Naomi Weisman is the writer of Nomi's Pics and the editor of the Rambler Cafe Blog. She is a Canadian-Australian and mother of three who loves to Ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
This month we're travelling to Victorian London, where books are considered dangerous by some, women are expected to know their place, and a quiet act of rebellion begins with a shared love of reading.
In The Secret Book Society, four women from very different walks of life come together through a hidden book club. What begins as an opportunity to read and discuss books becomes something much more meaningful—a place of friendship, support, and personal growth.
Like many of Madeline Martin's novels, this story celebrates the ways books can change lives, open minds, and bring people together.
About the Author
Madeline Martin is a bestselling author known for historical fiction that highlights the importance of books, libraries, and storytelling. Her novels often feature women facing difficult circumstances who discover resilience, purpose, and connection through literature and community.
Readers may recognize her from The Last Bookshop in London, The Librarian Spy, The Keeper of Hidden Books, and The Booklover's Library. Her stories frequently explore how books can provide comfort, courage, and hope during challenging times.
Before You Read
As you begin the novel, you might consider:
- What role do books play in your own life?
- Have you ever read a book that changed the way you think about something?
- Why might reading have been considered threatening in some societies?
- What makes a good book club—or a good community?
A Little Historical Context
The novel takes place in London in 1895, during the late Victorian era. Women had limited legal rights and were often expected to focus on marriage, family, and maintaining social appearances. Many decisions about a woman's life, finances, and future were controlled by fathers or husbands.
At the same time, change was beginning to happen. Literacy rates were rising, women were becoming more vocal about their rights, and the suffrage movement was gaining momentum. Against this backdrop, a secret book club becomes more than a place to discuss novels—it becomes a place where women can question expectations, share ideas, and imagine different possibilities for themselves.
Themes to Watch For
The Power of Books
Books offer far more than entertainment in this story. They provide knowledge, inspiration, comfort, and a glimpse of lives beyond the restrictions these women face.
Friendship and Community
The women enter the Society carrying different burdens and challenges. Their friendships become a source of strength, encouragement, and understanding.
Finding Your Voice
Each woman is searching for something—confidence, independence, purpose, or freedom. The novel explores the courage it takes to speak up and make choices for yourself.
Expectations and Freedom
The story highlights the limitations placed on women in Victorian society while showing the many ways they pushed against those boundaries.
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Which of the women in the Secret Book Society did you find yourself rooting for the most?
Was there one whose story stayed with you after you finished the book? -
Were you surprised by the restrictions placed on women in Victorian England?
Which aspects of their lives felt the most frustrating—or perhaps familiar? -
The women risked a great deal simply to read and meet together. Why do you think books were viewed as such a threat?
Can you think of a book that changed the way you see the world? -
How important was the Secret Book Society itself to the story?
Do you think the women would have found the same strength and confidence without that community? -
Did you enjoy the book?
What was your favourite part—and would you recommend it to another reader?
One of the reasons I chose The Secret Book Society for our July read is that it combines several things many of us seem to enjoy: historical fiction, strong female characters, friendship, and, of course, books.
I'm particularly curious to learn more about the four women at the heart of the story and how their secret book club shapes their lives. The Victorian setting also promises an interesting glimpse into a time when reading, education, and independence could be far more complicated for women than they are today.
As we read this month, I'll be interested to hear which characters resonate with you, what surprises you about the period, and whether this is a book you would recommend to others.
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