The Child at the Window

by Gill Thompson

Inspired by the true story of two sisters who helped Jewish people escape fascist Germany, a powerful, compelling novel of love, courage and sacrifice.

Her hands tremble as she tightens her grip on the letter, taking in the familiar script that is scratched into the fading parchment. For more than fifty years, she has carried this testimony - these secrets - with her. It's time her story was told.

1937. As fascism rises across Europe and the threat turns to very real danger for their Jewish friends in Berlin, sisters Josephine and Constance smuggle out possessions to help to finance their friends' new lives as refugees in London - if they make it out. Then, one day, they're asked to rescue something much more a little girl. Her mother, Ilse, has been imprisoned for her journalism and her father, Daniel, knows he must do all he can to protect their child - even if that means letting her go...

1939. When war breaks out, the sisters are tortured by thoughts of those they couldn't save and commit to doing all they can on the Home Front - Jo, at the Ministry of Information, where she becomes part of a network of intelligence workers, and Constance as an air raid warden during the Blitz. Meanwhile in Germany, Ilse is moved to Ravensbrück, where she bands together with other women in the camp to expose the atrocities they face every day. But can Ilse find a way to connect with her daughter?

Genres: Historical Fiction

480 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 23, 2026

About the author

I taught English for 41 years, mainly at sixth form level. I'm now delighted to have a new career as a writer, with four historical fiction novels to my name. I'm a former Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the University of Chichester, where I studied for my Creative Writing M.A. My new novel, 'The Child at the Window', comes out in April 2026. Do check out my creative writing blog: www.wordkindling.co.uk I'd love to hear from you!

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading wwii books, another great read from this author... this book is about two sisters who risk their lives to help Jews escape to England... a heartfelt read. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bring your tissues, the author has done it again, written a heartbreaking story , with multiple povs. Heroisme, hearbreak and resilience. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read so many WWII/Holocaust novels over the years, I truly didn’t expect “The Child at the Window” to move me like it did. A one day read that tells a story of two English sisters who helped many German Jews escape to England. Based on two women’s actual heroic efforts, the story unfolds through four perspectives and encompasses the entire war from the early days in Berlin, life in England during the blitz, the propaganda war waged by the English and other allies against the Germans, the unimaginable life in the concentration camps and finally the start of the Nuremberg trials. While it seems like it is tackling a lot of disturbing elements, this novel is well written and flows to a very satisfying conclusion. I want to thank NetGalley and Headline for a digital ARC for my honest review. Publication is April 2026.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book! I love WW2 fiction, and I’ve enjoyed this authors work before so I knew I’d like this book, but I was honestly surprised how much I loved it - I couldn’t put it down!

The book starts in London, in 1936, where you’re introduced to sisters Jo and Con, who live peaceful if humdrum lives together. Then, we meet Daniel in Berlin, and it’s here that the drama begins, as his wife has just been imprisoned by the Gestapo for her writing.

A chance meeting at Daniel’s flat in Berlin leads to Jo and Con becoming involved with the resistance, but in a way I’ve never personally heard of before - smuggling Jewish peoples ‘riches’ (jewellery, furs etc) into England, where they were then sold, and the funds used to pay for the Jewish people’s safe passage out of Germany.

Another interesting aspect of the plot was the focus on the role of propaganda in fighting the war - I won’t go into too much detail but it was a very unique part of the plot which once again, I’ve never really seen mentioned in historical fiction, especially in relation to the role played by women.

All in all, it was a really great read that was incredibly well written, with a cast full of intriguing characters and a plot that not only educated me, but also quickly drew me in and kept me gripped throughout. The ending is also absolutely perfect, full of heartbreak and hope in equal measures. Definitely a book and author I’d recommend.

Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.

[Chelsea Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The past can sustain you, you know. Sometimes memories fill the space better than photographs. Hold on to the ones you’ve described. They’re good ones- happy ones - and they can help. Like precious jewels, you can take them out on a dull day, dust them off, and they’ll light up the darkness.”

Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC!

This book explores another story from the World War II and has multiple points of view. While reading I found myself once again, heart broken by the very real circumstances that the Jews faced in the war. Each character’s point of view had a purpose in telling the story, and in doing so, gave me the depth of the stakes in the book.

I loved the author’s choice of characters and I loved that it was based off of a real sister duo. I thought this book was going to be centered in a child’s point of view, so I wasn’t sure if this was going to be a historical fiction that was for me. The author’s use of clever plotting to connect each character’s story was realistic and easy to follow. It was close to impossible to put the book down while reading. By the end of the book, I felt each character’s feelings.

