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The Secret Society of Librarians
Based on true events, The Secret Society of Librarians is a gripping and uplifting page-turner—perfect for fans of The Riviera House and The Paris Apartment.
676 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
Kate Thompson
69 books155 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
July 23, 2026
The Secret Society of Librarians by Kate Thompson
Historical fiction. WWII.
London 1939. Joyce Kindred knows the comfort and escape of a good book. As a librarian, she is proud to be able to meet the community and provide them with a book to read, even in the middle of war. It can be dangerous. A mobile Library is the goal to be able to continue her job. Seeing so much suffering and destruction, she does what she can to help.
Poland 1942. Dorotha left London a few years back for Poland, worried about family. She is now stuck behind a barbed wire fence in a ghetto, forced to live there as the war destruction leaves devastation behind. She begins lending books to others knowing the written stories can be an escape for the realities crushing the spirit.
Similar to the prior two wartime books by this author, this story is a homage to librarians while imparting historical facts and a really sad time in our history.
Impressive research and storytelling of librarians helping others unselfishly during wartime.
I can’t help weeping for the loss of so many lives and personal histories. The loss of freedom, dignity, respect and in the end, life of thousands.
Devastating stories.
A bit of hope in the form of a book or story.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Historical fiction. WWII.
London 1939. Joyce Kindred knows the comfort and escape of a good book. As a librarian, she is proud to be able to meet the community and provide them with a book to read, even in the middle of war. It can be dangerous. A mobile Library is the goal to be able to continue her job. Seeing so much suffering and destruction, she does what she can to help.
Poland 1942. Dorotha left London a few years back for Poland, worried about family. She is now stuck behind a barbed wire fence in a ghetto, forced to live there as the war destruction leaves devastation behind. She begins lending books to others knowing the written stories can be an escape for the realities crushing the spirit.
Similar to the prior two wartime books by this author, this story is a homage to librarians while imparting historical facts and a really sad time in our history.
Impressive research and storytelling of librarians helping others unselfishly during wartime.
I can’t help weeping for the loss of so many lives and personal histories. The loss of freedom, dignity, respect and in the end, life of thousands.
Devastating stories.
A bit of hope in the form of a book or story.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
August 24, 2026
3.5 stars
The Secret Society of Librarians refers to a group of women, all friends, who brought their passion for reading and books to their different communities during World War II, some of which had to be kept hidden from the German occupation. A dual narrative, the story focuses on Joyce in London and Dorotha in Poland.
Kate Thompson's research on this period wove nicely into a narrative that made me feel as if I were in London during the Blitz with Joyce and in the Lodz ghetto with Dorotha. I appreciated the fact that when it came to certain aspects of great turmoil or fright for one of the women, the next chapter was oftentimes still from their perspective. I liked that more than just leaving a character in limbo. There were many hopeful moments in this story, and even though each woman is given a male romantic partner, the storyline keeps with its purpose and is never overshadowed.
Recommended for readers who aim for wartime stories about lesser-known ways in which the war was fought.
#TheSecretSocietyofLibrarians #NetGalley
Publication Date 21/07/26
Goodreads Review 24/08/26
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Secret Society of Librarians refers to a group of women, all friends, who brought their passion for reading and books to their different communities during World War II, some of which had to be kept hidden from the German occupation. A dual narrative, the story focuses on Joyce in London and Dorotha in Poland.
Kate Thompson's research on this period wove nicely into a narrative that made me feel as if I were in London during the Blitz with Joyce and in the Lodz ghetto with Dorotha. I appreciated the fact that when it came to certain aspects of great turmoil or fright for one of the women, the next chapter was oftentimes still from their perspective. I liked that more than just leaving a character in limbo. There were many hopeful moments in this story, and even though each woman is given a male romantic partner, the storyline keeps with its purpose and is never overshadowed.
Recommended for readers who aim for wartime stories about lesser-known ways in which the war was fought.
#TheSecretSocietyofLibrarians #NetGalley
Publication Date 21/07/26
Goodreads Review 24/08/26
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐
I love historical fiction books set in libraries!
