Helpful Score: 1
A tribute to the power of libraries and librarians, The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson is an engrossing novel that includes history, drama, romance, intrigue, and humor. It was far more meaningful than I anticipated!
During World War II in East London, England's only underground library was established in the Bethnal Green tube station to support the 5,000+ people who lived in an below-ground bomb shelter. The Little Wartime Library was inspired by these historical facts and is told through main characters Clara and Ruby, the two library staffers.
Each chapter begins with a quote from a librarian interviewed by the author. There's many dramatic events - almost too many - in this plot, but it's wartime, and they definitely kept me engaged. The epilogue and author's note are fascinating and not to be missed.
This book reminded me of the BBC period drama Call the Midwife in that it incorporated historical facts about society into a compelling fictional story. I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Sarah Durham; I felt like I was in good hands with her 'efficient' narration.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for access to the review copy.
During World War II in East London, England's only underground library was established in the Bethnal Green tube station to support the 5,000+ people who lived in an below-ground bomb shelter. The Little Wartime Library was inspired by these historical facts and is told through main characters Clara and Ruby, the two library staffers.
Each chapter begins with a quote from a librarian interviewed by the author. There's many dramatic events - almost too many - in this plot, but it's wartime, and they definitely kept me engaged. The epilogue and author's note are fascinating and not to be missed.
This book reminded me of the BBC period drama Call the Midwife in that it incorporated historical facts about society into a compelling fictional story. I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Sarah Durham; I felt like I was in good hands with her 'efficient' narration.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for access to the review copy.
