8.5/10 I loved this book that combined two of my favorite things—libraries and WWII. Based on a true story, this book explored sides of WWII history I was previously unfamiliar with. I do feel like it read more like a fictional book rather than "historic events," but after reading the author notes and doing my own research that proved to be the case. Regardless, it was entertaining and I recommend it.

This book is based on real events, the creation of an underground library beneath unused railway tracks during WWII.
What an inspirational story that really speaks to the importance of community, friendship, and libraries!
Although the scene is set in a horrifying time of war, and the story is heart-breaking at times, the overall message speaks to the collective power of community and its vital importance!
Highly recommend this amazing book!

In 1940s London many have been forced to live underground to escape the bombings. This book has a dual POV form Clara our plucky librarian and Ruby the sassy library assistant and Clara's best friend. This book embodies the way society treated women at the time and shows their strength and determination for better. I really enjoyed Clara and Ruby's friendship. They are very different but incredibly supportive and protective of each other. The glimpse inside the underground community was both heartbreaking and inspiring. The author gives a lot of background information at the end of the book that was informative and interesting. If you enjoy historical fiction, women's fiction, or an inspiring read, you should pick up this book.

This novel describes the lives of two women who run a library for an entire community that lives underground in the rail station during the 1940's. This is probably a part of history that many readers are unfamiliar with. The story gives an emotional look at the lives of these women and how their library helped to sustain people during times of great hardship.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Heartbreaking but in the best way . I wonderful historical fictions that shows the good and the horrible of war

This delightful book will give you ALL the feelings. Part romance, part mystery, part feel-good story, it’s got everything. Character development is nicely done, and paired with a sometimes startling and lovely descriptive narrative.

The importance of books is underscored here in a more serious side to the story. History has shown us that, in wartime, libraries and books are often one of the first targets for destruction. Books are dangerous to despots and tyrants because they contain ideas and stories of the good and the different and the beauty in the human race, which is a threat to those who wish to conquer.

For the people in this story, books were a lifeline to a country and lifestyle they hoped would not be destroyed, and one they desperately wanted back.

A beautiful reminder of the power of story.

A beautiful historical fiction book that immerses you into the setting of World War II. The personal relationships that are developed throughput this book feel realistic and truly make you care about what happens to these characters.
I appreciate the author's accuracy covering this historical time. I could feel the tension and grief that the characters were feeling throughout the war. The subject matter of the library and living situations of all of these characters were very interesting.
This is a wonderfully written story with many amazing characters put in unfortunate circumstances. I highly recommend this book if you enjoyed The Paris Library or The Library of Lost Names, though they have different circumstances they each take place at the same historical time.
I am extremely grateful to Forever Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a digital copy of this intriguing book.

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Little Wartime Library
By: Kate Thompson
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Pub Date: 3/8/23

During the first blitz of WWII, thousands of people where suddenly homeless. They went on to create a home in the unfinished Bethnal Green Tube Station. Not only did they create thousands of sleeping quarters but they built a theater, had a doctors office, a cafe, a nursery and most importantly a library.
Not only did Clara and her assistant Ruby survived the blitz but they went in to create the library, and take care of their patrons. Between them they come up with inventive ways to keep people reading.
As the war continues for years the ladies fight hard to keep the library going even with powerful people against them.
Ruby was my favorite character, she’s a force for sure. She was definitely someone you would want in your corner.
The fact that this isn’t a work of fiction and was based on a real underground library during WWII made the story even better. It’s amazing to me that reading was a popular escape during this awful time.
This is one of those books thats going to stick with me.

Another piece of WWII history that I learned about. I enjoyed learning of how the tunnels were used during the war. This was a longer book with many characters that grow on you. You want to find out what happens to them. I will read more by this author.

When books are your only escape, what lengths would you go to in order to save them? Clara isn’t your ordinary librarian but has found comfort and safety amongst the pages of books while a war rages on.

A story of grit, perseverance, and tragedy. This was a tale that sucked me in and had me amazed at everything Clara endured. This is a historical read that I’d recommend for anyone who has a deep love for libraries and books. The challenges faced seem so hard to imagine being faced with and the grace and strength to get through it is admirable.