I loved the premise of taking books to the people when they couldn’t get to the libraries. Wartime caused many people to rise to the challenges of war, to pivot and create new ways of doing things. I liked the idea of reading as being an act of defiance and a means to strengthen for the ‘battle’ on the home front.
My highlighter was working overtime with wonderful quotes and facts.
I would have loved more connection with the characters. I felt this was sacrificed for the sake of a fact-rich plot. With so many 'librarians at war' books out there, a memorable character or two would have helped this plot.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I love historical fiction books set in libraries!
I loved the premise of taking books to the people when they couldn’t get to the libraries. Wartime caused many people to rise to the challenges of war, to pivot and create new ways of doing things. I liked the idea of reading as being an act of defiance and a means to strengthen for the ‘battle’ on the home front.
My highlighter was working overtime with wonderful quotes and facts.
I would have loved more connection with the characters. I felt this was sacrificed for the sake of a fact-rich plot. With so many 'librarians at war' books out there, a memorable character or two would have helped this plot.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 14, 2026
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
The Secret Society of Librarians by Kate Thompson is an incredibly beautifully written historical fiction story and it opened my eyes to events in London during the blitz, it also shed light on what happened before the holocaust in occupied Poland. The story is moving and extremely atmospheric creating the unimaginable trauma war brings.
We follow two incredibly courageous women, librarians living in different countries, both friends and facing the breakout of World War II. Both women prior to the war were part of a group of fellow librarians that studied together and created The Secret Society of Librarians, meeting up together once a year.
London 1939 - The war breaks out and London is being bombed yet Joyce is determined as an act of resistance to set up a mobile library scheme to bring books into peoples hands so they can read as a form of escapism when libraries were no longer an option or accessible for some.
Poland 1942 - Doretha a Jewish woman is imprisoned in the overcrowded and inhumane Lodz ghetto and creates a secret library, hidden from the Nazis.
I loved the way these women stood up to their beliefs and their love of books and reading, the characters and their stories are incredible. The new world created underground in the London tube stations blew my mind!
The author devotes a section at the end of the book detailing the extensive research which was also very interesting and includes photos, historical notes and stories coming from women of the Blitz in their own words. A truly beautiful and inspirational read every librarian and book lover should read.
Publication Date 10 March 2026
Publisher Hodder Paperbacks
Thank you so much Hachette Australia for a copy of the book.
The Secret Society of Librarians by Kate Thompson is an incredibly beautifully written historical fiction story and it opened my eyes to events in London during the blitz, it also shed light on what happened before the holocaust in occupied Poland. The story is moving and extremely atmospheric creating the unimaginable trauma war brings.
We follow two incredibly courageous women, librarians living in different countries, both friends and facing the breakout of World War II. Both women prior to the war were part of a group of fellow librarians that studied together and created The Secret Society of Librarians, meeting up together once a year.
London 1939 - The war breaks out and London is being bombed yet Joyce is determined as an act of resistance to set up a mobile library scheme to bring books into peoples hands so they can read as a form of escapism when libraries were no longer an option or accessible for some.
Poland 1942 - Doretha a Jewish woman is imprisoned in the overcrowded and inhumane Lodz ghetto and creates a secret library, hidden from the Nazis.
I loved the way these women stood up to their beliefs and their love of books and reading, the characters and their stories are incredible. The new world created underground in the London tube stations blew my mind!
The author devotes a section at the end of the book detailing the extensive research which was also very interesting and includes photos, historical notes and stories coming from women of the Blitz in their own words. A truly beautiful and inspirational read every librarian and book lover should read.
Publication Date 10 March 2026
Publisher Hodder Paperbacks
Thank you so much Hachette Australia for a copy of the book.
July 22, 2026
The Secret Society of Librarians is a heartbreaking yet heartwarming wartime novel, inspired by real people, real stories and extensive research.
With a dual narrative the story is set between London and Poland in the 1940's.
