What do you think?
Rate this book
Kiellettyjen kirjojen lukupiiri
Sivu sivulta vapautta kohti
Kate Thompsonin Kiellettyjen kirjojen lukupiiri on riipaiseva, tositapahtumiin pohjaava kertomus nuoren kirjastonhoitajan rohkeudesta miehitetyllä Jerseyn saarella toisen maailmansodan aikana.
Jerseyn saari vuonna 1943. Saksalaiset ovat miehittäneet saaren ja asukkaat elävät pelon vallassa. Kaikki yhteydenpito ulkomaailmaan on kielletty: radion omistaminen on rikos, kirjeet eivät kulje ja ainoa sallittu sanomalehti on saksalaisten oma propagandajulkaisu.
Kirjastonhoitaja Gracen ja hänen parhaan ystävänsä Beatricen arki on tasapainoilua arkisen vastarinnan ja miehittäjän vaatimuksiin alistumisen välillä. He perustavat kirjastossa kokoontuvan lukupiirin, joka tuo lohtua sodan uuvuttamille saarelaisille. Yhteen kokoontuminen auttaa ja tarinat vievät pois ahtaasta arjesta. Vihollinen ei kuitenkaan katso hyvällä lukupiirin toimintaa, ja lopulta Grace tekee valinnan, jolla on kohtalokkaat seuraukset.
Kate Thompsonin Kiellettyjen kirjojen lukupiiri on unohtumaton tarina kirjallisuuden rohkeasta liekistä, joka loistaa kirkkaana jopa pahuuden synkimmässä ytimessä.
Kate Thompson (s. 1974) on englantilaiskirjailija, joka on ennen kirjailijanuraansa työskennellyt journalistina. Thompson on kirjoittanut lukuisia toisen maailmansodan ympärille sijoittuvia historiallisia romaaneja, joista Kiellettyjen kirjojen lukupiiri on toinen suomennettu. Aiemmin on ilmestynyt Kirjasto sodan keskellä. Thompson asuu Sunburyn kaupungissa miehensä ja kahden lapsensa kanssa.
Kate Thompsonin Kiellettyjen kirjojen lukupiiri on riipaiseva, tositapahtumiin pohjaava kertomus nuoren kirjastonhoitajan rohkeudesta miehitetyllä Jerseyn saarella toisen maailmansodan aikana.
Jerseyn saari vuonna 1943. Saksalaiset ovat miehittäneet saaren ja asukkaat elävät pelon vallassa. Kaikki yhteydenpito ulkomaailmaan on kielletty: radion omistaminen on rikos, kirjeet eivät kulje ja ainoa sallittu sanomalehti on saksalaisten oma propagandajulkaisu.
Kirjastonhoitaja Gracen ja hänen parhaan ystävänsä Beatricen arki on tasapainoilua arkisen vastarinnan ja miehittäjän vaatimuksiin alistumisen välillä. He perustavat kirjastossa kokoontuvan lukupiirin, joka tuo lohtua sodan uuvuttamille saarelaisille. Yhteen kokoontuminen auttaa ja tarinat vievät pois ahtaasta arjesta. Vihollinen ei kuitenkaan katso hyvällä lukupiirin toimintaa, ja lopulta Grace tekee valinnan, jolla on kohtalokkaat seuraukset.
Kate Thompsonin Kiellettyjen kirjojen lukupiiri on unohtumaton tarina kirjallisuuden rohkeasta liekistä, joka loistaa kirkkaana jopa pahuuden synkimmässä ytimessä.
Kate Thompson (s. 1974) on englantilaiskirjailija, joka on ennen kirjailijanuraansa työskennellyt journalistina. Thompson on kirjoittanut lukuisia toisen maailmansodan ympärille sijoittuvia historiallisia romaaneja, joista Kiellettyjen kirjojen lukupiiri on toinen suomennettu. Aiemmin on ilmestynyt Kirjasto sodan keskellä. Thompson asuu Sunburyn kaupungissa miehensä ja kahden lapsensa kanssa.
491 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2024
884 people are currently reading
18906 people want to read
About the author
Kate Thompson
63 books151 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Kate Thompson is an award-winning writer for children and adults.She has lived in Ireland, where many of her books are set, since 1981. She is the youngest child of the social historians and peace activists E. P. Thompson and Dorothy Towers. She worked with horses and travelled in India before settling in the west of Ireland with her partner Conor. They have two daughters, Cliodhna and Dearbhla. She is an accomplished fiddler with an interest in Irish traditional music, reflected in The New Policeman.
While Kate Thompson's children's fiction is primarily fantasy, several of her books also deal with the consequences of genetic engineering.
She has won the Bisto Children's Book of the Year Award four times, for The Beguilers, The Alchemist's Apprentice, Annan Water and The New Policeman. The New Policeman was also awarded the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Children's Book Award and the Dublin Airport Authority Children's Book of the Year Award for 2005.
Kate Thompson is an award-winning writer for children and adults.She has lived in Ireland, where many of her books are set, since 1981. She is the youngest child of the social historians and peace activists E. P. Thompson and Dorothy Towers. She worked with horses and travelled in India before settling in the west of Ireland with her partner Conor. They have two daughters, Cliodhna and Dearbhla. She is an accomplished fiddler with an interest in Irish traditional music, reflected in The New Policeman.
While Kate Thompson's children's fiction is primarily fantasy, several of her books also deal with the consequences of genetic engineering.
She has won the Bisto Children's Book of the Year Award four times, for The Beguilers, The Alchemist's Apprentice, Annan Water and The New Policeman. The New Policeman was also awarded the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Children's Book Award and the Dublin Airport Authority Children's Book of the Year Award for 2005.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 791 reviews
April 14, 2024
4.5⭐️
Set in St. Helier, Jersey, during the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson is a remarkable work of historical fiction. The title of the novel suggests that the story revolves around the power of books and reading in bringing people together during difficult times but I should mention that though these themes do constitute an important part of the narrative, this book is about so much more.
