The Boxcar Librarian brings a fresh twist to Depression-era fiction with a little-known slice of American history: a converted train car library rolling through rural Montana. We follow three strong-willed women—Millie, Alice, and Colette—across decades, each carrying secrets and stories worth telling.
Millie’s job with the Federal Writers’ Project starts as damage control but quickly turns into a mystery involving sabotage, lost trust, and one vanished librarian. Back in time, Alice dreams up the boxcar library. And Colette? She’s tough, haunted, and on a path that’s anything but straight.
The shifting timelines and rotating points of view can get a bit choppy, especially in shorter chapters. I wouldn’t have minded longer sections to settle into each character. Also, despite the title, the boxcar library itself felt more like a side plot than the star of the show.
Still, this one stands out for spotlighting American history on home turf, not across the ocean. The historical research is solid, and the audiobook is a gem—great narration. Fans of layered female-driven fiction with grit and heart will enjoy this ride.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**Thanks to Edelweiss and William Morrow for the review copy. Opinions are my own.