!
The female characters in The Angry Women's Choir by Meg Bignell are strong, vibrant, bold and boy they are angry! This is a fascinating tale of wisdom, rage, grief and standing up for what you believe in.
Freycinet Barnes is our leading lady who all in one day finds herself hit by a car, sights her husband in an inappropriate situation and accidentally finds herself welcomed into the West Moonah Women’s Choir, where she finds music, friendship and somewhere to vent her rage ‘furies’!
A charming and engaging story with a strong vibe of feminism, activism, friendship and women pulling together in the community. It’s amazing what these women could achieve together. Witty and emotional at times, an inspiring read!
Publication Date 05 July 2022
Publisher Penguin Books Australia (Michael Joseph)
A huge thanks to Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book
March 1, 2023
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**3.5 stars**
The Angry Women's Choir by Meg Bignell. (2022).
Freycinet has built the perfect existence; with beautiful children, a successful husband and a well-ordered schedule, it's a life so full she simply doesn't fit. When she is accidentally thrown into the generous bosom of the West Moonah Women's Choir, she finds music, laughter, friendship and a hummering wellspring of rage. With the ready acceptance of the colorful choristers, Frey learns that voices can move mountains, fury can be find and life can do with a bit of ruining. Together they sing their anger and spin it into a beat that will kick the system in the balls and possibly demolish them all.
I've seen this one around a lot and couldn't help but pick it up. I definitely didn't mind it however I feel like I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I'd been able to read it quicker but alas, life got in the way! The storyline is primarily from Freycinet's point of view but does cover a number of other character's lives. With a strong theme of women's rights and including some colourful characters, readers will learn just what is making these choristers so angry, and the issues each respective woman has, and how that influences their everyday lives. We experience Freycinet developing genuine connections with these women, all while battling some serious dramas at home that are unfortunately all too realistic.
Overall: I'd recommend this novel for anyone who finds the synopsis intriguing and who enjoys stories about empowering women.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**3.5 stars**
The Angry Women's Choir by Meg Bignell. (2022).
Freycinet has built the perfect existence; with beautiful children, a successful husband and a well-ordered schedule, it's a life so full she simply doesn't fit. When she is accidentally thrown into the generous bosom of the West Moonah Women's Choir, she finds music, laughter, friendship and a hummering wellspring of rage. With the ready acceptance of the colorful choristers, Frey learns that voices can move mountains, fury can be find and life can do with a bit of ruining. Together they sing their anger and spin it into a beat that will kick the system in the balls and possibly demolish them all.
I've seen this one around a lot and couldn't help but pick it up. I definitely didn't mind it however I feel like I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I'd been able to read it quicker but alas, life got in the way! The storyline is primarily from Freycinet's point of view but does cover a number of other character's lives. With a strong theme of women's rights and including some colourful characters, readers will learn just what is making these choristers so angry, and the issues each respective woman has, and how that influences their everyday lives. We experience Freycinet developing genuine connections with these women, all while battling some serious dramas at home that are unfortunately all too realistic.
Overall: I'd recommend this novel for anyone who finds the synopsis intriguing and who enjoys stories about empowering women.
July 7, 2022
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Meg’s third book is a joyous read about a group of woman who band together and stand up for what they believe in.
With an eye catching cover and a setting in luscious countryside in Tasmania, many will fall in love with this energetic story.
Freycinet has a great family life and a well organised schedule.
But there are times when she could do with a bit of me time.
So when she accidentally gets pounded by a moving car, she ends up joining The West Moonah Women’s Choir.
There she finds friendship, singing, music and a circle of the angry rages.
But most of all acceptance.
Together they will bond, change the system and sing their hearts out.
A fragile, vulnerable and emotional tale.
The writing is very descriptive and the author directs the audience through many happy and sad moments with the occasional laugh out loud incident.
This novel delivers in places and provides the bookworm with some topical themes woven amongst the pages that will strike a chord with many readers.
Giving an informative insight into the world of choirs and what goes on with the people who are involved.
It’s very clear the support that each lady contributes to the group and is highlighting in each of the subplots and then it’s all is laced together quite well.
With thoughtful and caring ideas, an credible cast of characters, an engaging plot and a local setting this book will be a great addition to oodles of ‘to be read’ piles.
Meg’s third book is a joyous read about a group of woman who band together and stand up for what they believe in.
With an eye catching cover and a setting in luscious countryside in Tasmania, many will fall in love with this energetic story.
Freycinet has a great family life and a well organised schedule.
But there are times when she could do with a bit of me time.
So when she accidentally gets pounded by a moving car, she ends up joining The West Moonah Women’s Choir.
There she finds friendship, singing, music and a circle of the angry rages.
But most of all acceptance.
Together they will bond, change the system and sing their hearts out.
A fragile, vulnerable and emotional tale.
