I received the ARC of The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson, courtesy of Forever ( Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley. This amazing WWII historical novel portrayed the true events surrounding the Bethnal Green tube and library. While the characters were courageous amidst horrifying occurrences, I found this story to be heartwarming, featuring the importance of books and the power of literature. Highly recommend!

A small, underground library provides hope, escape, and community during WWII London. The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson presents a new story to what we know about World War 2, as this historical fiction book is based around a true story. After the Blitz, a neighborhood of sorts is set up in an unused section of the London underground, and this includes a library. Clara is the librarian of this unique library, and along with her assistant and friend, Ruby, she does her part to provide her patrons with a safe place and books to check out and disappear into. Clara and Ruby have not been untouched by tragedy themselves, and as the story unfolds, their histories are revealed. The horrors of war and the ones that seem to plaque society in every era are on display in this book. Even though our heroines are strong and resilient, the hits keep coming for them and their loved ones. I found Clara and Ruby to be inspiring, and as a librarian, I love the library love in this book and the recognition that a librarian’s work goes beyond books and reading.

The Little Wartime Library is an interesting story, and it is one I had not heard of before. I did find it to be a bit drawn out. There were several times during the book that felt like it was ramping up to conclude, yet it kept going. And I would have loved some more character exploration of our core characters. I think this is a nice book, and if you like WW2 stories and stories about libraries, you should definitely give this a read.

This was a lovely novel. Clara Button, a war widow, finds herself in charge of an impromptu library in an unfinished tube station housing thousands of Londonites left homeless after the Blitz. Clara is in for a fight to keep her library open and provide essential services for the patrons who live in the station and she finds become more like family than customers. I appreciate NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Little Wartime Library I received and ARC of this book from Hodder & Stoughton Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I thought I was tired of World War II historical fiction, as it’s been a very popular subject in publishing for several years. But as The Little Wartime Library shows, there are still plenty of stories out there that need to be told.

Based upon a true story, the book is set in the Bethnal Green tube station after The Blitz, where an entire community is living after being bombed out. An unfinished portion of the tube, it’s transformed into a dorm for 5,000 and boasts a theatre and more importantly, an underground library led by former children’s librarian Clara Button, whose husband died at Dunkirk, and assisted by Ruby Monroe, a young woman who lives life to the fullest and breaks the conventions of the day by playing around.

There’s actually a host of characters, including the Tube Rats, the young children who have grown up underground, like Sparrow and Tubby. There’s also two special girls, Marie and Beatty, shipped to London from the Channel Islands after Germans occupied the land (something for which I was unaware until reading), whose Mom always seems to be working when asked to see her. Then there’s the warden of the underground living space, Mrs. Chumley, and the elderly Mr. Pepper, who helps out in the library after he loses his wife in a German V2 rocket bomb attack.

Not only do you have the historical fiction of the real-life underground wartime library, you’ve got the undercurrent of feminist overtures throughout the book. The husbands who frequent the library to complain that they don’t want their wives reading because it gives them ideas and women aren’t supposed to think for themselves, the library director who barely puts up with Clara only because she was featured in the local paper but would just as soon seen her and her progressive thinking out the door. He keeps telling her she’s only a placeholder until the men come back from war, and the only reason she has the job is because her boss, Peter, was killed during the Blitz on the first night, when the real library was bombed.

Of course, there’s also love interests for Clara and Ruby, whose stories are told with alternating chapters. Clara finds herself falling for an ambulance driver, a “conchie” (Conscientious objector) who gave up his commission after Dunkirk, and for Ruby, an American G.I. named Eddy, who is shipping out to France soon. The romance aspect of the book isn’t heavy at all, and there are no real sex scenes, which I thought was great because of the greater story being told.

The author’s notes at the end of the book, with pictures of the actual library in the tube, the bombed out original library, and the importance of libraries in Britain are explored in depth and give a fuller picture to what was a wonderful World War II historical fiction book. Five stars!

Reading for Victory

Clara Button starts the first underground library above the tracks of an unused tube station. It is a village there with bunks, a nursery, cafe, and theatre all protected from the bombs falling on London. With the help of her assistant Ruby Munroe she strives to make live a little better and a little more normal for all those living in the underground community. Especially the children often referred to as tube rats. The library is open to all and has a story time for the children every day.

There is a bit of romance with Ruby's GI friend, Eddie from America and the good looking head of the emergency ambulance station, Billy, who is sweet on Clara. It is rough going as both Clara and Billy have secrets.

Then there is the new library director of the board Mr. Pinkerton-Smythe that does not agree with how the library is run and keeps trying to get rid of Clara and change the library. It almost works until Clara and Ruby discover something about Mr. Pinkerton-Smythe that is a game changer.