Meeting through real-life Secret Society of Librarians in London, two women form a close bond. When WWII hits they take their libraries underground creating a roaming underground library. But when one of them is taken to a concentration camp in Poland they think there is no chance of ever being reunited again.
This is an inspirational, true and compelling story about friendship, constant bravery and the power of books.
I have read many novels set during WWII and this novel is by far a unique and fascinating read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
With a dual narrative the story is set between London and Poland in the 1940's.
Meeting through real-life Secret Society of Librarians in London, two women form a close bond. When WWII hits they take their libraries underground creating a roaming underground library. But when one of them is taken to a concentration camp in Poland they think there is no chance of ever being reunited again.
This is an inspirational, true and compelling story about friendship, constant bravery and the power of books.
I have read many novels set during WWII and this novel is by far a unique and fascinating read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
June 24, 2026
easy going read and interesting in parts
September 21, 2026
I found a few frustrating things about this book. The point of view of the two main characters was fine, but the fact that they were on different time lines was weird. The story lines were a little saccharine at times, and the sudden jump from 1945 to 1975, without anything in between left me with a few questions. Finally - Virginia Woolf AND The Secret Garden - overkill, in my opinion. I gave points for the historical research at the end, though. But I’ve had enough of World War II fiction, with plucky women.
August 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. World War two historical fiction is my favorite genre, outside of memoirs. This book was a little more "soapy" than others in the genre but still very compelling and heart breaking. I gravitated toward Dorotha's story line but overall, this was a great read. Heavy subjects.
September 29, 2026
The author gives us another great librarians in WWII story. This one unfolds on two fronts: London and Lodz, Poland. Joyce and Dorothea are two members of a tight circle of friends, all librarians, who first met at in a training program for librarians. Joyce, our main POV in England, and Dorothea, our POV character in Poland, alternate sections of the book.
Dorothea's sections are particularly grim; Joyce's not so much. But both are punctuated with touches of joy, friendship, and the love of books. Fear not, while this book is grim some sections, there is a very feel good ending.
The author's historical notes are as fascinating as the fictional story.
Dorothea's sections are particularly grim; Joyce's not so much. But both are punctuated with touches of joy, friendship, and the love of books. Fear not, while this book is grim some sections, there is a very feel good ending.
The author's historical notes are as fascinating as the fictional story.
July 27, 2026
Oh man, what a read. It was heartbreaking, heartbreaking, heartbreaking. I knew it was going to be sad (I mean its set in WWII, in London and in a ghetto in Poland). I knew our characters were going to experience loss, but boy howdy.
Joyce and Dorotha met with a group of other librarians and became fast friends. When war breaks out the two of them don't stop being librarians. Joyce sets up a mobile library, protects Dorothas sister Adela, and works hard to bring books to people who are displaced because of the bombs.
Dorotha collects books from empty homes to create a library that trades under the occupations noses. The people there are killed, sent off and slowly starving, but even the lending is slowly taken away.
It took me awhile to realize these are two different timelines (it tells us in the blurb!). And the hits kept hitting our heroines. I kept thinking to myself how much more can these two lose? It didnt stop! But it felt so close to atrocities that we are seeing right now. Didn't feel so far away.
But there was still small hopes and kindnesses throughout. The bravery of these two.
In the authors note we find out its based on true events! Read the authors note.
Joyce and Dorotha met with a group of other librarians and became fast friends. When war breaks out the two of them don't stop being librarians. Joyce sets up a mobile library, protects Dorothas sister Adela, and works hard to bring books to people who are displaced because of the bombs.
Dorotha collects books from empty homes to create a library that trades under the occupations noses. The people there are killed, sent off and slowly starving, but even the lending is slowly taken away.
It took me awhile to realize these are two different timelines (it tells us in the blurb!). And the hits kept hitting our heroines. I kept thinking to myself how much more can these two lose? It didnt stop! But it felt so close to atrocities that we are seeing right now. Didn't feel so far away.
But there was still small hopes and kindnesses throughout. The bravery of these two.
