The Covid-19 pandemic spurs an eighty-eight year old to tell her granddaughters about how she practically grew up underground in the tube in London during WWII Luftwaffe bombing raids.
“The underground” had a whole village living below the surface of Bethnal Green, including a hairdresser, a nursery, nurses, and a library. Clara Button, the children’s librarian turned Head Librarian helped many escape the realities of the Blitz, doodlebugs, and other wartime horrors. 
While heart wrenching, I was cheering for Clara and her friend Ruby throughout the book. These ladies instilled a love of reading in the “Tube rats” and other children who found themselves in the shelter. 
The author ended with an impassioned plea to save libraries from budget cuts, arguing that libraries are just as vital today as they were 100 years ago during the Blitz.

Dangle a World War II set novel that features a bookstore or library in front of me and I am going to snap it up. We should all know that by now. So, it’s no surprise I was immediately drawn to Kate Thompson’s latest novel, The Little Wartime Library. I devoured it in a weekend!

Here’s the book’s description:
London, 1944 : Clara Button is no ordinary librarian. While war ravages the city above her, Clara has risked everything she holds dear to turn the Bethnal Green tube station into the country’s only underground library. Down here, a secret community thrives with thousands of bunk beds, a nursery, a café, and a theater—offering shelter, solace, and escape from the bombs that fall upon their city.
Along with her glamorous best friend and assistant Ruby Munroe, Clara ensures the library is the beating heart of life underground. But as the war drags on, the women's determination to remain strong in the face of adversity is tested to the limits when it may come at the price of keeping those closest to them alive.
Some people may call this a dual narrative but there are only two chapters that take place in the present(ish) timeline so I wouldn’t necessarily categorize it as dual. That said, I really appreciated how Thompson introduced the characters in 2020 because it kept me curious about who, exactly, it was visiting the former underground library with her daughters. Having this time period briefly included also allows the readers a chance to connect this historical novel to their own lives, in today’s time. We’re losing more and more people who lived through WWII and books like Thompson’s allow their stories to live on and, with this one in particular, remind readers, and those who live in the Bethnal Green area, about a part of their history they may have forgotten or never known about it in the first place. I definitely had no idea there was a library in the underground during the war and I was fascinated, and a little heartbroken, at the lives of those who visited the library.

Now, I do have to say that this book was a little too long. It clocks in at 480 pages which is a lot for any book, let alone a historical fiction title. I think Thompson just had so much information she wanted to include in the story that it ended up being longer than it should have. I didn’t find too many info dumps, which I hate in historical fiction, and was swept away into the world and time period Thompson recreated for me with her story. I respect that she wanted to include the history of the Channel Islands, Jersey in particular, but I found myself rushing through those chapters to get back to the main story. I learned a lot though and applaud Thompson for the time and effort she put into making sure her story was as accurate as she could make it.

The novel’s chapters alternate between Clara and Ruby but the pair were together so often that I sometimes got a bit confused about who I was supposed to be following. The story is told in third person too so that didn’t always clear things up. I liked both women and by having them have different backgrounds (widow vs woman on the town) allowed Thompson to share even more history of the time and what it would have been like for women of the time.

I found, at times, that maybe Thompson was reaching a bit in an effort to compare the library then to libraries now but maybe I just don’t know enough about the history of libraries. The library boss was an atrocious little man who didn’t think women had brains and didn’t appreciate the novels being circulated by the library (educational reading only if he had his way). It was a strong parallel to the censorship issues libraries across the world are facing, particularly in the United States. And the reader couldn’t help but compare the rules faced by those living through the war to some of the restrictions we had to deal with at the start of the pandemic.

I may have had teeny issues with Kate Thompson’s novel but on the whole? I loved The Little Wartime Library. Those readers who like slightly quieter and understated historical fiction (think Genevieve Graham or Jennifer Robson) will also enjoy this one, especially those who love any novel that focuses on books and booklovers. I am going to do more reading on the Bethnal Green library and I’m so thankful Thompson chose to explore this little part of history in her novel.

*An egalley was provided via NetGalley by Forever and an ARC was provided by HBG Canada in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Thanks to Forever for a copy of The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson.

This World War II historical fiction is based on the true story of a librarian who created an underground library in a shelter in London.

I love how much research the author did, I definitely went to read more about the shelter at Bethnal Green tube station. This is why I love historical fiction, it's such a great gateway to learning more about events, people or places!

Oh what a heartwarming/heartbreaking book!

Clara is a war widow who runs a library in a tunnel during world War 2. She was the children's librarian before hhe war. She has so much strength. Time after time something awful happens to try and knock her down. It's set during the war, so there are a LOT of tragedies. I mean a lot. But she keeps fighting for the people in her community.