It is an endearing story of two young women trying to run a library in a male oriented society. They stand strong for the women in their community and through their book club they help them to live better and fuller lives.

It is a really good read, I enjoyed it very much. I really liked the strong independent woman theme and how well Clara and Ruby handled the male critics and Mr. Pinkerton-Smythe.

Thanks to Kate Thompson for writing a great story, to Forever Grand Central Publishing for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.

I wanted to love this book, and in some respects, I did (that gorgeous cover?!, the historical basis for this story, and learning more about the Tube lifestyle of so many during London's Blitz), but I admittedly struggled with many parts of this book. To name a few, the plot felt jumbled and misguided, lacking any real motivation or dynamics. The author's voice and writing style lacked strength, which left the characters feeling one-dimensional. The pacing was also quite slow and I struggled to gain interest in the story. Overall, this read was just not for me, but it was a quaint story nonetheless and had a very interesting and educational premise. Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.

What an eyeopening story! This book was such a joy to read. I had a hard time putting it down. I couldn't wait to learn more. I am so grateful to the author for writing a book that showed me so much. I am dumbfounded. I am ashamed to admit how naive I have been about the suffering of the people in WW2 England.

The story is based on actual events that took place during World War 2 in the East End. Many people had resorted to living in the Bethnal Green tube station which hadn't been completed before the war. They have lost their homes. They no longer feel safe above ground. In fact, a small village has been constructed. There is 3/4 mile of triple bunks lining a section where many residents sleep. A Theatre has been constructed along with other places to help the residents survive.

But what brings them together, the most, is the creation of a little library; after their neighborhood library was destroyed. Claire survived the bombing of the library and now works to create a place of community underground with the help of Ruby. They are the safe haven for so many.

The people are drowning in grief. Their fears are growing. But life goes on. Prejudice remains. Societal beliefs influence daily life. What better way to escape than in a library. I couldn't help but become emotionally involved with those struggling, with those trying to move forward.

A story based on reality has taught me what textbooks never shared. Because of this story I gained understanding for relatives that I didn't quite get until now. Because of this story I understand why important it is to many to keep their towns beautiful.

It is hard to believe that a story about the horrors of war could be so wonderful. But it is. The Little Wartime Library is story about heroes and survivors. I closed the book in awe of the those that survived the war.

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson was so well written. I received an ARC from @netgalley and was so excited! They chose little ol’ me!

This story is told from two points of view. Clara and Ruby. Clara is newly widowed children’s librarian living her life in London during the Second World War. Ruby is the best friend who has deep dark secrets of her own. Since the city’s library was bombed a new one was built and Clara and her bestie Ruby ran it. It’s underground. It is also the home of many families who live in tunnels. These tunnels are a safe haven for most. Picture a whole city underground. As the war continues, Clara and Ruby navigate through the ache of loved ones death, the love for other peoples children, and a new found love.



Although this book wasn’t something I’d normally in my own pick up, I enjoyed it. The author tells the story with so much history. I found myself Googling the history of the world. The author had a way of creating scenes within the book that laid out an entire picture of events that came from her own personal research. I love when authors do their research prior to writing a book. This can suck readers in and make things relatable. I loved the dual points of view and the whole idea of books being a way to escape the chaos of life. I mean isn’t that why we all pick up a book? To take us to another time, another place or to become another persons life witness?

I loved the premise of this book and many of the plot points of the story. It had interesting details and really brought out the intensity and myriad of problems that made up living in wartime Britain. Overall the protagonists were mostly likeable, though the antagonists (locally and not just the Nazis) were very one-dimensional.
The real problem I had with the novel was that it just wasn't very fun to read. There were too many people who all had stories that were being woven together and almost every single one of them had to have some an overwhelming feeling of guilt over something that was not at all their fault that made their life, and along with it the telling of their story, miserable in some way. It felt exhausting to read, and instead of looking forward to picking up the book the next time I had time to read I procrastinated, and finally just had to force myself to finish so that I could move on to something else.

Review will also be posted to "Reading Lately" on booklistqueen.com

The premise of this book caught my interest, but unfortunately it did not live up to expectations.

The concept is good, great even. I love that this was based on true events, and the bones of the narrative were good. However, the execution was lacking.

There was way too much dialogue and not enough description of environment/ambiance/characters. Even the simplest things weren’t described enough. Take for example, the red dress Clara wore in chapter one to accept the award. The dress is initially described as “entirely unsuitable,” then later the word “poured” is used to describe Clara fitting in to it. These are fine descriptions, but they are the ONLY descriptions. What does the dress actually look like? I have no clue.

The dialogue throughout the book seemed so forced. It read like a play script sometimes, like the only way to give backstory or any information was to have people speak it. The took attention away from the description of setting and characters you rely on when reading a book to create the scene.