In the authors note we find out its based on true events! Read the authors note.
May 20, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
"Libertatem per Lectio, Freedom through Reading"
Joyce and Dorotha, two librarians united through their love of books and their membership in the Secret Society of Librarians, find themselves separated when WWII begins. Joyce remains in London during the Blitz, wondering what has become of her dear friend Dorotha, who is suffering in a Jewish ghetto in occupied Poland. Both women take the words of Virginia Woolf to heart: "Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind."
While London is being bombed and libraries are being destroyed, Joyce takes it upon herself to start a mobile, underground library to allow the people to escape into books while taking refuge in the subway tunnels during the air raids. Meanwhile, as Dorotha is suffering under Nazi rule in a ghetto in Occupied Poland, she has a similar idea, starting a small, secret library in their prison itself.
This was a beautiful story of hope in the midst of profound suffering. I particularly appreciated the way the author didn't gloss over the intense despair experienced by Jewish people under Nazi oppression, however, she also expertly wove in threads of hope in a place where there seemed to be none. I also enjoyed learning about the makeshift shelters created in the subway tunnels during the Blitz in London. The camaraderie between people, forced to live side by side in the underground bomb shelters, was inspiring.
I would never compare what I have experienced with the unimaginable suffering of those who lived during World War II, but I can still relate to the freedom through reading described in this story. In books, we are able to escape into another world, and while I can't fully comprehend what these people endured, I can imagine how books could transport them to another place, even if only for a moment.
Content considerations:
-Wartime peril, described in some detail but not graphic
-Spice: none; just a couple of kisses
-Moderate occasional language
-Rape/sexual abuse referenced, but not described
"Libertatem per Lectio, Freedom through Reading"
Joyce and Dorotha, two librarians united through their love of books and their membership in the Secret Society of Librarians, find themselves separated when WWII begins. Joyce remains in London during the Blitz, wondering what has become of her dear friend Dorotha, who is suffering in a Jewish ghetto in occupied Poland. Both women take the words of Virginia Woolf to heart: "Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind."
While London is being bombed and libraries are being destroyed, Joyce takes it upon herself to start a mobile, underground library to allow the people to escape into books while taking refuge in the subway tunnels during the air raids. Meanwhile, as Dorotha is suffering under Nazi rule in a ghetto in Occupied Poland, she has a similar idea, starting a small, secret library in their prison itself.
This was a beautiful story of hope in the midst of profound suffering. I particularly appreciated the way the author didn't gloss over the intense despair experienced by Jewish people under Nazi oppression, however, she also expertly wove in threads of hope in a place where there seemed to be none. I also enjoyed learning about the makeshift shelters created in the subway tunnels during the Blitz in London. The camaraderie between people, forced to live side by side in the underground bomb shelters, was inspiring.
I would never compare what I have experienced with the unimaginable suffering of those who lived during World War II, but I can still relate to the freedom through reading described in this story. In books, we are able to escape into another world, and while I can't fully comprehend what these people endured, I can imagine how books could transport them to another place, even if only for a moment.
Content considerations:
-Wartime peril, described in some detail but not graphic
-Spice: none; just a couple of kisses
-Moderate occasional language
-Rape/sexual abuse referenced, but not described
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kate Thompson’s novel centres on a group of librarians separated by the Second World War who form a secret society, united by a shared commitment to getting books into the hands of civilians. At its heart, the novel is about the power of books, but also about friendship, courage, and quiet determination in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
Thompson mentions how she used her interviews of many people, and thorough research to give the novel added weight and authenticity, and this really makes some of the most emotionally heavy sections particularly effective.
The narrative moves between London and a ghetto in Poland, gradually revealing the experiences of the main characters as the war unfolds and echoes the very different, yet interconnected realities faced by people at that time.
I wasn’t always fully engaged while reading, though this may say more about my own reading history than the novel itself. Having read many books set during the Second World War, I found parts of it more familiar than surprising, and I suspect readers newer to the subject may connect with it more strongly. That said, there are moments of real emotional impact, and the author handles these really well.
