I like reading books that give you a different view on events. This book gave us that with the story of the underground world that London took too to be safe during WW2. The Underground stations became little estates as people felt safe down there from the bombings up top.. The library was the safe haven for many people, and we were able to delve into their lives and see how they all became intertwined within the story. I loved the fact that Clara and Ruby were opposites but and looked out for each other. But the story just didn't stay in London we were also taken to Jersey and shown the devastation that the islanders had been through as well.

Kate Thompson wasn't scared of telling a story with warts n all, we were led down many different paths. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Thank you to all involved in this book and my chance to read the advance review copy

This was a novel but based on fact and was all the more endearing for this.

It was a story of friendship, hardship and resilience during WW2. It was heart warming and in equal measure heartbreaking
But was well researched and well written - the description of the aftermath of the Concentration Camps and the treatment of those in the Channel Islands by both the British and the Germans was eye-opening.

I love historical fiction and especially that set within the Wars - and this was certainly up there with one of the best.

Thank you Kate Thompson

I dont normally like a book based on true events, but i really enjoyed this book, it was easy but a speedy read, first for me by this author will be looking for others.

A wonderful second world war story made even better as based on true events.
A tale of friendship and hardship during the war but a read to warm your heart.
I loved every page of this book and was hooked from start to finish.
I thoroughly recommend this book.

I have really gotten in to historical fiction lately, and I really love when there is books or libraries involved. This did not disappoint in the least! I loved this book so much, and could picture every scene and detail so vividly. Just amazing!

A lovely and moving story, a piece of unknown history and a good description of life during wartime.
i loved the characters and the excellent storytelling kept me hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I adored this book! The fact that it was based on true events made it so much more interesting. It’s a tale of friendship and resilience during tough times in 1944
I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Before the War Clara was a children's librarian and now she finds herself running the only underground library. She is ably supported by her friends including Ruby a trie East End girl.
Clara wants to help everyone and she meets Beatty and Marie who have arrived form Jersey with a secret to hide. She also educates Sparrow and helps local women improve their loves.
Clara also has a secret sadness and can she find love with Billy, who saves her from an attack at night?
This book provides an insight to the horror of Jerseys occupation as well as the rocket attacks on London.
A fascinating read

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 sanctuary in London's East End.

So many families are homeless and a safe place is made for them to live underground, five thousand three tiered bunks are installed, it has a café, nursery, theater and a library. Clara’s a trained librarian and Ruby isn't your typical assistant, between them they make a great team and devise ingenious ways of lending out as many books as they can. Visiting factories and delivering books to shift workers, holding a nightly story time for the children, starting a boozy book club for their mothers, and Clara sends a letter to Canada asking for donations of children’s classic books.

As the war drags on, the Germans start using their secret weapon and it creates shocking mayhem and carnage. No one living underground has escaped being effected by the doodle bugs, Clara and Ruby aren’t just librarians, they become vital to the community, they make friends, help those in need, listening to and solving people’s problems and are their main confidants.

The Little Wartime Library is wonderful story, about the struggles and triumphs of Clara, Ruby, and the books cast of delightful and inspiring characters. It made me feel a wide range of emotions, I cried, laughed, and cheered them on. Based on a true story, it’s amazing how reading, helped Londoner’s live through the terrible years of the blitz, they could switch off for a little while and escape reality between the pages of a book.

I received a copy of The Little Wartime Library from NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review, Kate Thompson’s book is outstanding, and five big stars from me.

I loved this book, it was such a lovely story with an underground library tha not only allowed people to read and take comfort in dark times but it also established a community for so many that were alone or suffering during that time. It was heartbreaking at times and I found myself with tears running down my face several times whilst reading it, it was so moving and emotive but that just added to its charm.
I loved the writing, the story was good and beautifuuly written and the characters were well developed and completely loveable. this book will stay with me for a while and I have already recommended it to so many people. I loved it.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Absolutely fabulous, no other words for this book. It’s based on true events.

“A book that I won’t forget for a long time”..

How the author mentioned at the beginning of the importance of books was lovely and so true. Giving readers an insight into her favourite books.

The Little Wartime Library that was created during the war was a sanctuary for people, not only to get books, it taught kids to read, help them deal with the loss of their family and to keep the spirits up of those living in the underground. It seemed no one was turned away from the library.

I loved Ruby, her behaviour, she’s brassy as well as brave, you’d really want to be friends with her. She helped Clara, making sure she carried out what she wanted to do, if not for Ruby, some of Clara’s idea wouldn’t have taken shape. Theirs was a very special kind of friendship.

What happened in Jersey, albeit small, it was highlighted, and was a powerful part of the story.

In the book, you read various stories of the characters and identify throughout. The way men were the ones who dictated how women should behave is a theme running in the book, but it’s how things were at that time.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves reading stories set in the war and want to look at how those that lived then went about their daily lives and what they faced.