Ruby is her assistant and has a tragic loss too. One that she can't seem to get past, so she buries herself in men. Sometimes. But she loves Clara like a sister and tries to help her poor, beaten down mother.

It seems like they have one step forward with something good in their lives, then bam! Something bad. Then they pick themselves up, and then bam! Something else. It's very good, but very tragic at times. But they don't give up. That's the one thing that inspired me, they're were so many outside forces trying to bring them down, but they were so resilient.

There's a lot of great side characters too, Mr P, Sparrow, the girls. If you like historical novels, be sure to pick this one up.

Historical fiction is often a genre that covers very dark topics. Still, this book took elements of WWII and added this element of coziness that I don't feel is represented in historical fiction often.
The main characters are these two females working in an underground library. We get to see the hardships of life living in the train tunnel, but we also see a community that has come together to try to make the best of the situation that they find themselves in. People who love female friendships and slow-burn romances will find this book up their ally.

This fascinating book is designed around a little known aspect of WWII history. But it’s about so much more than that little library. The library provides a place of safety, of escape, and of camaraderie for those who use it.

This book will grab hold of your heart and not let go. I wanted to throw my arms around almost every character and hug them tightly. They’re a motley group of people living underground, in a Tube station.. But they’re willing to live there because it’s a safe place, sheltered away from the Blitz and buzz bombs. It’s not all sugar and happiness. The book also looks at what happened in the Channel Islands after the Nazis captured the archipelago. Remember that the story takes place during wartime, and it doesn’t skirt the atrocities of the war, but it doesn’t dwell on them or get gory.

This book contains a great deal of history that I suspect few people who don’t live in the East End of London know much, if anything, about. I found it interesting and intriguing. I admit that it often sent me off to do further research on my own, but that isn’t a requirement. The book provides all the details you need to understand what’s happening and how it effects people. Reading this book will almost certainly teach the reader something new. I thought I had a pretty good handle on London during WWII, but this book showed me how much more there still is to learn.

This book truly focuses on the people living and using the Bethnal Green Underground Station as their safe haven. It emphasizes life, reading, learning, friendship, caring for others, helping when you can, love, and preserving under dire and uncertain circumstances.

There are a few trigger instances that those who are sensitive should take into consideration. First, this book does take place during a time when London was under frequent attack. Not everyone gets out unscathed. There are also characters who had to deal with German invasion and capture and time spent in a concentration camp. Also, there are instances of women being attacked, by strangers and by their husbands, meaning spousal abuse. There are also frequent references to women being subjugated by men; men who think it’s unnatural or wrong for women to read, to think for themselves. Who firmly believe that women need to give up their jobs when the men come home. There’s also an instance of suicide, and a miscarriage. The book doesn’t go into heavy detail on any of these, but they’re all there.

The writing in this book is clear and easy to read. The tone is perfect. The pacing, at times, seemed to slow, but I think that was meant to mirror how the war dragged on and dragged on the people. There are also some instances where there's more telling than showing, but it's mostly done through dialogue, so it moves along. Overall, this book was a delight to read.

This gem of a book shows the bravery and perseverance of the characters in WWII London. It highlights how much potential was lost due to the senseless bombing.The courage of these people as they deal with loss and grief, and how they’re determined to survive and move on with life.

This is one of the best WWII books I’ve read, and I’ve read quite a few. I highly recommend this book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

I love a good story about books, or that contain a bookish setting. I wasn’t aware there was an underground library in London during WWII and so when I came across The Little War Time Library, I couldn’t resist requesting it. Thank you Forever books for my DRC in exchange. for my honest opinion.

The Little Wartime Library is an intriguing book that had a slow start for me. In fact, I set it aside after 10%. However I kept thinking about the story and decided to pick it back and I’m so glad I did.

Once the setting and characters were established, the story connected for me and I found myself engrossed in Clara and Ruby’s lives as well as the families living in the underground tube station. Women’s rights and the evolution of women in the workforce is explored as was the real consequences of war.

I was surprised at the depth of this tale, and so appreciated it. This is a gem of a story and one I would highly recommend you pick up.

Hi! I didn’t get the chance to read and review this book in time for the publication date BUT I am so excited to start this one! The synopsis sounds SO GOOD! As a lover of historical fiction this book speaks to me 😍

In London in 1944, Clara Button is no ordinary librarian. While war ravages the city above her, Clara has risked everything she holds dear to turn the Bethnal Green tube station into the country’s only underground library. Down here, a secret community thrives with thousands of bunk beds, a nursery, a café, and a theater—offering shelter, solace, and escape from the bombs that fall upon their city. Along with her glamorous best friend and assistant Ruby Munroe, Clara ensures the library is the beating heart of life underground. But as the war drags on, the women's determination to remain strong in the face of adversity is tested to the limits when it may come at the price of keeping those closest to them alive.

