Two women, torn apart by war. One shared belief in the power of books…
London, 1939. When war breaks out on librarian Joyce Kindred‘s doorstep and a call for help rings out across the libraries of London, she’s determined to act. Joyce knows only the world of books can offer safety and comfort to her neighbourhood – and she will make sure no one is left behind.
Joyce sets up a mobile library scheme, but soon her acts of resistance go beyond sharing books. She shelters a young Jewish refugee, Adela – and it’s not long before she discovers Adela has a secret that could turn their world upside down again…
Occupied Poland, 1942. Dorotha knows any chance of her escaping the barbed wire fences and cruelty of the Łódź ghetto dwindles by the day. Reading isn’t just an act of defiance: it’s the only thing left in her life over which she has any control. And so she shares books under the cover of darkness, creating a secret library away from her captors – that is, until even that last ray of hope is taken from her…
Joyce and Dorotha were once librarians, ordinary women, and best friends. The war has forced them into acts of unimaginable bravery – but will they ever find each other again?
Based on astonishing real events, this absolutely heart-breaking page-turner brings to life the remarkable untold story of two women during WW2. Fans of Anna Stuart, Kristin Hannah and Heather Morris won’t be able to stop racing through the pages.
Readers love The Secret Society of Librarians:
‘Oh my word… heartwarming… heartbreaking… exceptional… awe-inspiring… will stay with me for a long time.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wonderful… absolutely heartbreaking… beautiful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Will stay in my heart for a long time… Exceptional.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Moving… Truly wonderful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This pulled me out of not only a book rut – but a life rut.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Fantastic book, loved it, although I was ugly crying most of the time.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
London, 1939. When war breaks out on librarian Joyce Kindred‘s doorstep and a call for help rings out across the libraries of London, she’s determined to act. Joyce knows only the world of books can offer safety and comfort to her neighbourhood – and she will make sure no one is left behind.
Joyce sets up a mobile library scheme, but soon her acts of resistance go beyond sharing books. She shelters a young Jewish refugee, Adela – and it’s not long before she discovers Adela has a secret that could turn their world upside down again…
Occupied Poland, 1942. Dorotha knows any chance of her escaping the barbed wire fences and cruelty of the Łódź ghetto dwindles by the day. Reading isn’t just an act of defiance: it’s the only thing left in her life over which she has any control. And so she shares books under the cover of darkness, creating a secret library away from her captors – that is, until even that last ray of hope is taken from her…
Joyce and Dorotha were once librarians, ordinary women, and best friends. The war has forced them into acts of unimaginable bravery – but will they ever find each other again?
Based on astonishing real events, this absolutely heart-breaking page-turner brings to life the remarkable untold story of two women during WW2. Fans of Anna Stuart, Kristin Hannah and Heather Morris won’t be able to stop racing through the pages.
Readers love The Secret Society of Librarians:
‘Oh my word… heartwarming… heartbreaking… exceptional… awe-inspiring… will stay with me for a long time.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wonderful… absolutely heartbreaking… beautiful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Will stay in my heart for a long time… Exceptional.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Moving… Truly wonderful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This pulled me out of not only a book rut – but a life rut.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Fantastic book, loved it, although I was ugly crying most of the time.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviews
Readers will be on tenterhooks . . . History fans will feast on the author's note and revel in the real-life testimonies at the end of the book. Anyone who loves books, libraries, and history will appreciate this powerful novel.
I finished TSSL last night, in tears. It's such an incredible, moving book, I loved it so much . . . will stay with me forever. After I read the chapter in which everyone is told to give up their children I went and knelt next to my sleeping 8yo and just ached. There are obviously no words, but I learnt so much and could go on and on about all the things I loved. Really, I just want to say thank you for such a beautiful, nuanced and important read.
Kate Thompson conveys the power of books and librarianship
Kate Thompson is a virtuoso storyteller about women in wartime, with an acute ear for authentic dialogue and an eye for the tiny details that bring scenes to vivid life . . . a moving, immersive and unforgettable novel: a definite must-read.
This is a lively, engaging, fascinating story of women united by courage, care and a belief in the power of books. It is a love song to reading and its ability to transport people from even the hardest of situations, but it is also an exploration of hope, love and the power of community and friendship to overcome the worst that fate can throw at us. A warm, involving, deeply human story. I loved it.
This is an incredible novel. I underlined so many passages while reading it, and am in awe of Kate Thompson's research and her dedication to the women that history has forgotten... This book underscores both the incredible courage of librarians and the importance of reading during impossible times.
You'll have the urge to read The Secret Garden and Peter Pan again, and delve into the works of Virginia Woolf... all while being on the edge of your seat as Dorotha tries to survive a Polish ghetto and Joyce navigates the dangers of London during the Blitz. This story is both plucky and poignant, with fantastic characters, complex situations, and realistic outcomes that will stay with you long after you've finished the last chapter.
