Birdie Stauffer takes her chances and auditions for the All-Female Versatile Quartet of the Westdale Chautauqua Circuit in the 1920's. Despite her sister, Lydia's, initial disapproval, Birdie is accepted and makes it a quintet on account of not only her trombone skills, but her amazing whistling. Birdie is joined by her friend Helen, a pianist, Flo, a brash harpist, Mary, a sweet violinist and Adelle, a tough banjo player. However, Lydia imposes a condition on Birdie's adventure, she must come back with a marriage proposal. Birdie finds a new freedom travelling with the Chautauqua circuit, even though the Quintet gets off to a rough start, Birdie grows in her skills, her friendships and knowledge of the world. Birdie has two romances on the tour, one that satisfies Lydia and one that satisfies herself. Once the tour is over, Birdie must decide to live a life that her sister chooses or a life for herself.
Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a historical fiction novel centering around the Chautauqua Circuit in the 1920's. Using her grandmother's Chautauqua CIrcuit Scrapbook, the author is able to detail aspects of the Chautauqua circuit and make it come to life. I enjoyed learning about the Chautauqua assemblies; despite living near where they originated, I was unaware of their existence. The characters were all complex and unique. Helen was an amazing friend and composer, who was clearly hiding a secret. I loved Flo's brashness and her resilience in the face of trauma. Adelle was a hardened leader, with a soft heart, and Mary was welcoming and understanding. I felt for Birdie as she went from a very sheltered environment under her sister's thumb to a worldly experience on the Circuit. Birdie's journey was one of growth and self discovery as she learned who she was, what she needs, how to stand up for herself and be a friend. Through several traumatic incidents and living life on the road, Birdie is able to experience more of the world and figure out her place in it. Her romances were unexpected and tumultuous, moving the plot along. I wish Lydia would have grown along with Birdie, however, I was glad that she had a friend in Lydia's husband, Gerald. Overall, an amazing heartfelt story of personal growth.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a historical fiction novel centering around the Chautauqua Circuit in the 1920's. Using her grandmother's Chautauqua CIrcuit Scrapbook, the author is able to detail aspects of the Chautauqua circuit and make it come to life. I enjoyed learning about the Chautauqua assemblies; despite living near where they originated, I was unaware of their existence. The characters were all complex and unique. Helen was an amazing friend and composer, who was clearly hiding a secret. I loved Flo's brashness and her resilience in the face of trauma. Adelle was a hardened leader, with a soft heart, and Mary was welcoming and understanding. I felt for Birdie as she went from a very sheltered environment under her sister's thumb to a worldly experience on the Circuit. Birdie's journey was one of growth and self discovery as she learned who she was, what she needs, how to stand up for herself and be a friend. Through several traumatic incidents and living life on the road, Birdie is able to experience more of the world and figure out her place in it. Her romances were unexpected and tumultuous, moving the plot along. I wish Lydia would have grown along with Birdie, however, I was glad that she had a friend in Lydia's husband, Gerald. Overall, an amazing heartfelt story of personal growth.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
