The Calamity Club

By Kathryn Stockett

Book Overview

"So immersive, exciting, and downright fabulous, you never want it to end."--Oprah Daily

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * The multimillion-copy-selling author of The Help returns with a bold, big-hearted novel about a group of unbreakable women, fighting for what's rightfully theirs--and the power of friendship to change everything.

"Pure, hell-raising entertainment."--The New York Times Book Review

Oxford, Mississippi, 1933.

Abandoned by her mother one Christmas Eve, eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Now one of the unadoptable "big girls" at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, she fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed.

Birdie Calhoun, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford to ask her socialite sister to help the struggling family she's left behind. But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie discovers her sister's seemingly charmed life is a tapestry of lies.

Then, Birdie encounters Charlie, a woman running low on luck with little left to lose. When their fates--and Meg's--converge, Charlie comes up with an audacious plan for them to take control of their lives. But in a place and time where hypocrisy is rife and women's freedom is fragile, even the smallest act of defiance can have dangerous consequences.

The Calamity Club will make you laugh, cry, and cheer--an epic testament to underestimated women who know that calamity can be the spark of new beginnings. This is Kathryn Stockett at her most confident, heartfelt, and hilarious--the triumphant return of one of the most beloved storytellers of our time.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1954118813
• ISBN13: 9781954118812
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Spiegel & Grau
• Length: 656 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.0" x 6.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Riviting historical fiction

Thanks to NetGalley and Spiegel & Grau for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own unless otherwise noted. This is one of those books everyone seems to be reading right now and it’s really as good as the rave reviews claim. I couldn’t wait to read it as I loved “The Help,” Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 novel. But would it live up to the buzz? The answer is “YES!” This is the kind of book I couldn’t put down, couldn’t stop thinking about, became so involved with the vivid characters and the captivating story that it’s still with me even after finishing it. I was reading a digital version so didn’t realize it was over 600 pages, but don’t let that deter you. I agree with bookreporter.com who calls this novel “riveting historical fiction” and “a powerful narrative about struggling through the Depression.” Told alternately from the point of view of 11-year-old Meg and 24-year-old Birdie, both characters are unique and endearingly memorable. This is a commanding story of the historic mistreatment of women and how they take hold of the power to fight back. Well-written, meticulously researched, cleverly plotted – told with humor, wit and poignancy. I highly recommend – also great for book clubs.