As WWII rages on, thousands of islanders evacuate before the Nazi invasion of the Channel Islands in 1940. Among those who stay behind are best friends, Grace La Mottée, who works as a librarian at the Bibliothèque Publique and her best friend postwoman Bea Gold. The narrative jumps to 1943, a few years into the occupation and the Nazis have wreaked havoc in the lives of the islanders with curfews and persecution, rationing and censorship among other evils. Grace, now the acting Chief Librarian after her colleague is sent to an internment camp in Germany, has taken great risks to hide the books banned by the Nazis to save them from being destroyed. Grace starts the Wartime Book Club, believing that books could provide momentary refuge from the hardships of daily life – an endeavor for which she needs to ask for permission and tolerate the presence of a censor in their meetings. With residents being encouraged to report to one another for breaking rules in return for extra rations, many are betrayed by those they once trusted. Bea also takes the initiative to help as many people as she can from being taken into custody by the Nazis. in her own act of defiance. Similarly, many within their circle of friends and neighbors find ways to do the right thing even if it means breaking the rules. The narrative follows Grace, Bea and their friends as Nazi surveillance is heightened and living conditions deteriorate further. They endure much hardship in their daily lives yet do everything possible to keep one another safe, risking their own lives in the process.
I loved that each chapter began with a brief note on a banned author/ book. The narrative is presented from the perspectives of Bea and Grace in alternating chapters. The author sheds light on the resilience of the islanders and their acts of kindness, sacrifice, bravery and resistance in the face of much adversity. The setting is vividly described and the characters are well- fleshed out. Both Bea’s and Garce’s personal journeys are deftly woven into the fluid narrative which focusses on the stories of ordinary working-class residents and how they survived the Nazi occupation. This is a lengthy novel with a large cast of characters but definitely worth the time and effort.
I must mention the Author’s Note where she discusses the historical context of this novel and the places and true events that inspired this novel. I always appreciate it when an author adds a historical note on the facts behind the fiction, but Kate Thompson exceeded my expectations. I commend the author for her meticulous research and the expansive segment on the “Inspirational Islanders” whose stories found their way into this work of fiction and loved that she included several archival photos as well. This segment in itself was an inspiring read.
This was my second Kate Thompson novel after The Little Wartime Library which was a 5⭐ read for me and I’m glad to say that I was not disappointed. Definitely recommended for fans of WWII fiction!
Many thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on April 9, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Set in St. Helier, Jersey, during the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson is a remarkable work of historical fiction. The title of the novel suggests that the story revolves around the power of books and reading in bringing people together during difficult times but I should mention that though these themes do constitute an important part of the narrative, this book is about so much more.
As WWII rages on, thousands of islanders evacuate before the Nazi invasion of the Channel Islands in 1940. Among those who stay behind are best friends, Grace La Mottée, who works as a librarian at the Bibliothèque Publique and her best friend postwoman Bea Gold. The narrative jumps to 1943, a few years into the occupation and the Nazis have wreaked havoc in the lives of the islanders with curfews and persecution, rationing and censorship among other evils. Grace, now the acting Chief Librarian after her colleague is sent to an internment camp in Germany, has taken great risks to hide the books banned by the Nazis to save them from being destroyed. Grace starts the Wartime Book Club, believing that books could provide momentary refuge from the hardships of daily life – an endeavor for which she needs to ask for permission and tolerate the presence of a censor in their meetings. With residents being encouraged to report to one another for breaking rules in return for extra rations, many are betrayed by those they once trusted. Bea also takes the initiative to help as many people as she can from being taken into custody by the Nazis. in her own act of defiance. Similarly, many within their circle of friends and neighbors find ways to do the right thing even if it means breaking the rules. The narrative follows Grace, Bea and their friends as Nazi surveillance is heightened and living conditions deteriorate further. They endure much hardship in their daily lives yet do everything possible to keep one another safe, risking their own lives in the process.
I loved that each chapter began with a brief note on a banned author/ book. The narrative is presented from the perspectives of Bea and Grace in alternating chapters. The author sheds light on the resilience of the islanders and their acts of kindness, sacrifice, bravery and resistance in the face of much adversity. The setting is vividly described and the characters are well- fleshed out. Both Bea’s and Garce’s personal journeys are deftly woven into the fluid narrative which focusses on the stories of ordinary working-class residents and how they survived the Nazi occupation. This is a lengthy novel with a large cast of characters but definitely worth the time and effort.
I must mention the Author’s Note where she discusses the historical context of this novel and the places and true events that inspired this novel. I always appreciate it when an author adds a historical note on the facts behind the fiction, but Kate Thompson exceeded my expectations. I commend the author for her meticulous research and the expansive segment on the “Inspirational Islanders” whose stories found their way into this work of fiction and loved that she included several archival photos as well. This segment in itself was an inspiring read.
This was my second Kate Thompson novel after The Little Wartime Library which was a 5⭐ read for me and I’m glad to say that I was not disappointed. Definitely recommended for fans of WWII fiction!
Many thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on April 9, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
January 20, 2024
Grace and Bea are best friends, they grew up in St Helier, Jersey, the island is a beautiful tranquil haven, with it’s blue seas and sandy bays, pink granite farmhouses and lush meadows. The Germans are poised to attack, around seven thousand people have already fled and on the 30th of June 1940, the air bombardment begins and they easily invade the small isle.
Grace works as a librarian and Bea is a postwoman and both have no idea how they and the other residents will suffer during the occupation. Grace knows the Germans have a long list of banned books, she and her fellow librarian Ash hide the books before the soldiers arrive and they don’t want them to be burnt. Bea works at the Broad Street Post Office, she delivers mail and of course the mail services to and from England stop, she and her fellow posties take part in small acts of defiance.
Grace decides to start The Wartime Library Book Club, it has to be approved by the German officials first, she needs to provide a list of what they will be reading and discussing and a guard attends. The situation on Jersey gets worse, with food shortages, despite having a vegetable gardens and foraging, out breaks of diseases and no medicine to treat patients, everyone’s clothes are hanging off them and some of the women to start dating German soldiers and get called nasty names.
Each chapter starts off with the name of a banned book and suits overall theme of the narrative, how reading and novels provided an escape, a way to pass the time and I now truly understand the real power of books and how they can unite people and give them hope.
I received a copy of The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson from Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Based around true events and real people Ms. Thompson gives the reader an in-depth look at what it was like to live on Jersey during the Second World War and from a woman’s perspective. They helped and supported each other, hid escaped prisoners and tried to keep up morale.
A story about friendship, bravery, resistance, selflessness, camaraderie, compassion and being part of a community and sticking together. It highlights how difficult it was for the people at the time, being completely shut off from the mainland and I can’t imagine how isolated and let down they must have felt.
Five stars from me, please read the author's notes at the end, it tells you which charters were in fact real people and it's one of the best historical fiction books I have devoured this year. I highly recommend The Wartime Book Club and Ms. Thompson's previous novel The Little Wartime Library.
