The Chilbury Ladies' Choir

A Novel

By: Jennifer Ryan

Narrated by: Various

"Just because the men have gone to war, why do we have to close the choir? And precisely when we need it most!"

As England enters World War II's dark early days, spirited music professor Primrose Trent, recently arrived to the village of Chilbury, emboldens the women of the town to defy the Vicar's stuffy edict to shutter the church's choir in the absence of men and instead "carry on singing." Resurrecting themselves as "The Chilbury Ladies' Choir," the women of this small village soon use their joint song to lift up themselves, and the community, as the war tears through their lives.

Told through letters and journals, THE CHILBURY LADIES' CHOIR moves seamlessly from budding romances to village intrigues to heartbreaking matters of life and death. As we come to know the struggles of the charismatic members of this unforgettable outfit-- a timid widow worried over her son at the front; the town beauty drawn to a rakish artist; her younger sister nursing an impossible crush and dabbling in politics she doesn't understand; a young Jewish refugee hiding secrets about her family, and a conniving midwife plotting to outrun her seedy past-- we come to see how the strength each finds in the choir's collective voice reverberates in her individual life. In turns funny, charming and heart-wrenching, this lovingly executed ensemble novel will charm and inspire, illuminating the true spirit of the women on the homefront, in a village of indomitable spirit, at the dawn of a most terrible conflict.


This audiobook includes popular versions of classical music sung by women’s choirs, including the songs Abide with Me and All Creatures, Ave Maria, and The Lord's My Shepherd

Cast of Narrators:
Gabrielle Glaister
Laura Kirman
Imogen Wilde
Adjoa Andoh
Tom Clegg
Mike Grady

Critic reviews

“A delightful debut.”—People

“This well-written and absorbing tale will stay with the reader for a long time to come.”—Bookreporter

"Compelling and exquisitely wrought.”—Bookpage

“These strong, unforgettable characters will keep you reading late into the night. I could not put this wonderful book down.”—The Missourian

“There's so much happening in Chilbury: intrigue, romance and an unforgettable cast of characters who aren’t always as they appear. The Chilbury Ladies' Choir is a charming slice of English wartime life that warms the soul like a hot toddy.”—Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls

“Lyrical, poetic, emotional, funny, endearing, surprising—it is a masterpiece.”—Veronica Henry, author of An Eligible Bachelor

“The Chilbury Ladies' Choir sinks you deep inside the rich, intricate atmosphere of an English village in the middle of war, when quiet lives are upended and secrets unravel. With her unforgettable characters and vivid narrative, Jennifer Ryan creates the kind of wartime novel that plays out over the intimate territory of the human heart—full of soul, full of hope. You’ll be thinking about this book long after the last page turns.”—Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of A Hundred Summers and The Secret Life of Violet Grant

“World War II in an English village seen through the eyes of the most delicious cast of characters you’ll ever meet—The Chilbury Ladies' Choir is a masterpiece of secrets, misdirection, village gossip, and gleeful disregard for anything but the main chance, as the Home Front learns to carry on. Seldom do you find a writer with such a deft touch—Jennifer Ryan sweeps the reader along to the very last page in a remarkable debut.”—Charles Todd, New York Times bestselling author of the Inspector Ian Rutledge series

Charming, Delightful

This is a delightful, charming novel set during WWII in a small English village where most of the men have gone off to war, leaving mainly women in the village to tend the homefires.

The story is filled with intrigue, heartbreak and triumphs of small town living all set against a backdrop of war.

I listened to this on audio, read by an ensemble cast of actors, and thought it added to the experience. In fact, I think I wouldn't have liked it quite as much if I had just read it myself. Since the novel is written in letters and journal entries each character comes to life with their own unique voice, especially the character of Mrs. Edwina Paltry, the town's conniving midwife. The reader is perfect for the part!

The ending is all wrapped up in a neat little bow, and while I usually find that a little off putting and contrived, I thought it was rather perfect for this book (similar to the ending of the Help). Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fast, enjoyable read.

Great story, wonderful performance!

I absolutely loved this book. I love epistolary novels. Once I began listening, I couldn't stop. The performance is marvelous. I finished it far too quickly because now I'm missing the characters. I will definitely listen to this book again.

Why did this book have to end?

The characters were positively enduring. The audible voices were shear joy! The setting , characters and stories an absolute delight. I'm begging for more!

Good first book

very much enjoyed the narrators reading this book. also engaging story plot . nice to hear a book without expletives and violence.

A Delightful Story.....

Would you listen to The Chilbury Ladies' Choir again? Why?

yes, I would listen to this again, mainly because of the variety of narrators, giving every person their own voice.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

The enthusiasm in Kitty's voice........no matter the circumstances.....even at her young age...showed strength, compassion to everyone around her. Believing, if we stand together, we will always win.

Any additional comments?

Loved, loved listening to this book. The music, all the different narrators voices......if you like PBS Call The Midwife, Downton Abbey, etc, you will not be disappointed.