The writing is very descriptive and the author directs the audience through many happy and sad moments with the occasional laugh out loud incident.
This novel delivers in places and provides the bookworm with some topical themes woven amongst the pages that will strike a chord with many readers.
Giving an informative insight into the world of choirs and what goes on with the people who are involved.
It’s very clear the support that each lady contributes to the group and is highlighting in each of the subplots and then it’s all is laced together quite well.
With thoughtful and caring ideas, an credible cast of characters, an engaging plot and a local setting this book will be a great addition to oodles of ‘to be read’ piles.
May 3, 2023
The Angry Women's Choir follows Hobart wife and mother of three, Freycinet Barnes, as she undergoes a period of personal upheaval and catharsis, supported by her fellow members of the West Moonah Women's Choir.
The Angry Women's Choir would have been a resounding 5* for me, but for the fact that the plot seemed to veer off into la-la land at around the 75% point. The behaviour of several well-established characters became inexplicable and there seemed to be just too many dramatic plot developments crammed in one after another, which I felt detracted from the impact of the whole.
Despite this, I'd recommend The Angry Women's Choir as an engrossing and entertaining read to any lover of women's fiction and/or great storytelling. Meg Bignell is a gifted writer with a wicked sense of social satire and a genuine feel for the issues that confront women in modern life.
"The choir shall be a place where we can breathe, where we can share, a place where we need not leave our troubles at the door but bring them in, hand them about and sing them away." (p.x)Freycinet is unwittingly drawn into the warm bosom of the choir one weekday afternoon, when she's hit while distractedly crossing a road by two women driving a Fiat Cinquecento in suburban New Town. After clearing her of any serious injury, Kyrie and Rosanna Kalbfell invite Freycinet to join them at their choir meeting at Laetare Gardens (a somewhat dilapidated function centre which once stood in the nearby suburb of West Moonah, the site of innumerable weddings and school formals).
Aided by the advice and support of the choir members, Frey navigates her dissatisfaction with her life, the realisation of her husband's infidelity and the challenges faced by her teenaged children. Meanwhile, other members of the choir face challenges such as living with terminal illness, loneliness, advancing dementia, grief and reconciliation with past trauma. A constant theme throughout is the subjugation of women in society and the influence of toxic masculinity on the lives of women, young and old. It's a read that's alternately amusing, infuriating, heart-rending and provocative.
The Angry Women's Choir would have been a resounding 5* for me, but for the fact that the plot seemed to veer off into la-la land at around the 75% point. The behaviour of several well-established characters became inexplicable and there seemed to be just too many dramatic plot developments crammed in one after another, which I felt detracted from the impact of the whole.
Despite this, I'd recommend The Angry Women's Choir as an engrossing and entertaining read to any lover of women's fiction and/or great storytelling. Meg Bignell is a gifted writer with a wicked sense of social satire and a genuine feel for the issues that confront women in modern life.
October 19, 2022
Leon (my husband) started listening to this book after hearing Meg Bignell read a sample at Hobart's Festival of Voices - a community choir event in the city where this book is set. I thought it would be about a woman finding herself after having children. Which is might be, but it's also trying to be about 300 things at the same time and it's too much. It looks at female friendships and community and cancer property development and feminism and I think it was about to start an anorexia plot-line. It was annoying me, and then I had to stop when Frey, who is upset because she doesn't have a career goes down the other corridor in the top floor of her house. Some acknowledgement of her privilege at some point would have been nice. This book has a very old-fashioned feminist view, with the whole "it's a lot of dirty nappies", rather than looking for balance. Leon decided to quite when Grace, the daughter, goes into her brother's room and gives him a lecture about how the song he is listening to is misogynistic. We are feminists, but this book contains whole paragraphs of lecturing. And now I'm writing this review I realise there are at least 15 female characters and there are about three men and they are all lairs and cheats and sexual predators.
It's a shame, because it was very well read by Meg.
It's a shame, because it was very well read by Meg.
June 25, 2022
Brilliant, uplifting and inspiring. My favourite book of 2022 so far.
February 5, 2023
Fabulous, humorous and covers a range of issues. The Hobart setting was perfect. Listening to the audiobook meant I was able to listen to some songs too. One I'd like to experience again. Brilliant.
July 5, 2022
This book! I laughed, I cried, I raged, I giggled in glee, I CHEERED! 🙌
THE ANGRY WOMEN’S CHOIR hit me in the heart over & over again. This book delivers the feels in spades!
I felt like I was conversing with friends the whole time I was immersed within this story of beautiful, wonderful, interesting women and their little choir that starts a powerful movement.
There were times I laughed out loud & others when the book even had me contributing out loud, “No, she didn’t!” “Get ‘em, girl!” as if I was gabbing with friends. The little twists in the tale wowed me & the whole journey had me enthralled.