Grace works as a librarian and Bea is a postwoman and both have no idea how they and the other residents will suffer during the occupation. Grace knows the Germans have a long list of banned books, she and her fellow librarian Ash hide the books before the soldiers arrive and they don’t want them to be burnt. Bea works at the Broad Street Post Office, she delivers mail and of course the mail services to and from England stop, she and her fellow posties take part in small acts of defiance.
Grace decides to start The Wartime Library Book Club, it has to be approved by the German officials first, she needs to provide a list of what they will be reading and discussing and a guard attends. The situation on Jersey gets worse, with food shortages, despite having a vegetable gardens and foraging, out breaks of diseases and no medicine to treat patients, everyone’s clothes are hanging off them and some of the women to start dating German soldiers and get called nasty names.
Each chapter starts off with the name of a banned book and suits overall theme of the narrative, how reading and novels provided an escape, a way to pass the time and I now truly understand the real power of books and how they can unite people and give them hope.
I received a copy of The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson from Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Based around true events and real people Ms. Thompson gives the reader an in-depth look at what it was like to live on Jersey during the Second World War and from a woman’s perspective. They helped and supported each other, hid escaped prisoners and tried to keep up morale.
A story about friendship, bravery, resistance, selflessness, camaraderie, compassion and being part of a community and sticking together. It highlights how difficult it was for the people at the time, being completely shut off from the mainland and I can’t imagine how isolated and let down they must have felt.
Five stars from me, please read the author's notes at the end, it tells you which charters were in fact real people and it's one of the best historical fiction books I have devoured this year. I highly recommend The Wartime Book Club and Ms. Thompson's previous novel The Little Wartime Library.
April 14, 2024
The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson
Historical fiction. WWII in the Isle of Jersey. Stand-alone.
Bea Rose and Grace Le Motte are best friends in the early 1940’s on the Isle of Jersey. Bea works at the post office while Grace is the local librarian. When their island is occupied in 1940, they are forced to comply with German force restrictions which includes rations, curfews, prison camps and bicycles with modified tires. Life is difficult.
After losing her finance to the Nazis and the ocean, Bea starts to intercept letters to German officials that put her neighbors in jeopardy. Grace was emotionally wounded when so many books were burned when their island was first occupied that she’s now found a hidden place in her office to hide books that might be found offensive to the leaders. Grace agrees to help Bea in warning the people in the letters that Bea has stolen. It’s a dangerous game they play as the war continues and food gets scarce.
The story follows the two friends and their lives as change and suffering conditions continue. Based on true events, it’s stories that need to be shared. It’s also a love letter to books and bookclubs and how the power of the written word can change lives.
It’s sad, and poignant, it’s brave and admirable. For me, it reinforces how brave and determined my ancestors were. Life and times were much harder and we need to respect their sheer strength that brought them through whatever they faced.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
4.5
Bookclub kit and extensive notes and references included.
Historical fiction. WWII in the Isle of Jersey. Stand-alone.
Bea Rose and Grace Le Motte are best friends in the early 1940’s on the Isle of Jersey. Bea works at the post office while Grace is the local librarian. When their island is occupied in 1940, they are forced to comply with German force restrictions which includes rations, curfews, prison camps and bicycles with modified tires. Life is difficult.
After losing her finance to the Nazis and the ocean, Bea starts to intercept letters to German officials that put her neighbors in jeopardy. Grace was emotionally wounded when so many books were burned when their island was first occupied that she’s now found a hidden place in her office to hide books that might be found offensive to the leaders. Grace agrees to help Bea in warning the people in the letters that Bea has stolen. It’s a dangerous game they play as the war continues and food gets scarce.
The story follows the two friends and their lives as change and suffering conditions continue. Based on true events, it’s stories that need to be shared. It’s also a love letter to books and bookclubs and how the power of the written word can change lives.
It’s sad, and poignant, it’s brave and admirable. For me, it reinforces how brave and determined my ancestors were. Life and times were much harder and we need to respect their sheer strength that brought them through whatever they faced.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
4.5
Bookclub kit and extensive notes and references included.
April 6, 2024
There have been some wonderful books written on the military occupation of the Channel Islands s by Nazi Germany, but this one stands tall against the many in this genre.
Kate Thompson’s vivid descriptions of St. Helier, the capital of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands is breathtaking. I longed to walk the cobbled streets and breathe in the salty air rising from the bay. This picturesque landscape under occupying forces provided the juxtaposition Thompson relied on to tap into readers’ emotions.
Thompson also crafted endearing characters. Grace and Bea held a special spot in my heart for the duration of this absorbing read. Bea Rose is the postwoman and her best friend, Grace Le Motte, is the island’s librarian. Thompson examines not only the bravery and tenacity of these women but brings to light the island mentality of ‘united we stand’ in contributing to the mindset of the islanders. Readers truly get a sense of location and how it plays out in (1) her character’s courage to defy, (2) their resilience in surviving the occupation and (3) the ill feelings that distrust caused by not being able to trust neighbours.
I choked back tears as the library was closed and the islanders were evacuated and was exasperated as they feverishly worked to hide the banned books to protect them from the Nazis. The manner in which the author introduces her readers to these banned books is unique and a great addition to the story. I appreciated that this novel was stuffed with bookish goodness from cover to cover. There are many novels that are deceivingly ‘bookish’ and disappointment sets in when the ‘bookish’ elements are surface elements and take up very little of the plot. Not here.
The balance of location, to characters, to desperation and to hope was well-developed and kept me turning pages. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end!
I was gifted this copy by Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Kate Thompson’s vivid descriptions of St. Helier, the capital of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands is breathtaking. I longed to walk the cobbled streets and breathe in the salty air rising from the bay. This picturesque landscape under occupying forces provided the juxtaposition Thompson relied on to tap into readers’ emotions.
Thompson also crafted endearing characters. Grace and Bea held a special spot in my heart for the duration of this absorbing read. Bea Rose is the postwoman and her best friend, Grace Le Motte, is the island’s librarian. Thompson examines not only the bravery and tenacity of these women but brings to light the island mentality of ‘united we stand’ in contributing to the mindset of the islanders. Readers truly get a sense of location and how it plays out in (1) her character’s courage to defy, (2) their resilience in surviving the occupation and (3) the ill feelings that distrust caused by not being able to trust neighbours.