Highly Recommend This Book.

This is delightful wartime historical fiction, set in London in 1944, The characters are beautifully written and the research and attention to detail from Kate Thompson are second to none, as expected.

The book made me smile and cry (and sometimes both at the same time), as I was transported back to a time where the trials of war meant that communities, often led by strong women, thrived. My mother sheltered in an underground station during the war and told me stories of that time, so this book was all the more poignant as I could relate to that aspect of it. 4 stars.

A very enjoyable read, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Get the tissues ready for this one, it’s a beautiful and heartbreaking read with unbreakable friendship and community at its core. It’s based on actual events too, which is always great because I love a story I can research afterwards.

Set in WW2, Librarians and best friends Clara and Ruby run a Library in the half-completed, underground stop at Bethnal Green. As bombs land above ground, bonds that’ll last a lifetime are formed below ground as a subterranean community comes together to fight wars of their own.

I was so invested in the vibrant characters and I’ll admit I cried a lot reading it! Despite heartbreaking scenes of loss and terror the book is overall gorgeously uplifting and will make you laugh as well as cry. This book is something special and I’m going to be recommending it to everyone. If you love historical fiction you need this book in your life! It’s certainly one I’ll be adding to my re-read pile.

This is such a lovely read. Clara Button has created an underground library to be used during the war. Which is more than just a library its a thriving community. Her friendship with Ruby is so heartwarming. Like most books set during this time its a rollercoaster of emotions and has a brilliant cast of characters. I loved it

What a brilliant premise for a book and with wonderful, vibrant characters. Kate Thompson uses her research lightly and cleverly. Very much enjoyed.

Just brilliant!! I can't describe it any other way. The fact it's based on true events adds more layers to it.
The author's note at the start clicked with me. She spoke of the importance of books in her life and the list of her favourites were also mine, I devoured every Enid Blyton title I could get my hands on. Reading this story made me realise how much I missed out on by not having access to a library growing up.
The Little Wartime Library was a haven for people. It did so much more than hand out books. It helped children to learn to read, to come to terms with loss of family to help those living in the underground to bear the long hard years that war brought to their homes and cities.
Everybody was welcome from every walk of life.
My favourite character throughout was Ruby. Bold, brassy and brave she epitomised the bulldog tenacity of the Eastend people. She's certainly someone you would want to have as an ally. She was, almost, like Clara's conscience. Encouraging her and pushing her to do things she might have let go. The friendship between them was special.
The story touches on the Occupation of Jersey. While fleeting, this is an intense part of the book. There are a variety of stories and people to empathise with throughout. An over riding theme of men being the rulers and women the lesser species is prevalent and necessary to the story as it was the way of the times.
This novel is a must for anyone who likes books set in this era and would like a glimpse into the lives and resilience of ordinary people in this harrowing time.
A book that will linger long in my memory.

I loved reading this book, the characters were so lovely and I could almost picture the library in the tunnel. it's got everything you need in a book it will make you laugh out loud and cry but it’s such a well written book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the early read

A great novel exploring friendship and different characters with the setting! It was nice to see the interactions of these characters with their intense surroundings.

Wartime drama which introduced me to a world I didn't know existed. Full of great characters,Clara,Rose,Sparrow,Beatty and many more this novel is both heart breaking and heartwarming.

What a treat! Set in London in 1944, The Little Wartime Library is a heart crushing, haunting and achingly beautiful book about domestic abuse, repercussions of war, choices, unconditional love, friendship, courage and hope. It is based on true events which makes it even more powerful. During the Blitz there was an entire different world underground including sleeping quarters, cafe, theatre and the little library. Many people were displaced and others sought safety from air raids. Several children were orphaned and the library was particularly crucial to them. It is easy to see how libraries save(d) lives. Librarians were social workers, mentors and friends and those in this book chose to push on regardless of many obstacles.

Librarian Clara Button is a young woman who operates the only underground library in England with her best friend, Librarian Assistant Ruby Munroe. Not only are they passionate about the written word (enjoyed the historical descriptions including the paper rationing) but they care for their patrons. I love that there are several subplots interwoven seamlessly. Domestic abuse (husbands did not like their wives to read and therefore learn) and war are never easy to read about but there is always a sense of hope throughout. Censorship appears as well. Clara, Mr. Pepper and Billy are amongst my favourite characters. And then there are the dear children. But the power of books and public libraries are what stand out most in my mind. I cannot fathom life without them.

Anyone at all intrigued by lovely writing and fascinating plots ought to read this including Historical Fiction, Romance, General Fiction and Women's Fiction readers. It is markedly different, vibrant and fresh, truly special.

My sincere thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this remarkable book! The irresistible cover is apt and perfect.