THE ANGRY WOMEN’S CHOIR was entertaining, moving, uplifting and simply brilliant. Such fantastic Aussie fiction.
I loved every page & this is absolutely one of my favourite books of the year.
A massive thank you to Penguin Books for a gifted copy of this book.
THE ANGRY WOMEN’S CHOIR hit me in the heart over & over again. This book delivers the feels in spades!
I felt like I was conversing with friends the whole time I was immersed within this story of beautiful, wonderful, interesting women and their little choir that starts a powerful movement.
There were times I laughed out loud & others when the book even had me contributing out loud, “No, she didn’t!” “Get ‘em, girl!” as if I was gabbing with friends. The little twists in the tale wowed me & the whole journey had me enthralled.
THE ANGRY WOMEN’S CHOIR was entertaining, moving, uplifting and simply brilliant. Such fantastic Aussie fiction.
I loved every page & this is absolutely one of my favourite books of the year.
A massive thank you to Penguin Books for a gifted copy of this book.
November 30, 2022
5 stars for the topic
2 stars for the execution.
Really enjoyed aspects of this book, but felt the author tried to cover too many topics in one bite, rather than giving one or two the deeper credit they deserve. Also recognise that one doesn't need to love something for it to be important, so feel very comfortable to disregard my rating. Others may hold this tome up as a voice for the ages. Credit to them and the author if they do.
Added joy if you've ever been to Tasmania.
Disclosure. I'm a middle aged white person who identifies as supporting good human behaviour independent of gender, race, social standing or any other way of splintering humanity
2 stars for the execution.
Really enjoyed aspects of this book, but felt the author tried to cover too many topics in one bite, rather than giving one or two the deeper credit they deserve. Also recognise that one doesn't need to love something for it to be important, so feel very comfortable to disregard my rating. Others may hold this tome up as a voice for the ages. Credit to them and the author if they do.
Added joy if you've ever been to Tasmania.
Disclosure. I'm a middle aged white person who identifies as supporting good human behaviour independent of gender, race, social standing or any other way of splintering humanity
March 16, 2023
2 ⭐️ feels generous. I listened to this on audio. It is a book that some choir members have been reading so I thought it might be fun. At least as an audio I could listen whilst driving, otherwise hours would have been wasted. I always finish books so this was a real struggle. The problem is that the book is just a hotchpot of tropes all thrown in together. It is never clear what the choir really achieves and sometimes if it ever sings. The audio version was also let down by dreadful caricatures of accents.
January 24, 2023
Thank you to Penguin Australia for sending me a copy of this book to review!
Freycinet (yes, this book is set in Tasmania) appears to have the perfect life: beautiful accomplished children, a successful husband and so on. When she takes a different path during her daughter’s dance lesson she is hit by a car - literally, but not seriously. Through the women who hit her, she is introduced to the West Moonah Women’s Choir, where she finds music, friendship….and rage.
What I liked about this book: the life lessons written by one of the choir’s dying members at the end of each chapter, and the fierce devotion young Lily displays towards her teenage sister Grace.
Other than the above, I’m afraid this book didn’t resonate with me at all. It tries to cover terminal cancer, infidelity, eating disorders and the feminism movement amongst other smaller threads, but doesn’t really do any of them justice. Second book this month that has attempted all the topics in one book! Annoying!
In addition, I found the storyline completely over the top and the characters cartoonish. There were some funny moments, but for me, all they succeeded in doing was confirming my view that this was the book version of watching a cartoon. Perhaps more suited to those who enjoy chick lit and/or comedy, but just not for me unfortunately. ⭐️⭐️/5.
Freycinet (yes, this book is set in Tasmania) appears to have the perfect life: beautiful accomplished children, a successful husband and so on. When she takes a different path during her daughter’s dance lesson she is hit by a car - literally, but not seriously. Through the women who hit her, she is introduced to the West Moonah Women’s Choir, where she finds music, friendship….and rage.
What I liked about this book: the life lessons written by one of the choir’s dying members at the end of each chapter, and the fierce devotion young Lily displays towards her teenage sister Grace.
Other than the above, I’m afraid this book didn’t resonate with me at all. It tries to cover terminal cancer, infidelity, eating disorders and the feminism movement amongst other smaller threads, but doesn’t really do any of them justice. Second book this month that has attempted all the topics in one book! Annoying!
In addition, I found the storyline completely over the top and the characters cartoonish. There were some funny moments, but for me, all they succeeded in doing was confirming my view that this was the book version of watching a cartoon. Perhaps more suited to those who enjoy chick lit and/or comedy, but just not for me unfortunately. ⭐️⭐️/5.