The frame of the story was interesting as well, but it was a bit disorienting as a reader to expect the story be told at least partially from Beatty’s point of view since she is the one telling the story to her daughters, then have all chapters from Clara’s or Ruby’s POV.

Overall an interesting concept, but I was left wanting so much more.

Bethnal Green tube station became a refuge for many during WWII. Clara and Ruby run the library there and this is their story. The women experience love and loss on the Homefront (there is, perhaps a bit too much drama) but most of all they learn about themselves. Don't miss the afterword. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of WWII fiction.

"The Little Wartime Library" is a heartwarming and inspiring novel based on a true story of resilience and bravery. Kate Thompson's writing is rich in detail and brings the underground library of East London to life, transporting readers back in time to the midst of World War II. Clara Button and Ruby Munroe are strong, determined women who create a safe haven for those seeking refuge from the bombs. The plot is moving, and the story is filled with moments of hope and triumph amidst adversity. This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially those who enjoyed "The Paris Library" or "The Last Bookshop in London." I am grateful to NetGalley and Kate Thompson for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A warm and comforting look at the power of community and love of reading during a dark hour. Will delight fans of Madeline Martin and Patti Callahan Henry with its lovely language and expert characterization. I loved learning more about the daily life of Londoners during the Blitz; but also was inspired by Clara's resilience and indefatigable belief that the slightest action can make a profound difference.

Wow! What can I say I loved this novel.

A beautiful and powerful story set during WWII of an underground library run by Clara Button and her best friend Ruby Munroe. During extraordinarily tough times, the underground library brought everyone together - faith, hope, resilience, community, love and family.

I loved all the characters in this novel.
I was completely invested in the story from start to finish. It was so wonderfully written and just left me with a WOW feeling. The author includes her research, interviews and pictures of Bethnal Green Library at the end.

“The library is the glue that holds a community together and you only miss it after it has gone unfortunately.”

Support your local library

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

So...I'm a big historical fiction fan. It seems like WW2 histfic has been really popular these last few years and honestly I've resisted reading a lot of it. The stories all seem to blur together after a while and sometimes the war/Holocaust/orphan storylines just get me down.

This book's description intrigued me though because I am such a library nerd. And I am heading to London in a few months, so I decided to give it a go.

I found this book charming, but almost YA/soap opera-ish in execution. There was a LOT going on in this book and new twists were hurled at the main characters throughout, with quick and easy resolutions which wasn't entirely satisfying. I loved learning about the Tube library as its story was one I did not know. The main two characters are lovely, and I am glad that most of the storylines ended up with HEA endings, but this novel just didn't resonate entirely with me. A good beach read perhaps.

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

This is a beautiful and heartening story set in the Bethnal Green tube station which became, not only a shelter, but a community after the Blitz during World War Two. Among cafes, pubs, nurseries, and a theater, a war time library was built underground. Clara and Ruby, two very formidable and very different women, ran the library, and the story is told from each of their perspectives in alternating chapters.

Things that I loved:
-The beauty of the story as a whole and, of course, the power of books to change lives
-Learning about events in history of which I was unaware. Part of the story focuses on the largest civilian disaster of the Second World War during which 173 people were killed in a stampede to shelter in the Bethnal Green underground tube station.
-The focus on the obstacles that women had to face, over and above the crisis of the war, just for being women, and the strong female protagonists who fought back.
-The focus on the struggle to readjust post war and the impact of the varying types trauma with which people were faced.

Things I did not love:
-The story had a very slow start. It really took me until almost halfway through to become invested in the story.
-Many times I struggled with the writing structure and word choices which made parts of the book “choppy” to read

Overall, I would recommend this book as I feel like it tells several imports stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever publishing for providing the ARC digital copy of this novel!

England, librarian, library, WW2, friendship, London, loneliness, historical-figures, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, photographs, interviews, The Blitz, grief, grieving, tunnel, disaster,*****

This book is a love letter to libraries and librarians. The story is based on interviews with those who lived through The Blitz in the tunnel at Bethnal Green tube station where they lived and slept and carried on as best as they could, but mainly about the library that served them all and the librarians who were so important to so many in their wartime library. It also pays deference to the Bethnal Green tube disaster during The Blitz when 173 people were crushed to death and the survivors lived with the grief and horror of that day for the rest of their lives. The epilogue, notes, acknowledgements and more after the fictional tribute are all the more moving and important. Especially with its referencing the problems of libraries everywhere during the quarantines of the Covid pandemic. I am a library addict and bookaholic since forever, so I highly recommend this book to all who are blessed with the ability to read.
L requested and received an EARC from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley. Thank you!!

First sentence: An old woman walks up the westbound platform of Bethnal Green Underground Station, moving painfully slowly on account of her arthritis.

