The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore is praised for its heartwarming narrative and richly developed characters. Reviewers laud the book’s portrayal of friendship and personal growth. However, some feel the plot is predictable and occasionally slow. Overall, it's seen as an engaging read for those who enjoy feel-good stories.

MLA: The Lonely Hearts Book Club. By Lucy Gilmore.

Readers who enjoy heartwarming tales of unlikely friendships and bookish camaraderie, akin to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, will find delight in Lucy Gilmore’s The Lonely Hearts Book Club. Ideal for fans of character-driven narratives and emotionally uplifting stories.

In The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore, small-town librarian Sloane Parker, isolated by her sister's death, begins to reconnect with life through an unexpected friendship with Arthur McLachlan, a difficult elderly library patron. Together they form a book club that grows to include neighbors and coworkers, discovering the power of literature, unlikely friendships, and community support along the way.

Heartwarming / Romantic / Humorous / Nostalgic / Emotional

**Sloane Parker**  
A librarian in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, engaged to Brett Marcowitz, who finds herself taking more independent action in life as she forms new friendships beyond her insular world.

**Arthur McLachlan**  
A retired literature professor and regular library patron who slowly opens up after developing an unexpected friendship with Sloane, leading to his involvement in the Racing in the Rain Book Club.

**Maisey Phillips**  
A tele-psychic and neighbor to Arthur, whose involvement in the Racing in the Rain Book Club helps alleviate her loneliness and complicated relationship with her daughter.

**Mateo Sharpe**  
An employee at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library who embarks on a journey of self-discovery with encouragement from his new friends and the book club.

**Greg McLachlan**  
Arthur’s grandson, who visits Coeur d’Alene following his mother’s death, seeking connection with his estranged grandfather and community through the book club.

Lucy Gilmore

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Before You Read

Explore The Lonely Hearts Book Club reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Lonely Hearts Book Club | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Lonely Hearts Book Club and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Lonely Hearts Book Club Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Lonely Hearts Book Club Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Sloane” - Part 2: “Maisey”

Parts 1-2

The Lonely Hearts Book Club Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Mateo” - Part 4: “Greg”

Parts 3-4

The Lonely Hearts Book Club Parts 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Arthur” - Part 6: “Sloane”

Parts 5-6

The Lonely Hearts Book Club Parts 5-6 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Lonely Hearts Book Club Character Analysis

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Themes

The Lonely Hearts Book Club Themes

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The Lonely Hearts Book Club Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Lonely Hearts Book Club Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Lonely Hearts Book Club Essay Topics

The Lonely Hearts Book Club

Before You Read

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