This is a great historical fiction based on fact. I had actually read a brief reference to this library in another historical fiction, but the author tells more of the story and describes all the other activities that were part of this underground community. The author's notes are worth reading as it tells the story of the "real" characters and what happened to them after the war ended. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves books about libraries, and this was a very unique one, and stories about WWII London. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request to read this very interesting book that was very well researched and written.

What a wonderful story that is an ode to libraries everywhere! 📚 I love the cover too! This one is an excellent blend of fact and fiction.

During WW II Bethnal Green tube station in London was used as a bomb shelter and after the Blitz many people flocked there as they had no where else to go. Thousands upon thousands lived there throughout the war and made it into a little community. Inside was the first ever tube station library. This little Wartime Library was the heart and soul of the community.

Clara is the librarian in Bethnal Green. Her husband died at Dunkirk and she's determined to inspire hope in the people of Bethnal Green. Her assistant is Ruby who has also lost a sister during the war. Together they run the library and not only provide books for the community but also pamphlets on important issues such as birth control for the women. They also start up a bedtime story program for the children in the community. Two sisters named, Beatty and Marie especially capture their hearts. While Clara and Ruby try to live as normal as a life as can be underground and keep the library going they both meet two special men who will eventually capture their hearts.

This story really shines on the power of books. So many ones are mentioned and I found myself looking up a good number of them. It's a special story that has a lot of heart.

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.

Available February 21, 2023 and onwards

Pub date: 2/21/23
Genre: historical fiction, books about books
Quick summary: In 1944 London, Clara and her friend Ruby give Bethnal Green a reason for hope - a wartime library in the unused tube station - but keeping their own spirits up won't be easy.

How I love a book about books - and this one was extra special. Author Kate Thompson made me fall in love with Clara and Ruby and the community they served. It was inspiring to see them give 100%, especially for the children with very little to keep them going. In addition to the emotional side of the story, there was also plenty of humor, such as when Ruby got a suitor to prove his love by delivering ten copies of WAR AND PEACE. I felt like I had been transported to the library - and I wanted to stay a long while.

Historical fiction fans will find a lot to cheer at here - while the subgenre of WWII historical fiction can be depressing, Thompson delivers an inspiring, heartwarming, feminist story. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.

Thank you to Forever Publishing for my e-ARC, which I paired with a library audiobook.

This book is brilliant, witty, and beautifully written. I absolutely loved the two main characters. This is a story about strong women standing their ground to keep their underground library open during times of war and turmoil. The characters experience all of the hardships of war, and stick together to create an incredible community of love and learning. Books are so important - and I enjoyed how the author showed how books helped all of these children and women cope with the daily hardships and fear and loss resulting from the war.

There was some humor woven in between the difficult topics - in particular when a bunch of wives started leaving their husbands based on a seductive feminist book the library started carrying. The subplot of women helping each other learn about women's issues by secretly passing books through the system was fantastic.

I don't typically enjoy World War 2 stories, but I genuinely enjoyed the subject matter of this book. It was such a unique take on this time period, and I love that it is based on a true story.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, women's fiction, and books about books.

I gravitate toward novels about libraries, bookstores, and how innovated people can be in finding their way when there seems to be no way for life as they knew it to continue. This is an eye-opening, uplifting story that captured my heart. It’s a story about a few friends working together to bring hope, and love to their community during the bombing blitz. This took place in an underground library. I work at a library and was encouraged by all The Bethnal Green underground library did for its patrons, as they shared their love of books, with everyone they met. I was pleasantly surprised to hear this was based on real events. Not only that, I enjoyed the pictures of the underground library in the back of the book. Likewise, I appreciated the author’s documented research in Author notes at the end of the book.

It made me smile to see how people found friendship, and the support they needed through the library. The main characters are creative and start a traveling library for the factory workers who can’t get to the library. They have Story time for the kids every night. There are pamphlets on different issues for women in desperate need, Clara and Ruby make sure these women get the right information. These are just a few programs these brave young ladies did during wartimes, hoping to bring a little peace and joy in their unstable lives.

I loved this author writing style; I was fascinated to learn about this library. I was encouraged by the librarians, and I enjoyed reading this book, but there was a scene that bothered me, and wasn’t necessary to the story, but I wanted to make you aware of. A man in the library does something inappropriate in public. Someone tells the librarian, and she quickly defuses the situation. I was surprised but given the times, anything was possible.

This is a fascinating story of friendship and how a few people can make a difference in bringing people together for the common good. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author; it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Is there a type of book that you used to love that you’re just kinda over now? I used to read A TON of WWII historical fiction. Now I rarely do but when I heard about The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson, I had to pick it up.