Overall, I appreciated the concept of books as a form of resistance and hope and the emphasis on collective action rather than individual heroics. I received an advance review copy from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Thompson mentions how she used her interviews of many people, and thorough research to give the novel added weight and authenticity, and this really makes some of the most emotionally heavy sections particularly effective.
The narrative moves between London and a ghetto in Poland, gradually revealing the experiences of the main characters as the war unfolds and echoes the very different, yet interconnected realities faced by people at that time.
I wasn’t always fully engaged while reading, though this may say more about my own reading history than the novel itself. Having read many books set during the Second World War, I found parts of it more familiar than surprising, and I suspect readers newer to the subject may connect with it more strongly. That said, there are moments of real emotional impact, and the author handles these really well.
Overall, I appreciated the concept of books as a form of resistance and hope and the emphasis on collective action rather than individual heroics. I received an advance review copy from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
June 24, 2026
Look, I wanted to love this book, I really did. I do appreciate a good historical fiction that is based on well researched fact. That is about all this book has going for it and for that I give it an extra star.
Sadly, there were many moments where I wanted to give up and walk away. What kept me going is that in desperation, I eventually came here to read the reviews and saw one that said the ending was worth persisting for. But honestly, I just don’t get these 4+ star reviews????!
What made me want to give up on it? The Mills and Boon soap opera script and most of the key characters (or perhaps I should say “charicatures”) were simperingly irritating or typecast. Without giving away spoilers, the final scenes were aggravating and very difficult to believe thus undermining the storyline even further. The narration was clear but annoyingly cloy.
The best part of the book was the final section (“Historical Notes) where the author, Kate Thompson, explained her inspiration, motivation and facts she’d utilized to tell her story. If you have the patience to persist, this will be your reward.
Sadly, there were many moments where I wanted to give up and walk away. What kept me going is that in desperation, I eventually came here to read the reviews and saw one that said the ending was worth persisting for. But honestly, I just don’t get these 4+ star reviews????!
What made me want to give up on it? The Mills and Boon soap opera script and most of the key characters (or perhaps I should say “charicatures”) were simperingly irritating or typecast. Without giving away spoilers, the final scenes were aggravating and very difficult to believe thus undermining the storyline even further. The narration was clear but annoyingly cloy.
The best part of the book was the final section (“Historical Notes) where the author, Kate Thompson, explained her inspiration, motivation and facts she’d utilized to tell her story. If you have the patience to persist, this will be your reward.
March 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.75/5
𝙾𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚕𝚢 𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚖𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔!
𝙱𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗 𝚊 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊 𝚐𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚙 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚒𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝟸 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚍𝚍𝚜 𝚋𝚢 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖 𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚌𝚒𝚎𝚝𝚢 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚐𝚑𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚘 𝚂𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚗; 𝚊 𝚜𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚕𝚊𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖.
𝙼𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝙿𝙾𝚅’𝚜, 𝚍𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚎𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜.
𝚄𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚊 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚕 𝚍𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚘𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎 𝚝𝚘.
𝙰 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍!
𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝐈 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 ’𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞’ 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭)
𝙾𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚕𝚢 𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚖𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔!
𝙱𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗 𝚊 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊 𝚐𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚙 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚒𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝟸 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚍𝚍𝚜 𝚋𝚢 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖 𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚌𝚒𝚎𝚝𝚢 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚐𝚑𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚘 𝚂𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚗; 𝚊 𝚜𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚕𝚊𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖.
𝙼𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝙿𝙾𝚅’𝚜, 𝚍𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚎𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜.
𝚄𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚊 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚕 𝚍𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚘𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎 𝚝𝚘.
𝙰 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍!
𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝐈 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 ’𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞’ 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭)
May 13, 2026
I was gripped by this true story, set in Poland and London during the 1940s, that reveals how books sustain and support life during the most tragic times. Highly recommended!
October 5, 2026
Yes, we all feel as if we've read (too) many WW II Historical fiction books. But this one has not only a great author's note, but also several pages of first person accounts of surviving the Blitz in London. That raised it a notch in my list.