I choked back tears as the library was closed and the islanders were evacuated and was exasperated as they feverishly worked to hide the banned books to protect them from the Nazis. The manner in which the author introduces her readers to these banned books is unique and a great addition to the story. I appreciated that this novel was stuffed with bookish goodness from cover to cover. There are many novels that are deceivingly ‘bookish’ and disappointment sets in when the ‘bookish’ elements are surface elements and take up very little of the plot. Not here.
The balance of location, to characters, to desperation and to hope was well-developed and kept me turning pages. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end!
I was gifted this copy by Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 21, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!! Any time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to get back to it.
Set on the island of Jersey during the Occupation it's based on true events and some of the people are real people even though this is a fictional story. Grace and Bea, best friends all their lives, are the main characters. Grace is quiet and works in the library, a job she adores. She's been a bit of a dreamer all her life with her head constantly in a book. Bea is full of fun and always up to mischief and trying to involve Grace in her pranks.
When the Germans invade life changes beyond belief and Grace and Bea change too. They almost swop personalities when faced with adversity. Gone are the carefree days of fun and even of reading. The Germans waste no time in emptying the library of books they deem unsuitable material.
The story that follows shows the cruelty and brutality of living under Occupation but also of the resilience of the people who stood up for each other, hid escaping prisoners and tried to keep morale going even in desperately dark days. There were informers and you had to be careful who you trusted.
There's a lot of sadness in the story but it's also an uplifting book if that makes sense. Two chapters at the end sum up the aftermath of Grace and Bea's lives which I always enjoy.
As a huge reader it was enlightening to me to see how books helped people through such a devastating time. One thing I would have liked was something about the capture of the Germans on Liberation Day. I really wanted to see 'The Wolf' brought down in front of the people he terrorised.
At the end of the story there is a huge amount of information. It includes notes on the author's research, real people's stories from the Occupation and links to websites and books that the reader can access if interested in the subject.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story with great characters, both good and bad.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
Set on the island of Jersey during the Occupation it's based on true events and some of the people are real people even though this is a fictional story. Grace and Bea, best friends all their lives, are the main characters. Grace is quiet and works in the library, a job she adores. She's been a bit of a dreamer all her life with her head constantly in a book. Bea is full of fun and always up to mischief and trying to involve Grace in her pranks.
When the Germans invade life changes beyond belief and Grace and Bea change too. They almost swop personalities when faced with adversity. Gone are the carefree days of fun and even of reading. The Germans waste no time in emptying the library of books they deem unsuitable material.
The story that follows shows the cruelty and brutality of living under Occupation but also of the resilience of the people who stood up for each other, hid escaping prisoners and tried to keep morale going even in desperately dark days. There were informers and you had to be careful who you trusted.
There's a lot of sadness in the story but it's also an uplifting book if that makes sense. Two chapters at the end sum up the aftermath of Grace and Bea's lives which I always enjoy.
As a huge reader it was enlightening to me to see how books helped people through such a devastating time. One thing I would have liked was something about the capture of the Germans on Liberation Day. I really wanted to see 'The Wolf' brought down in front of the people he terrorised.
At the end of the story there is a huge amount of information. It includes notes on the author's research, real people's stories from the Occupation and links to websites and books that the reader can access if interested in the subject.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story with great characters, both good and bad.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
April 22, 2024
10/10 Brilliant Stars from me!! ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
" We are quite well, though getting thinner,
Not much for tea, still less for dinner..
Though not exactly on our uppers,
We've said adieu to cold ham suppers.
In peacetime, there are those who wish to slim.
Tried diet, massage baths and gym.
Though tell the scout of every nation,
The secret's solved by occupation.
Little Jersey bombed and mined,
For us, wartime proved unkind.
But after all the stress and strain,
A great height we will reach again."
Written by Eileen, one of the members of The Wartime Book Club
I absolutely loved this book and I am extremely grateful to my brother for gifting me this book!! He pre ordered it and I got it on Publication Day!! This book is beautifully written and it is a riveting story that kept me in suspense! I also read The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson and loved it! Bethnal Green Library is mentioned towards the end of the story, as well as Ruby and Clara, the main characters in that book. Same author, however the stories are inspiring and separate from each other. I really had a hard time putting both of them down.
Grace and Bea are the main characters in this story. They're best friends and pretty opposite of each other, but I really loved their friendship! Grace was the only librarian in Jersey. Grace is quiet, beautiful, intelligent and loves books and being surrounded by them. She is also a taking major risks of being killed by the Nazis. She hides banned books by Hitler in a hidden spot in the library as well as hiding an American pilot whose plane was shot down. I really like " Red"! He's a risk taker who is wanted by the Germans because they think he's an American spy. Is he? I really love how everyone on the Island hides him in various places. " When there was no bread, Islanders fed him cake." On a personal note, my Dad who fought in the Navy during WW2, was called Red because he had beautiful red hair! He and Grace are falling in love! Red also started the Wartime Book Club in the library. With books being scarce during WW2, I love how they shared one book and read it out loud with each other! Then one day he was captured by " The Wolf of the Gestapo." This man was evil personified!! What will happen to Red? What about Grace? Was she discovered?
Bea was a postal worker. She was beautiful, brave, bold and a warrior! She also intercepted mail written by some of the neighbors snitching on another neighbor for possibly having a wireless radio or something else that they weren't supposed to have. Bea warned the people who the letter was about so they could get rid of whatever they were being accused of by their neighbors. Bea pleaded with Grace to help her with this. She said to Grace, " Let me put it in a language you can understand. Throughout history, the post office and the library have been intertwined since 1854. My point is that letters and literature depend on one another. We are both tasked with getting knowledge into peoples hands." Did they get caught? This action was punishable by death.
I really learned a lot reading this book. One of them was" V Knock." It stands for Churchill's "V For Victory." This was a special knock for those living under occupation. I also learned that Jersey survived 5 years under occupation.
One of my favorite quotes was said by Beas' Mom to Bea and her sister, Nancy: " Cherish and hold each other tight. You only get one family."
This is really an inspirational story of love, family, bonds, friendships that endured the worst that the war could throw at them. Although the story is fictional, it's based on true events! All the characters are based on real people and the author used some of the real peoples names. One that really stands out is Louisa Gould. She was a shopkeeper and a beautiful treasure of a lady. Another one is Mr. Wardar who ran the Post Office. What an incredible man! The list goes on. Please read the Author's Notes to see how this story came to be. Kate Thompson really did her research on this book, even interviewing survivors or their grandchildren. My book contains pictures of the real peoples. I can't say enough about this book and thoroughly loved every second reading it! I very highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone who loves to read!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫 ✨ 🪄 📖
" We are quite well, though getting thinner,
Not much for tea, still less for dinner..