If you haven't read "The Little Wartime Library", you must add it to your TBR! Based on the true story of an underground library during World War II. Set in Bethnel Green tube station in London England Clara Button has set up a little library sheltered from the bombs for a community of thousands of residents. The novel centers around the little library in a bustling underground society where librarians Clara and Ruby help the occupants of the shelter escape the horrors of the war one page at a time. . As the war rages on, the characters are faced with hardship, fear, and loss but meet these adversities with hope and determination. This is one of the best historical fiction novels I have ever read. The story is heartwarming and highlights the importance of never loosing a beacon of hope during dark times. The characters are well developed each with a tragic story of how the war effected them, but also their strength and willingness to help others. The young children who visited the library to the adults who worked at the shelter are endearing. I have never cried so much over a character as in this novel, Sparrow will remain forever one of my favourite literary characters. What I love so much about this novel is how the library and the books become their own characters in the novel. Showcasing time and time again the power of the library and a good book. This novel touches on so many facts about the war that I was unfamiliar with including the Bethnel Green tube disaster a truly horrific tragedy. I would highly suggest any reader visiting the author's website www.katethompsonmedia.co.uk which includes an incredible book club kit and more information about Bethnel Green Library. I can not recommend this novel enough! Thank you to Netgalley and Forever books for the digital ARC, all opinions are my own,

A beautiful story about the power of friendship and perseverance.

While dealing with their own trauma and grief, Clara and Ruby create a place of solace for adults and children. Clara and Ruby run an underground library in London following the blitz in 1944.

I absolutely loved getting to know all the characters in the book and their stories.

What a unique setting for a story! And to learn it was based on an actual underground library during WWII was so fascinating.

Ruby and Clara run the Bethnal Green tube station library. It is built over unused tracks and is just one of many things that help create a community of sorts for the many people living in the tube station during the war.

Working in the library gives Ruby and Clara a front row seat to so many different people and events. They walk through some of the lowest lows with their fellow residents, all while dealing with their own trauma, difficulties, and desire to just live a good life.

I really enjoyed this book. Ruby and Clara are about as different as two people can be and yet they balance each other out. They help each other to face the unthinkable and to keep moving forward.

I also loved the other characters in this book. Such a unique group of people who for the most part support each other and only want the best for each other.

I highly recommend reading the notes at the back. The author’s research was so thorough and getting to read about some of it was fascinating. It was also very interesting to learn which parts of the story were based in fact.

Thank you to Forever Publishing for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

"The Little Wartime Library" is a beautifully crafted historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey back to the dark days of World War II London. The story of Clara Button and her team of dedicated librarians turned underground caretakers is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as they work tirelessly to create a safe haven for the community in the midst of war. The characters are richly drawn and complex, with Clara and Ruby standing out as particularly inspiring heroines. The descriptions of life in the underground library are vivid and immersive, creating a sense of place that is both magical and haunting. The themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience are expertly woven into the narrative, making this a truly unforgettable read. Overall, "The Little Wartime Library" is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, particularly those fascinated by the World War II era.

Give me a historical novel based on true events and I'm a happy girl. This was such a moving, lovely story and I learned a lot! Kate Thompson's well-researched novel is a joy to read. It's touching, heart-wrenching at times, and informative without being preachy or dry. I enjoyed this very much and I think it's perfect for any historical fiction fan.

Fans of WWII historical fiction will enjoy the setting of the London Underground and the parallel world below ground. Well-developed and likeable characters propel this unique story about resilience, creativity and the power of books to comfort in the worst of times.
This book is endearing, and will (hopefully!) send you straight to your local library to make a donation and thank your librarians for their tireless work.

Thompson’s current historical novel reminds us that championing libraries is ongoing and vital to society. This is a delightful read that gives a different view of WWII in Britain.

I love what Clara's mission is - to keep the world of books alive despite the war raging around her. But books are always something that seem to stir controversy.

This book is as applicable today as it was in 1944. Books are still being banned, burned, and banished. I hope to have a little bit of Clara inside of me, fighting to protect a library and to keep literacy alive!

I love books about the power of librarians and libraries during war, especially WWII. This is a fascinating story of love and standing up for what is right.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

A heartwarming story about life of Londoners during WWII. During the Blitz, The Underground was used as a bomb shelter over night. Not only did it provide people a safe place but it also became an underground community. A community of people banding together to help one another through a difficult time. At the heart of that community was Clara and her underground library.
I was completely unaware of the Underground being used for shelter during the war until now. Thompson really brought their world to life. The hardships, the camaraderie and the little library that entertwined them all while they kept calm and carried on.
Unforgettable characters and based on true stories this book had me devouring every page.

The narration for the audiobook was fabulous! The narrator really brought each character to life and made it such an enjoyable listen.
Thanks to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for the advance copy.