May 13, 2022
Wow. Just wow. I don’t even know where to begin with a review for this book. It’s been a while since I’ve connected so strongly with a book, and this one has just floored me. Each of the characters in this book are colourful, represent different personalities, backgrounds and experiences, going through their own passage of life and healing. This book opened a void I’ve been carrying in my own heart and encouraged me to look at the grief differently, to truly heal and find new ways to honour what and who I’ve lost and embrace the warmth and strength of the loss.
I want to climb a tree now. Be closer to someone who is no longer with me but still holds the biggest part of my heart. I want to listen to the music which causes tears to fall uncontrollably whenever I hear the first bars of the song.
This book, like any book, will not be for everyone. The biggest power of reading is how it appeals to every reader differently. For me, this book started with a little bit of intrigue and “where the fuck is this going to go?”, to me balling my eyes out over a single line, one that just grabs you by the balls and tells you to listen. This book was a journey, not just for the characters in the book, but for me as well. The power of words is truly incredible.
I want to climb a tree now. Be closer to someone who is no longer with me but still holds the biggest part of my heart. I want to listen to the music which causes tears to fall uncontrollably whenever I hear the first bars of the song.
This book, like any book, will not be for everyone. The biggest power of reading is how it appeals to every reader differently. For me, this book started with a little bit of intrigue and “where the fuck is this going to go?”, to me balling my eyes out over a single line, one that just grabs you by the balls and tells you to listen. This book was a journey, not just for the characters in the book, but for me as well. The power of words is truly incredible.
July 5, 2023
I’m afraid I do not understand why this book has such a high rating. It was far too long and drawn out. I couldn’t believe it when I was halfway through and there were still so many pages left! The only reason I finished it was because we were moving house and all of my other books were already packed away.
The other problem is that the plot and some of the characters are overdone. For instance, the character of Quin is meant to be funny but I found her overdone and rather irritating. I won’t spoil the plot but there were several events, particularly towards the end, that had me rolling my eyes.
I wholeheartedly agree with the causes championed by the choir but sadly this book is a no from me.
The other problem is that the plot and some of the characters are overdone. For instance, the character of Quin is meant to be funny but I found her overdone and rather irritating. I won’t spoil the plot but there were several events, particularly towards the end, that had me rolling my eyes.
I wholeheartedly agree with the causes championed by the choir but sadly this book is a no from me.
February 12, 2023
2.5 if I had have realised this was the same author as the Sparkle Pages I wouldn’t have read it. Starts off well then descends into stereotypes, a linear plot and simplistic representations of gender and issues. Mindless. I guess for those that like this type of holiday read, give it a go. Not for me.
August 26, 2023
This is a book that keeps building. It is a book that will strike a chord, that sweeps you along, slowly at first with stuttering notes, but by the end reaches a glorious Crescendo. There is such beauty, such ugliness, so many raw human flaws yet such simple hope. I loved it.
June 16, 2024
what a wild ride of a book
August 16, 2024
I Throughly loved the audio book. I laughed, cried, and cheered.
August 31, 2024
Don't let the title put you off, I really enjoyed this book! It has a great message, and lots of LOL moments to counteract the sad ones. Well written.
September 17, 2022
This brilliant and poignant book was a balm during a time of grief for me. Thank you Meg Bignell.
And the concept of turning anger into something beautiful, anger as an art form, was a revelation. Highly recommended.
And the concept of turning anger into something beautiful, anger as an art form, was a revelation. Highly recommended.
November 13, 2022
An uplifting tale of female empowerment set in Hobart, Tasmania. What's not to like?
I'll welcome anything encouraging women to smash the patriarchy and tackle toxic masculinity head-on. Still, at times I found myself scratching my head at how the book treats obvious truths as stunning revelations.
⭐ ⭐ 1/2
I'll welcome anything encouraging women to smash the patriarchy and tackle toxic masculinity head-on. Still, at times I found myself scratching my head at how the book treats obvious truths as stunning revelations.
⭐ ⭐ 1/2
May 18, 2024
I was so invested in this book! The characters were brought to life just magically. Quirky, strong, ranging in age and life experience - an excellent cast of women!
A feminist book at heart. Set is Tasmania.
Just a beautiful premise!
I took photos of so many sayings, bits of advice or funny lines!
I wanted more, more, more!
A feminist book at heart. Set is Tasmania.
Just a beautiful premise!
I took photos of so many sayings, bits of advice or funny lines!
I wanted more, more, more!
January 24, 2024
This read like the author threw every idea she had workshopped for a novel into one book - such a mish-mash of ideas and story lines! There were at least four good stories in there that each individually could have been developed into a great novel. Instead it's just a mess! Great cover though.
February 6, 2023
I loved this book. The story was almost a musical version of the March for Justice. Anger tempered with humour, and a touch of law breaking 😉. A book full of women's stories
February 8, 2023
Neither the characters nor the plot seemed believable to me.
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