Though not exactly on our uppers,
We've said adieu to cold ham suppers.
In peacetime, there are those who wish to slim.
Tried diet, massage baths and gym.
Though tell the scout of every nation,
The secret's solved by occupation.
Little Jersey bombed and mined,
For us, wartime proved unkind.
But after all the stress and strain,
A great height we will reach again."
Written by Eileen, one of the members of The Wartime Book Club
I absolutely loved this book and I am extremely grateful to my brother for gifting me this book!! He pre ordered it and I got it on Publication Day!! This book is beautifully written and it is a riveting story that kept me in suspense! I also read The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson and loved it! Bethnal Green Library is mentioned towards the end of the story, as well as Ruby and Clara, the main characters in that book. Same author, however the stories are inspiring and separate from each other. I really had a hard time putting both of them down.
Grace and Bea are the main characters in this story. They're best friends and pretty opposite of each other, but I really loved their friendship! Grace was the only librarian in Jersey. Grace is quiet, beautiful, intelligent and loves books and being surrounded by them. She is also a taking major risks of being killed by the Nazis. She hides banned books by Hitler in a hidden spot in the library as well as hiding an American pilot whose plane was shot down. I really like " Red"! He's a risk taker who is wanted by the Germans because they think he's an American spy. Is he? I really love how everyone on the Island hides him in various places. " When there was no bread, Islanders fed him cake." On a personal note, my Dad who fought in the Navy during WW2, was called Red because he had beautiful red hair! He and Grace are falling in love! Red also started the Wartime Book Club in the library. With books being scarce during WW2, I love how they shared one book and read it out loud with each other! Then one day he was captured by " The Wolf of the Gestapo." This man was evil personified!! What will happen to Red? What about Grace? Was she discovered?
Bea was a postal worker. She was beautiful, brave, bold and a warrior! She also intercepted mail written by some of the neighbors snitching on another neighbor for possibly having a wireless radio or something else that they weren't supposed to have. Bea warned the people who the letter was about so they could get rid of whatever they were being accused of by their neighbors. Bea pleaded with Grace to help her with this. She said to Grace, " Let me put it in a language you can understand. Throughout history, the post office and the library have been intertwined since 1854. My point is that letters and literature depend on one another. We are both tasked with getting knowledge into peoples hands." Did they get caught? This action was punishable by death.
I really learned a lot reading this book. One of them was" V Knock." It stands for Churchill's "V For Victory." This was a special knock for those living under occupation. I also learned that Jersey survived 5 years under occupation.
One of my favorite quotes was said by Beas' Mom to Bea and her sister, Nancy: " Cherish and hold each other tight. You only get one family."
This is really an inspirational story of love, family, bonds, friendships that endured the worst that the war could throw at them. Although the story is fictional, it's based on true events! All the characters are based on real people and the author used some of the real peoples names. One that really stands out is Louisa Gould. She was a shopkeeper and a beautiful treasure of a lady. Another one is Mr. Wardar who ran the Post Office. What an incredible man! The list goes on. Please read the Author's Notes to see how this story came to be. Kate Thompson really did her research on this book, even interviewing survivors or their grandchildren. My book contains pictures of the real peoples. I can't say enough about this book and thoroughly loved every second reading it! I very highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone who loves to read!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫 ✨ 🪄 📖
January 24, 2024
From enchanting rooftops and white sandy bays to the pretty cobbled streets of St. Helier, Jersey is known as the land of milk and honey. But for best friends Bea Rose (the local postwoman) and Grace Le Motte (who works in the island's only library) it becomes the frontline to everyday resistance when their beloved island is occupied by the German forces in the 1940s.
The story is set in Jersey during the occupation during WWII. It's also based on true events and some of the characters are based on real people.
Grace and Bea have been friends for all of their lives. Grace works in the library and Bea is a postwoman. When the Germans invade, it changes the women's lives. We learn of the cruelty of living under Nazi Occupation, and the ability of the people of Jersey to work through the emotional pain and suffering. The characters are strong and developed as the story progresses. There's sadness and loss throughout. This is a thoroughly enjoyable story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Hodder&Stoughton and the author #KateThompson for my ARC of #TheWarTimeBookClub in exchange for an honest review.
The story is set in Jersey during the occupation during WWII. It's also based on true events and some of the characters are based on real people.
Grace and Bea have been friends for all of their lives. Grace works in the library and Bea is a postwoman. When the Germans invade, it changes the women's lives. We learn of the cruelty of living under Nazi Occupation, and the ability of the people of Jersey to work through the emotional pain and suffering. The characters are strong and developed as the story progresses. There's sadness and loss throughout. This is a thoroughly enjoyable story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Hodder&Stoughton and the author #KateThompson for my ARC of #TheWarTimeBookClub in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2024
Kate Thompson sent me off to the Channel Islands to be with Grace and Bea during the German occupation of that community. I learned about the powerful undercurrents of rebellion woven with ancient languages and hidden books. Every chapter is headed up with a book banned by the Third Reich. . .just makes one want to find a copy immediately to celebrate reading as an act of rebellion.
While the greater part of the story has its bright and shining moments, it is a somber tale of true events wrapped in fictional reimaginings, mixing fictional characters with actual ones. In places it is an uncomfortable read of traumatic happenings that left scars on bodies, hearts and minds, as well as lands and nations. It is the least we can do to acknowledge and remember.
Bonus: end notes, book lists, non-fictional heroes of WWII Jersey, and author's report on her journey writing this book. An added delight.
All the stars!
*A sincere thank you to Kate Thompson, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*
While the greater part of the story has its bright and shining moments, it is a somber tale of true events wrapped in fictional reimaginings, mixing fictional characters with actual ones. In places it is an uncomfortable read of traumatic happenings that left scars on bodies, hearts and minds, as well as lands and nations. It is the least we can do to acknowledge and remember.
Bonus: end notes, book lists, non-fictional heroes of WWII Jersey, and author's report on her journey writing this book. An added delight.
All the stars!
