The Little Wartime Library

Product Information

Kate Thompson has conducted a range of historical research to magnify the events, time period and finer moments of this wartime novel. With a hearty author’s note, a select bibliography, a segment on the true story of the Bethnal Green Library and the fight to save it, along with a ‘Read for Victory’ bonus piece, I appreciated all the extra flourishes contained in this text. As a bibliophile I was moved by the various librarian quotes integrated into the chapter openings. So, there is more than just a moving narrative to enjoy when readers select The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson! The author keeps the story firmly ground in reality; there are tragedies to accompany the triumphs. Heartbreakingly, that home was tinged with horror one night in March 1943 when 173 people died in a human crush on theuneven steps down to the shelter. ARP wardens worked alongside housewives and boy scouts to save the injured. Mrs Chumbley wrenched children free from the crush with such force their shoes were left behind. It was three hours before the last casualty was pulled out. Why was this library here? Who worked there? How did the library survive? BookTrail locations in The Little Wartime Library

When Clara comes across two sisters from Jersey, she is determined to befriend them and help them in any wayshe can. As hard as it is for those from the East end she’s certain that it must be even more terrifying for two young women who aren’t even from London. Not all people want Clara and Ruby’s help though and some are even determined to make their lives as difficult as possible. Everyone around them has difficulties they’re battling to survive and when Clara meets a kind but mysterious Samaritan she has a whole new struggle on her hands. I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours. Goodreads е постигнала изключително висок рейтинг! Ако някой не може да си представи какво може да направи една война с човешката природа; до какво може да доведе липсата на човечност у Хомо Сапиенс и как четенето на книги от децата ни може да спре възможността им сами да мислят и преценяват света - нека прочете The Little Wartime Library. Деца са бъдещето ни ! А библиотеките и училищата са мястото, където ще го направят светло! За да не позволяват някой да мисли вместо тях и да ги обрича с изкривени коментари на действителността! Young childless widow Clara Button is doing her bit for the war effort, running Britain’s only Underground Shelter Library.... Our barbarous foes may be hell-bent on burning London to the ground, but beneath the city’s surface, Mrs. Button calmly carries on stamping books and ensuring everyone has a thumping good read to take their mind off the bombs." Just brilliant!! I can't describe it any other way. The fact it's based on true events adds more layers to it.

Customer reviews

The role of the library during war -- based on a true story -- is revealed in this gripping historical novel featuring courageous librarian Clara and her lively assistant Ruby: But this book is so much more than that. I do not think enough of this review can do it justice. Clara, Billy, and Ruby are such stunning characters. They are patriots, courageous, passionate, realistic, imperfect, and are excellent in this story. Words cannot describe how brilliant The Little Wartime Library is. This novel captured my attention and my heart. Kate Thompson редуваше лекотата на общуването между всички герои със страшните моменти на обреченост. Толкова много мили персонажи загинаха безпричинно и заради това, че бяха на неподходящо място в неточния момент. Но както винаги живите трябва да продължат напред , дори ако едва преодоляват загубата, спомена или болката!

The underground library becomes the center of the community. In addition to living in constant threat of bombing, the librarians have to deal with their patrons' controlling, abusive husbands; administrators bent on censorship; unsupervised children; and safety concerns, such as a rapist roaming the streets. Most of the men in this story have a Gaston-like attitude that women shouldn't be reading books and getting ideas. Their responsibility is to be beautiful, get married, have babies, and essentially be mindless slaves to their husbands; nevermind all the war widows, there's little compassion for them. Along with her glamorous best friend and library 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 seems it may come at the price of keeping those closest to them alive. Well, the book club belter, as I've called it, is made up of three key ingredients. Gin, gin and gin. I'm joking. There is a bit of orange cordial in it', she said, winking as she topped Pat up. 'But I don't like to go too heavy handed on the cordial'.

The author’s note at the end was as enjoyable as the novel! This is essential reading for bibliophiles around the world. During the first week of the blitz, the Bethnal Green library was destroy, due to the war, construction of the Bethnal Green tube station had stopped and the vast empty space wasn’t being used. Despite losing her mentor, Clara Button and her assistant Ruby Munroe open an underground library and a sanctuary in London's East End. When war was over, I missed life underground, and even now when I go to Bethnal Green and see the Tube sign, I feel a warmth spread over my chest. To others, it’s a transport network; to me, it was my home.”