Set in London during WWII, we follow two best friends Clara and Ruby. Clara is a librarian who is running a library in an underground shelter during WWII in London. Ruby works in the library too but is a bit more carefree than Clara. She likes to have a good time! However, she has had her share of heartache too and things are not great at home.

Although this book is centred around the day-to-day running of a library, this is all still happening during a war and it affects everything they do. With war comes casualties, trauma, and heartbreak.

This is definitely the book for you if you like bookish books and historical fiction. Oh, and did I mention that it’s based on true events? It had me googling everything. 👀 I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Things I loved:
📚The underground community! They often come in to the library looking and you can see how people came together during this time.
📚The friendship between Clara and Ruby.
📚The politics of being a woman during this time: what it meant to have sex, be abused by your partner, or have a career i the 1940s in the UK.

Thank you to @netgalley and @redforeverpub for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For fans of WWII stories, historical fiction, Everyone Brave is Forgiven, and The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, I recommend Kate Thompson’s new novel The Little Wartime Library.

First of all, let me say what an incredible amount of care, research, time and energy comes through in this book and in the included author’s notes and articles. Thank you, Kate, for your passion and commitment to ensuring history lives on.

During World War II, Londoners took over Bethnal Green tube station as a shelter. At 78’ underground, it offered some semblance of protection from the bombing. Underground, shelter life included sleeping on metal triple bunk beds, and a built-in community comprised of a hairdresser, dance studio, doctor, daycare, and library.

This is the backdrop for The Little Wartime Library — very real places and events overlaid with Kate Thompson’s created characters and stories.

There is a lot of trauma in this book, just as was real during this time in history. But the book is also funny, romantic, emotionally complex and stirring.

This book will remind you of the power of community, and of escape and comfort during hard times. It will remind you that when everything feels uncertain, there will be helpers. In this book, we are reminded that librarians are powerful helpers who are always working to help their communities thrive. As someone who has always considered libraries to be my second home, I know this to be true.

With gratitude to the author, the publisher, @readforeverpub, and to Netgalley for the chance to read and review.

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson is a wonderful piece of historical fiction! The fact that this book is based on true events makes it even more appealing. A fascinating peek into the London underground community during WWII. This close-knit community pulls together and rallies around one another. Clara button is the Bethel Green Tube station's librarian and she along with her friend and coworker Ruby are the unspoken leaders of the community. Opening the library app for children's reading time, adults' book club, and general support, advice, and acceptance for all. They are the glue that holds them all together! From tragedy to triumph, heart break to hearts healed, across the ocean and back, this book was an absolute delight! "Check out" The Little Wartime Library and see for yourself 😉

Books, Drama, Bombs and a lot of tea. The Little Wartime Library gave me a glimpse of what it may have been like to be a book lover, and a librarian, in the underground library of the east end of London during the blitz.

With heartwarming characters and spunky side kicks this book kept me entertained.

I especially enjoyed the notes at the end providing more history behind the story.

Such a beautifully written book! Set during WW2 London, this story revolves around the underground library at the Bethnal Green Tube Station and its patrons. Adversity, determination, strong women, death, destruction, books, friendships, love, resilience and hope are all explored.

The Author's Notes and the Reading Group Guide at the end of book are extremely informative and helpful.

I read 31 books in February and this book was my favorite!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. Review is my own.

I finished this book last weekend and immediately gifted it to a librarian friend of mine. It celebrates librarians in a way no “book about books” has quite managed before, while telling the story of a real-life library that was built in an unfinished metro station in London during WW2.
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Clara and Ruby, the librarians at Bethnal Green’s underground library, bring light to an otherwise dark place and dark world. While overcoming their own challenges, they transform a simple book-lending facility into a place of comfort, of community, and of social revolution.
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Lots of triggers in this one, though not overly graphic on any of them:
- domestic violence
- rape
- death (of adults and children)
- miscarriage
- suicide

With a list like this, you’d think this book would be depressing, but it is so hope-filled and lovely.

4.5 stars and rounded up. I basically loved everything about this book! Originally, I was drawn to it because it’s about a library. But while reading it, I learned that it was about so much more than that! This is a love letter to libraries and the importance they have in all of our lives.

This story shows librarians as the true superheroes that they are: encouragers, teachers, listeners, social workers, and a friend to lean on. We get this story from the dual perspectives from head librarian, Clara Button, and her loyal assistant and best friend, Ruby Munroe. They do their effort to help those at home during the war in England. In their quest to create a little wartime library underground, in the British tubes, you see the character growth from them and all they come in contact with.

This book had me in all the emotions from laughter to tears. Make sure that you also read the author’s note at the end about the real life connection to the library in the book. If you love your local library and a good book, and historical fiction, you will adore this one!

A huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.