*A sincere thank you to Kate Thompson, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*
August 4, 2024
2.5 stars. Maybe it was coming off of a war book by Kristin Hannah but wow this was so dry. The characters lacked depth and the writing in general was so lackluster. I liked the whole “love letter to books” theme but how many times do they have to spell it out that this was an ode to books. So many passages about “books help people get through hard times” yes I know you said that 2 pages ago. There was a beautiful way to show this without repeating it in analogies every chapter.
They needed to develop Bea and Jimmy’s relationship more for her grief to be as major of a plot point as it was.
Oh! And what book club?? The one that was described like twice and then essentially dropped for the rest of the book? This should have been titled the wartime library or something. Idk you can’t convince me this wasn’t at least partially written by AI, especially with the AI cover art.
They needed to develop Bea and Jimmy’s relationship more for her grief to be as major of a plot point as it was.
Oh! And what book club?? The one that was described like twice and then essentially dropped for the rest of the book? This should have been titled the wartime library or something. Idk you can’t convince me this wasn’t at least partially written by AI, especially with the AI cover art.
January 19, 2024
Jersey 1940 and this unforgettable story is inspired by true events.
Best friends librarian Grace La Mottee and post woman Bea Rose.
As Germany take over the island, this is the beginning of WW2, when 6,500 evacuees leave the island, Grace along with Ash unlock the library door they must hide all the banned books that the Germans don't approve of, before they invade and take Ash away to a German interment camp, will they ever work together again?
Bea behind the counter of the post office sending a message to London telegraph office before they are forced to close down, but a hope to be back on circuit after they get this stupid war out the way.
Jimmy La Mottee is Graces brother and him and Bea both want to chance getting off the island and to hopefully marry and live in London.
Red a Fugitive American and Grace hides him in the potting shed this is her secret from her family.
This amazing story is all about murder, love, friendship and companionship, with added absolute intense chapters right through, that will throw all your emotions wild.
I could not put this book aside and stop, it was one more chapter, just one more chapter.
So as the sirens carry on blaring, when will it ever end and bring peace to these two long time friends.
I loved this book, touching, sad but above all dynamic with explosive moments in every page.
Best friends librarian Grace La Mottee and post woman Bea Rose.
As Germany take over the island, this is the beginning of WW2, when 6,500 evacuees leave the island, Grace along with Ash unlock the library door they must hide all the banned books that the Germans don't approve of, before they invade and take Ash away to a German interment camp, will they ever work together again?
Bea behind the counter of the post office sending a message to London telegraph office before they are forced to close down, but a hope to be back on circuit after they get this stupid war out the way.
Jimmy La Mottee is Graces brother and him and Bea both want to chance getting off the island and to hopefully marry and live in London.
Red a Fugitive American and Grace hides him in the potting shed this is her secret from her family.
This amazing story is all about murder, love, friendship and companionship, with added absolute intense chapters right through, that will throw all your emotions wild.
I could not put this book aside and stop, it was one more chapter, just one more chapter.
So as the sirens carry on blaring, when will it ever end and bring peace to these two long time friends.
I loved this book, touching, sad but above all dynamic with explosive moments in every page.
June 9, 2025
This one is a historical war era fiction set on the island of Jersey during the occupation of WWII. The chapters alternate between local librarian Grace and local postwoman Bea who are best friends. The storyline is inspired by true events and covers some of the resistance actions of the island's residents during the occupation. It also very much is an ode to book lovers and demonstrates how people turn to reading during hard times. Each chapter starts with a small description of a book or author that was banned by the Nazis and I found this a fascinating detail that very much suited the topic. There is a copious section of author notes at the end which details the real events and people that inspired the book which was very interesting.
Overall: a great pick for any readers who enjoy historical WWII era novels.
Overall: a great pick for any readers who enjoy historical WWII era novels.
April 9, 2024
An EXCELLENT WWII historical fiction novel that takes place on the Isle of Jersey during their five years of Nazi occupation.
It's no surprise that I loved a book about a librarian hiding banned books and helping her community survive incredibly harrowing times through the joys of reading.
This was also a book about found family, friendship, love, loss, strength in the face of great deprivation and sooo much more.
I really liked how each chapter started with a banned book and the incredible author's note and extra bonus content included at the end.
Great on audio with a fun reference to the author's last book, The little wartime library. Highly recommended for fans of The Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital, audio and finished copy in exchange for my honest review!
It's no surprise that I loved a book about a librarian hiding banned books and helping her community survive incredibly harrowing times through the joys of reading.
This was also a book about found family, friendship, love, loss, strength in the face of great deprivation and sooo much more.
I really liked how each chapter started with a banned book and the incredible author's note and extra bonus content included at the end.
Great on audio with a fun reference to the author's last book, The little wartime library. Highly recommended for fans of The Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital, audio and finished copy in exchange for my honest review!
May 10, 2025
5/5 ★'s Audiobook
I wasn't really in the mood or vibe for this book, but I just can't put a book down once I start. It's a flaw, haha.
This story was emotional, raw, and hard to read in today's climate. But it was also a beautiful story that made me tear up quite a few times.
The narration was lovely, and I'm glad I found this amongst a bogo sale on Audible! I'm sure I will reread it one day when I'm in a different reading mood.
I wasn't really in the mood or vibe for this book, but I just can't put a book down once I start. It's a flaw, haha.
This story was emotional, raw, and hard to read in today's climate. But it was also a beautiful story that made me tear up quite a few times.
The narration was lovely, and I'm glad I found this amongst a bogo sale on Audible! I'm sure I will reread it one day when I'm in a different reading mood.
April 22, 2024
Rich, absorbing, and sincere!
The Wartime Book Club is a poignant, immersive tale set on the Isle of Jersey during 1943 that takes you into the lives of Grace La Mottée, a resilient, kindhearted librarian and her best friend and local postal worker Beatrice Gold as they do whatever they can to entertain, protect, and fight back against the Nazi Germans who invade and occupy their homeland during WWII.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are brave, tormented, and determined. And the plot is an exceptionally touching tale about life, loss, family, secrets, separation, desperation, tragedy, survival, love, the horrors of war, and the power of literature.
Overall, The Wartime Book Club is a moving, emotional, beautifully written tale by Thompson inspired by real-life events that reminds us that survival of any kind often involves heartbreaking choices, moral dilemmas, action, spirit, extreme loss, and beyond all else, unimaginable courage and sacrifice.
