As an avid reader, from time to time I will share what I’ve been reading and what I thought about it. Don’t expect a formal book review – I won’t dissect the symbolism, analyze the prose, or spoil the ending. Consider this more of a conversation between friends: what I liked, what I didn’t, and whether I think the book deserves a spot on your reading list.
Published in May 2026, The Calamity Club is the second novel by Kathryn Stockett, whose debut novel The Help was a tremendous success.
Set in 1933 in Oxford Mississippi, the Great Depression is underway as the novel follows the lives of three main characters: Meg Lefleur, Birdie Calhoun, and Charlie Lefleur, and a host of secondary characters as they face the ups and downs of gender equality, economic hardships, and family betrayal. This 656 page book alternates between Meg’s and Birdie’s stories painting a historical-fiction portrait of what women needed to do to survive – and how friendship among a rather unique group of women helped them do just that.
I am a tangible reader. I like a book in my hands. I like the weight of it, the feel of the pages, and the satisfaction of physically turning one page after another. Give me paper and a bookmark over a screen or a set of earbuds any day. But, 656 pages gave even me pause.
My friend Sarah told me that several of her fellow teachers had read this book as soon as it came out, and they all gave it outstanding reviews. I read the plot summary and decided to give it a try, but was extremely doubtful I had the patience to cover that many pages from one book. Lucky for me, I found a free audio version and downloaded it. The audio is a cool 28 hours and 44 minutes.
I started listening about six weeks ago while Sarah and I were on our friend vacation. I put in my earbuds and walked laps in the pool while listening to the story. More than once, I caught myself chuckling or outright laughing. Thankfully, the pool wasn’t crowded, so I only looked moderately unhinged!
I agree with many other reader reviews that the first third of the book is fantastic and I did not want to stop listening. The middle third drags, and one particular storyline seemed completely unbelievable to me . Then I listened to the author’s notes and discovered that it was a believable practice. The final third picks up again and delivers a few surprises. I was satisfied with the ending, although I wanted just a little bit more closure.
My favorite character was Meg Lefleur, an 11-year-old orphan living at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum after her mother disappears. She is smart and sassy. She reads people well and is a hoot. One escapade tells how during Bible Study hour at “The Orphan” (as it is called), Meg draws a picture titled “Jesus Gives Judas the Finger”. Any adult would be horrified to see such a drawing, but Meg’s explanation makes it even more hilarious. That drawing pretty much tells you everything you need to know about Meg – and sets the tone for life at The Orphan.
My least favorite character was Garnett Pittman. Every book needs a villain and Garnett is a very good one. She is the chairwoman of The Orphan and despises Meg. Her antagonistic behavior is soul depleting. With every mention of her name, you will find yourself seething, clenching your jaw, and just waiting for her to get her comeuppance.
Birdie Calhoun is the book’s main narrator. A bookkeeper by trade, she’s no-nonsense, outspoken, unmarried, and possesses a heart of gold. She also has some serious older-sister tendencies – she worries, meddles and puts everyone else before herself. Her small-town naivete’ shows when the women begin plotting to save the Tartt mansion. Somewhere in the middle of the book, Birdie got on my nerves, but she redeemed herself by the end.
The supporting cast is equally colorful: formidable matriarchs, a female medical student, a lady of the night from North Dakota, and enough strong personalities to keep Oxford gossiping for years.
The best and worst thing about this book – the length! As much as it pains this tangible, page-turning reader to admit it, I am grateful I chose the audiobook. One woman narrates Meg, and another narrates all of the remaining characters. Jenna Lamia absolutely brings Meg to life. She puts just enough sass into the Southern accent of 11-year old Meg that you can practically see her standing in front of you. Whether Meg is speaking venomously about Mrs. Garnett Pittman or with soft affection about Tom, Lamia makes her feel real. I couldn’t wait for the Meg chapters. For me, Jenna Lamia is the star of the audiobook!
So, does The Calamity Club belong on your reading list?
I say yes – with a little patience.
It’s long. Parts of it drag. I wanted more from the ending, and at least once wondered where on earth Kathryn Stockett was taking me. But, the characters kept pulling me back, especially Meg.
If historical fiction, strong women, complicated friendships, a little heartbreak, and plenty of humor are your thing, give this one a try. And if 656 pages make you want to quietly return it to the shelf, take my advice and listen instead.
Twenty-eight hours and forty-four minutes sounds like a commitment – but Meg Lefleur alone might just be worth the earbuds.
Until next time,
-Molly