I wish we got more of the Elise’s perspective. As she grows up how she learned to love Con & Jo, how her relationship with her father was and also, her thoughts and wishes regarding her mother while looking into the sky.

I think this book is something that you’d want to read when you want to cry lol. But in a good way. This gave awareness to the ongoing trauma that survivors have from this war and I think that’s a bittersweet ending; to their courage and bravery.

[Pamela Shrewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some historical novels tell you about history. Others make you feel the weight of it. The Child at the Window by Gill Thompson is the second kind.

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚
The Child at the Window
Gill Thompson
Format: ARC | Pub: 04/23/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @netgalley, @headlinebooks, and @wordkindling for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Set against rising fascism in Europe, sisters Josephine and Constance help Jewish families escape Berlin before it’s too late. What begins as smuggling belongings becomes something far more dangerous: rescuing a little girl whose parents can no longer protect her.

From London—through intelligence work and the Blitz—to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where her mother Ilse fights to survive, their lives remain tied together by love, sacrifice, and the hope of reunion.

This is a visceral look at the impossible choices parents were forced to make—and the women who stepped up when everything was at risk. Quiet, powerful, and deeply human, this story is anchored by the emotional thread of a mother torn from her child. It’s devastating, tender, and ultimately hopeful.

⭐ Highlights
• Dual timelines
• Women-led story
• Resistance networks
• Ravensbrück camp
• Mother–child bond
• Quiet heroism
• Found family

✅ WHAT WORKED
• Emotional core that stays with you
• Strong female perspectives
• Immersive wartime setting
• Themes of moral courage

⚠️ WHAT DIDN’T WORK
• Slight pacing dips between POVs
• Heavy subject matter (not a flaw, just a heads-up)

📌 Perfect for readers who love The Nightingale or The Book Thief and character-driven WWII stories.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the era of WW2 we follow the lives of two unmarried sisters, Constance and Josephine Elliott, living in London. Different personalities and different skills, the two sisters could not be more dissimilar; one domesticated, the other a writer of romance novels. The storyline of their compulsion to do something for the war effort, initially takes them to Germany aiding Jewish families to cross the Channel into England. One such visit is to bring back a little girl, whose mother has been imprisoned in Germany for writing articles exposing the tide of German persecution upon the Jews.

Ms Thompson’s novel although one of fiction, closely maps the suffering, heartache and atrocities experienced during this period. A spell-binding story, opening up the tragic circumstances but guiding the reader to a new perspective filled with love and compassion.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Headline for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Child at the Window" by Gill Thompson, takes place during the Holocaust. It is seen through the eyes of several characters. "Jo" and "Con" two sisters trying to find a way to make it through world war 2 and protecting a little girl named Esther. Her father is trying to help during this horrible time. Jo is a famous author and continues to write her novels and also use her skills as a writer during this horrible time. daniel the dad of Esther is worried about his wife who is in prison for being caught with her writings she eventually ends up in the concentration camps. This book covers about six years up until 1946. Then an epilogue in 1976. A pretty good read for the most part. I liked some parts of the book better than others. Had some good characters. will give this book a 3.5.

[Wioletta Maj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a few historical fiction books, but stories set during WWII always feel the most powerful to me. They’re often heartbreaking, but always meaningful—and The Child at the Window is exactly that kind of read.

This novel really pulled me in with its emotional depth and multiple perspectives, which were easy to follow and added so much to the story. I also appreciated the historical details woven throughout—it made everything feel more real and immersive.

It’s definitely a sad and moving book, with moments that really stayed with me, but it’s also beautifully written and full of heart. A very worthwhile read for anyone who enjoys emotional historical fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Headline for the opportunity to read this book.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Gill Thompson's new book, The Child at the Window. It's a story that spans the whole of the Second World War, told from four different perspectives. Thompson expertly shines a light on a little known aspect of the war - how it was partly won due to the efforts of writers and journalists and the government's own propaganda machine. I learned so much whilst reading this novel. The characters - Jo, her sister Con, Daniel and his wife Isle - all had very different experiences of the war, and it was interesting to see things from the German Jewish perspective. This is a truly heartrending, stirring, important novel, perfect for anyone who enjoys a cracking good tale.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another WWII story, this time about a little girl evacuated into the capable hands of 2 sisters who come to love her as their own. This story really comes to life with a lot of love, sacrifice, bravery and tenacity of the sisters, but mostly from the mother, Ilse and her husband Daniel.
What makes this extra special is because it is inspired by a true story. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and the writing is excellent.
Highly recommended and comes in with high 5 stars.
I thank Headline along with NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book "The Child at the Window" and all opinions expressed are my own. This was a very good story. A very moving story that kept me interested throughout the book.