Thank you to HBG Canada & Forever for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Wartime Book Club is a poignant, immersive tale set on the Isle of Jersey during 1943 that takes you into the lives of Grace La Mottée, a resilient, kindhearted librarian and her best friend and local postal worker Beatrice Gold as they do whatever they can to entertain, protect, and fight back against the Nazi Germans who invade and occupy their homeland during WWII.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are brave, tormented, and determined. And the plot is an exceptionally touching tale about life, loss, family, secrets, separation, desperation, tragedy, survival, love, the horrors of war, and the power of literature.
Overall, The Wartime Book Club is a moving, emotional, beautifully written tale by Thompson inspired by real-life events that reminds us that survival of any kind often involves heartbreaking choices, moral dilemmas, action, spirit, extreme loss, and beyond all else, unimaginable courage and sacrifice.
Thank you to HBG Canada & Forever for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2025
I liked it but I didn't love it. The story was well researched and should have been an absolute page turner. The fact that it's based on real events is compelling. However, there was something stodgy and plodding about the whole thing... Grace a little too perfect, Red completely unbelievable. I liked Bea and some of the other islanders. It was readable but won't stay with me.
April 6, 2024
One thing that always astounds me about historical fiction novels is the amount of research that goes into them. A well written historical fiction attests to the passion the author has for the subject. This is abundantly evident in this book.
This book was based on true events and real people during the Nazi invasion of The Isle of Jersey during WW2. It focuses on Grace La Mottée, the sole librarian on the island, and her best friend Bea and their unrelenting efforts to help boost morale of their fellow islanders in any way they could.
“And it was then she realized, readers weren’t reading a book. They were inhabiting a whole new world.”
Do yourself a favor and read this incredible novel. The story of these islanders deserves to be shared.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
This book was based on true events and real people during the Nazi invasion of The Isle of Jersey during WW2. It focuses on Grace La Mottée, the sole librarian on the island, and her best friend Bea and their unrelenting efforts to help boost morale of their fellow islanders in any way they could.
“And it was then she realized, readers weren’t reading a book. They were inhabiting a whole new world.”
Do yourself a favor and read this incredible novel. The story of these islanders deserves to be shared.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
July 16, 2025
A guerra, ainda que romanceada, não é tema que procure ler. Doloroso, de tão realista, nos tempos que correm. A curiosidade venceu depois de ler a sinopse porque me recordei de um outro livro incrível como “A sociedade literária da tarte de casca de batata” e não errei porque adorei esta história com estas duas protagonistas femininas corajosas. Difícil de largar, na expectativa sobre qual o livro banido que seria referido no início de cada capítulo. Livros estes que, em junho de 1940 foram escondidos na ilha de Jersey. Grace, a bibliotecária, distribuía livros proibidos para animar as pessoas, enquanto Bea, a sua melhor amiga como funcionária dos correios percebeu o perigo das denúncias. Um romance sobre a amizade, compaixão e coragem baseado em factos reais.
Quando 1943 se tornou 1944 foi criado o Clube de Leitura em Tempo de Guerra. “Não havia arame farpado nem fome naqueles livros. De certa forma, era biblioterapia.”
Um romance arrebatador.
Quando 1943 se tornou 1944 foi criado o Clube de Leitura em Tempo de Guerra. “Não havia arame farpado nem fome naqueles livros. De certa forma, era biblioterapia.”
Um romance arrebatador.
November 16, 2024
4.5⭐️ I tend to really enjoy WWII historical fiction and this one was no different. It was very interesting story of the German occupation of the island of Jersey in the English Channel. The dual storylines of Bea and Grace were interesting and I loved the addition of the library and book club. I felt at times the book was longer than it needed to be. However, it was full of emotion and love. In the end I loved getting to know how everyone’s lives turned out in the epilogue. The additional chapters of the author’s in depth research was a great wrap up to the book.
December 11, 2024
Loved this. What an amazing author. Loved the detail at the end of the book covering her research of this book which was incredibly in depth
This is based on true stories and real people and how the war affected the island of Jersey during the Occupation and how islanders were treated by Nazi soldiers. Pretty horrific and also humbling how brave they were
This is based on true stories and real people and how the war affected the island of Jersey during the Occupation and how islanders were treated by Nazi soldiers. Pretty horrific and also humbling how brave they were
April 17, 2024
Review coming soon.
February 15, 2024
So interesting!!
In 1943, as the German army took over the island of Jersey the residents struggle to keep their spirits up. Grace Le Mottee, the island's only librarian is ordered to destroy books which threaten the new regime. Of course, that goes against the grain and Grace makes the choice to hide them rather than lose them forever. With little else in the way of pasttimes, the library is busier than ever and Grace starts a Book Club to raise morale. Along with her best friend, Postwoman Bea Rose, Grace decides to make a stand and do anything they can to help the people and upset the invaders. However, as the war continues their rebellious acts become more dangerous and it threatens their very survival ...
This is a gripping read! I've read a fair bit about life in Jersey during the occupation but I have to say I learned several new things here - it is obvious that the author conducted some sterling research. It was easy to put myself in the place of the islanders and feel the fear of what they faced every day and their bravery was quite astonishing. However, this is more than a history lesson - it's a beautifully written story centred around two young women and their families and friends, and I enjoyed every word. Kate Thompson is definitely an author to follow. I'm very happy to recommend this one and give if a full house of stars! *****
In 1943, as the German army took over the island of Jersey the residents struggle to keep their spirits up. Grace Le Mottee, the island's only librarian is ordered to destroy books which threaten the new regime. Of course, that goes against the grain and Grace makes the choice to hide them rather than lose them forever. With little else in the way of pasttimes, the library is busier than ever and Grace starts a Book Club to raise morale. Along with her best friend, Postwoman Bea Rose, Grace decides to make a stand and do anything they can to help the people and upset the invaders. However, as the war continues their rebellious acts become more dangerous and it threatens their very survival ...
This is a gripping read! I've read a fair bit about life in Jersey during the occupation but I have to say I learned several new things here - it is obvious that the author conducted some sterling research. It was easy to put myself in the place of the islanders and feel the fear of what they faced every day and their bravery was quite astonishing. However, this is more than a history lesson - it's a beautifully written story centred around two young women and their families and friends, and I enjoyed every word. Kate Thompson is definitely an author to follow. I'm very happy to recommend this one and give if a full house of stars! *****
February 1, 2025
I LOVED this book. Based on true stories of many inhabitants of the Channel Islands during the German Occupation of the 1940s. Absolutely brilliant.
