November's Book of the Month is Next to Love by Ellen Feldman, who was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for her last novel Scottsboro. Babe, Millie, and Grace are friends since childhood, living in a small Virginian town and waiting for news of their men who have gone to fight at D-Day. As the war drags on, and when peace breaks out, they experience changes that move them in directions they never dreamed possible. The women lose their innocence, struggle to raise their children, and find meaning and love in unexpected places. And as they change, so does America - from a country in which people know their place in the social hierarchy to a world in which women's rights, the Civil Rights movement, and technological innovations present new possibilities and uncertainties.
The kind folk at Macmillan have 50 free copies to give away - just email your name and address to promotions@macmillan.co.uk, putting Mumsnet/Next to Love in the Subject Bar.
But if you're not lucky enough to get one of those, don't forget you can get your paperback or Kindle e-book here
We are thrilled that Ellen will be chatting to us about Next to Love and all her other books on Wednesday 30 November 9-10 pm. Look forward to seeing you then.
If you'd like to find out more about Ellen Feldman and Next to Love, visit our Book of the Month page.
Stop press: all the free copies of Next to Love have now gone. If you got a free copy, please come and share your thoughts once you've read it.
Thanks 
Explaining Remembrance Day to my 5 year old keeps making me think about this book - it almost feels like non-fiction as the detail is so particular.
Turns out to be extremely hard to get across to a soldier-crazy, camo-sporting young boy that war is gruesome...
Got mine from the library - stroke of luck that it had been returned this morning. hope i can read it in time.
Has anyone got a copy yet <startingtofret>?
Update about free copies
We've spoken to the publisher and the books went out yesterday, so they should arrive today or tomorrow.
Please post if you get a copy - and we look forward to hearing your thoughts. It's a swift read (because you get hooked).
I received my copy today morning!
Thanks! Will start reading tonight
DazR
Wed 16-Nov-11 13:01:44
Just got my copy!! You can keep your kindles there is NOTHING like the feel of a crisp new book waiting to be read... Am really pleased I got a copy - it sounds like it will be a great read.
gazzalw
Wed 16-Nov-11 13:27:26
Yes, mine arrived too - so thanks!
gazzalw
Wed 16-Nov-11 15:05:47
Yes, mine arrived too - so thanks!
whereismywine
Wed 16-Nov-11 19:58:37
Yay! A parcel arrived with my lovely shiny new book that I'd forgotten I even asked for. It's made me all chuffed. Need to finish the Hunger Games then I'm onto it.
Great they've arrived, hope you're enjoying...
Did anyone else catch this review in the Guardian? Interesting points about hindsight and social issues. (Also gives rather a lot away about the plot so if you've only just started, don't look till you're further in...)
I've got mine too..Thankyou! x
I've got mine, it was a lovely surprise. Will start reading asap, am looking forward to it as it sounds fab.
gailforce1
Tue 22-Nov-11 20:18:32
I've got mine but was fortunate to get a library copy so had started it and really enjoying it, so much so I have put a library reservation in for another of her books Scottsboro! Anyone else got any thoughts yet? Cannot wait for the discussion...
Its time to gather the advance questions - please pop yours here and I'll send on to Ellen at the end of the week..
ClareHavens
Tue 22-Nov-11 23:26:52
This is the most striking book cover I have seen in a long time! I love it! Really stylish! I'll be trying to get my hands on a copy of the book asap!
whereismywine
Fri 25-Nov-11 17:18:41
I'm only a quarter of the way through so on reading mission. It isn't a book I would have normally chosen but I'm really enjoying it so far
whereismywine
Sun 27-Nov-11 18:37:00
I read it. I liked it. When am I allowed to talk about it?!
whereismywine
I read it. I liked it. When am I allowed to talk about it?!
You're welcome to talk about it whenever you like - but if there are any particular points or questions you'd like to put to the author about the book, then feel free to make them any time between now and 9pm on Wednesday evening, or come and put them to Ellen in 'real time' during the book club discussion.
Glad you liked it.