Premise/plot: A book about libraries and books set during the Second World War??? YES please. That was my initial first impression.

The novel has a framework--for better or worse. The opening and closing chapters readers meet an elderly woman and her two daughters. The rest of the novel is set in London's East End during the Second World War. It alternates between two librarians (or one librarian and one librarian assistant). Clara Button is a widow who before the war was a children's librarian. During the war she is managing an underground--literally--library. Bethnal Green tube station is serving many functions these days--including a temporary library structure. She works closely with all classes, all ages. Ruby Monroe, her assistant, is a fiery/feisty vixen who loves living life big--living for today, throwing all caution [and morals] to the wind. She is carrying a burden, though she hates to let it show to just anyone. She encourages Clara, always, to take chances.

Ruby meets an American soldier, Eddie, with whom she has a whirlwind romance. He is smitten. She's less so, but, wouldn't it be lovely to dream of flying away to America after the war and starting over.

Clara meets an ambulance driver, Billy, who is hot and cold. She sometimes gets the strongest impressions that he loves her truly and deeply, that this relationship is going somewhere. Other times, he acts like a complete stranger who couldn't care less if he ever sees her again.

These two meet plenty of people--all ages, all socioeconomic classes, different races. But Clara becomes especially fond of a handful of children. Sparrow, a young boy, whom she is teaching to read. Beatty and Maria, two Jewish refugees from Jersey.

My thoughts: My first impression was YES PLEASE. It just sounds like it would be an amazing fit for me. Set during the Second World War. A Book about librarians making a difference. BOOKS changing lives. Books as a way to make connections.

But....this one, sadly, wasn't for me after all. I didn't enjoy the framework, not really. I almost wish we'd had Beatty's perspective in the past too. It was an odd switch, for me, to spend 95% of the book with Clara and Ruby's perspective--all very adult and adult-oriented. And then throw in the bits at the beginning and the end that are from Beatty's perspective seventy plus years later. The past flashbacks contain things that Beatty could not have actually known.

I felt that the novel was TOO busy. There are a million story threads. A story thread might sit vacant for a hundred plus pages only to suddenly make a reappearance. There is so much telling and not showing. And there were literally pages--sometimes whole chapters--that were just info dumps.

The characters. It makes sense that there would be personal tensions. But why did this story need SO many villains???? So many characters that are one-dimensional and "evil" "mean" "cruel" "vindictive" "callous" "despicable" for literally no reason whatsoever. Two people can disagree on something--even strongly--and not have to be downright EVIL.

For example, the EVIL man who is out to get Clara Button fired. I can see two librarians--especially at the time--having differing opinions. She wants to serve EVERYONE in the community. She wants the library to be a safe place regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, social class, education, etc. He doesn't. Libraries are for refined folks of a certain class or distinction. She wants the library to have ALL the books, and offer information freely. He wants the librarian to be a gatekeeper of morals and virtues. She believes that knowledge is power and that the more you know, the better informed you'll be when it comes to making decisions--big or small. He believes in withholding knowledge/information to maintain the status quo. They have completely different philosophies on HOW a library should operate. His ideas alone would make him a despicable character with modern readers. [I'm not arguing that]. But why did he have to be portrayed as extra-super-exceedingly evil on top of that????

The undercurrent of this one is that Ruby and Clara are fighting against the system, a system that wants to hold women down and deny them. A system that protects rapists and wife-beaters and blames women for daring to speak up. A system that thinks women shouldn't be allowed to read, encouraged to read.

So much of this one was just ugly. I may not have liked the super-villain-y-villains, but I didn't really like Clara and Ruby either. The writing style just felt hammer-like; let's hit readers over the head for the entire novel to make sure they understand that anyone who would limit access to books is evil.

I loved this book! I had no idea that the Bethnal Green tube station became an underground community during the Second World War, and it was fascinating to read this book and then research the actual events.
The author obviously loves libraries and librarians, which made me feel happy and appreciated. Highly recommended!

Marvelous read about a librarian, her assistant, and an ambulance man in Bethnal Green tube station in Greater London which had been converted as a bomb shelter. The story is set after the tragic trampling deaths of 173 people going into the tube shelter during an air raid. The story centers on a library set up in the tube shelter after it was bombed out above ground. We get to meet a whole host of inhabitants of the shelter as they seek respite from the war in the library. The book is endearing, but also has important messages, one of which is that libraries serve the people not the administration who oversees them. I loved the several love stories that were depicted, the deep friendships that developed, and the enduring courage of the people who endured the bombings. A host of human frailties are included in this story: PTSD as well as verbal and physical abuse are just two of the prominent ones included. I developed an affinity with the main character, Clara, the widowed librarian as well as Ruby, her flouncy assistant. I hated for the story to end as I felt I was friends with many of the characters.