April 10, 2024
I love history, I was a history major in college. So reading this novel for me was entertaining and educational. I had NO idea about the Isle of Jersey and how it was occupied by the Nazi's for years.
The book follows Grace and Bea, who are best friends. Grace is a librarian in town who loves books. I mean, LOVES them. She's sweet and kind. Bea is headstrong and sassy.
When the novel starts, the women are already living under occupation. And it's so heartbreaking reading what the island goes through. Grace keeps up morale, though, by continuing to keep the islanders with books. Bea works at the post office and creates her own style of protection for her neighbors.
It's based on true events, and it's rough. Really rough, the women and their loved ones are treated like subhumans.
In the midst of all these events, there is hope and new love. Grace finds out there's more to life than books, and Bea finds the strength to keep going. While some parts really made me sad (it is during a war), it was something to read about their bravery.
The book follows Grace and Bea, who are best friends. Grace is a librarian in town who loves books. I mean, LOVES them. She's sweet and kind. Bea is headstrong and sassy.
When the novel starts, the women are already living under occupation. And it's so heartbreaking reading what the island goes through. Grace keeps up morale, though, by continuing to keep the islanders with books. Bea works at the post office and creates her own style of protection for her neighbors.
It's based on true events, and it's rough. Really rough, the women and their loved ones are treated like subhumans.
In the midst of all these events, there is hope and new love. Grace finds out there's more to life than books, and Bea finds the strength to keep going. While some parts really made me sad (it is during a war), it was something to read about their bravery.
June 5, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed learning about the Jersey islands during the occupation. I love WWII fiction and have read many of them and have yet to read one set in Jersey, so that was a big plus for this book. Overall, though nothing else was that original. I feel like we’ve seen it before - the golden retriever yank soldier who doesn’t have much depth to the character, a pregnancy conceived the night the father died, etc.
The book is named after the wartime book club which I don’t feel like had a hugely significant role to play tbh. I wish she’d done something more with utilizing the book club. I thought grace and bea were a little one dimensional and I wish their friendship had been depicted more. The ending didn’t land for me.
I’ll always compare every WW2 book to the nightingale and maybe that’s a personal problem but I just didn’t find this book very original or gripping.
I enjoyed learning about the Jersey islands during the occupation. I love WWII fiction and have read many of them and have yet to read one set in Jersey, so that was a big plus for this book. Overall, though nothing else was that original. I feel like we’ve seen it before - the golden retriever yank soldier who doesn’t have much depth to the character, a pregnancy conceived the night the father died, etc.
The book is named after the wartime book club which I don’t feel like had a hugely significant role to play tbh. I wish she’d done something more with utilizing the book club. I thought grace and bea were a little one dimensional and I wish their friendship had been depicted more. The ending didn’t land for me.
I’ll always compare every WW2 book to the nightingale and maybe that’s a personal problem but I just didn’t find this book very original or gripping.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2024
This gave me all the Guernsey feels! I loved this novel. I loved seeing lives being lead through occupation and quiet bravery. I loved seeing the community rally, as well as the poison pen informers; that was really well done. I absolutely loved seeing what book lovers where doing,the comfort that is to be had in a good book and the escape a good novel can provide is something I obviously love to see celebrated. It is very much also about banned books and goodness is that an important theme now as it was then. Loved it
November 24, 2024
Probs a 3.5 but a 4 because my Gran recommended it x
April 12, 2024
The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson is a truly special and incredible book. The characters are so realistic and endearing. It's set during WWII, in Nazi-occupied Jersey, a channel island which is part of the U.K., but geographically very close to France. It was so exciting to 'visit' this place, Jersey, that I've never been to before, or even knew much about. Before I read this book, I didn't realize how much closer Jersey is to France than England, or that they have their own language, Jèrriais (although English is predominantly spoken there).
This book isn't just about the war itself, but what it's really about is standing up to censorship. Books are how these people coped with their bleak existence under occupation, made them forget their troubles and grief for a chapter at a time. "Books are medicine." It's a timely warning and reminder of what can happen when totalitarians take over and steal away our freedoms. You will be rooting for these characters, and grieving their losses. This book is poignant and wonderful, and it will stick with me for a long time. I learned so much and felt so much, too.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Book Thief or The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing a complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book isn't just about the war itself, but what it's really about is standing up to censorship. Books are how these people coped with their bleak existence under occupation, made them forget their troubles and grief for a chapter at a time. "Books are medicine." It's a timely warning and reminder of what can happen when totalitarians take over and steal away our freedoms. You will be rooting for these characters, and grieving their losses. This book is poignant and wonderful, and it will stick with me for a long time. I learned so much and felt so much, too.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Book Thief or The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing a complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 16, 2024
Grace is the librarian at the library in St Helier. With the onset of the occupation by Nazi Germany, many books have been banned by the Reich. Grace has to get creative, delivering books to people who cannot get to the library. There are many people hiding across the island too; Jews, Allied airmen, escaped prisoners. Books are vital, particularly a Russian-English dictionary. Grace's best frien, Bea delivers letters for the post office and she keeps many of the letters denouncing islanders. Problems arise when Bea's sister, Nancy, finds love with a German soldier.
Based on real stories of the time in the island, this book is beautifully written and the islanders stark lives are brought into focus. Not only the lack of food (jokingly called the Occupation Diet), but also the lack of medicine which caused many needless deaths. The brutality of the regime is clearly drawn, as are the consequences of crossing the occupiers and the fear engendered. There is an interesting epilogue about the reality of what the book is based on.
Based on real stories of the time in the island, this book is beautifully written and the islanders stark lives are brought into focus. Not only the lack of food (jokingly called the Occupation Diet), but also the lack of medicine which caused many needless deaths. The brutality of the regime is clearly drawn, as are the consequences of crossing the occupiers and the fear engendered. There is an interesting epilogue about the reality of what the book is based on.
August 20, 2025
4,5⭐
Arrebatador! O meu coração partiu-se em pedaços 150x com todas as provações da Bea e da Grace. ❤️🩹
Gostei muito do pormenor de cada capítulo apresentar um livro banido pelo III Reich.
Arrebatador! O meu coração partiu-se em pedaços 150x com todas as provações da Bea e da Grace. ❤️🩹
Gostei muito do pormenor de cada capítulo apresentar um livro banido pelo III Reich.
August 28, 2025
4,5 estrelas. Opinião no meu blogue, em https://wwwescrevinhados-cantarinha.b...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 791 reviews