September 14, 2026
Beautiful but harrowing in the way only these stories can be. So incredibly researched, I really loved the afterword and detailed information about the true stories inspiring this book. One that will definitely stay with me
July 4, 2026
4.25 stars!! ♥️ as a book lover, hearing the impact and importance of books during the war was so special. The woman in this story are so brave!!! I loved this
August 7, 2026
I went back and forth between 4 and 5 stars on this one.
This book had everything I love: World War II, strong female characters, books, libraries, and a story inspired by real events. I expected it to be an easy five-star read.
The only thing holding it back was the pacing. There were definitely sections that dragged, but then there were stretches where I couldn’t put it down. The ending pulled everything together and reminded me how powerful books, courage, and ordinary people can be in extraordinary times.
I’m giving it 4 stars…for now. I reserve the right to change my mind after it sits with me for a few days. 📚🕊️🔐🌍
This book had everything I love: World War II, strong female characters, books, libraries, and a story inspired by real events. I expected it to be an easy five-star read.
The only thing holding it back was the pacing. There were definitely sections that dragged, but then there were stretches where I couldn’t put it down. The ending pulled everything together and reminded me how powerful books, courage, and ordinary people can be in extraordinary times.
I’m giving it 4 stars…for now. I reserve the right to change my mind after it sits with me for a few days. 📚🕊️🔐🌍
May 1, 2026
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read to about 25% (around page 82) before deciding to DNF. I was really interested in the premise and I typically love historical fiction, especially stories set during WWII, but this one didn’t fully work for me.
I found it difficult to connect with the characters early on. The introduction felt a bit too brief, and I wanted more time with the characters before the war began to better understand who they were. Because of that, I had trouble forming a strong emotional connection, and even basic details about them didn’t fully stick.
The pacing also felt rushed, particularly at the beginning. Major events and shifts seemed to happen very quickly, which made the story feel compressed rather than immersive. I also found some of the transitions jarring… for example, moving quickly from intense wartime scenes into everyday library moments made it harder for me to stay grounded in the story.
One of the things I love most about historical fiction is feeling deeply connected to the characters and their experiences. In this case, everything moved so quickly that I didn’t feel like I had the chance to fully settle into those moments.
That said, readers who prefer faster-paced historical fiction or stories that move quickly through major events may enjoy this more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
I read to about 25% (around page 82) before deciding to DNF. I was really interested in the premise and I typically love historical fiction, especially stories set during WWII, but this one didn’t fully work for me.
I found it difficult to connect with the characters early on. The introduction felt a bit too brief, and I wanted more time with the characters before the war began to better understand who they were. Because of that, I had trouble forming a strong emotional connection, and even basic details about them didn’t fully stick.
The pacing also felt rushed, particularly at the beginning. Major events and shifts seemed to happen very quickly, which made the story feel compressed rather than immersive. I also found some of the transitions jarring… for example, moving quickly from intense wartime scenes into everyday library moments made it harder for me to stay grounded in the story.
One of the things I love most about historical fiction is feeling deeply connected to the characters and their experiences. In this case, everything moved so quickly that I didn’t feel like I had the chance to fully settle into those moments.
That said, readers who prefer faster-paced historical fiction or stories that move quickly through major events may enjoy this more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
April 15, 2026
Well, this is surely not the book I’d like to read again. In fact when I started reading it I was thoroughly disappointed… Checking the reviews prior to it I expected a great read. Quite contrary - it was slow, disengaging, very repetitive and I had to force myself to continue. I wouldn’t given it more than just 1 star. Till nearly the very end where it finally became something that left me in tears. Surely a great ending!
The Notes afterwards - too much for me. Way too much.
So… if you’re planning to read this book - don’t expect much till the last few chapters.
The Notes afterwards - too much for me. Way too much.
So… if you’re planning to read this book - don’t expect much till the last few chapters.
August 2, 2026
heartfelt but flawed
I enjoyed reading this novel but was disappointed in the inconsistent writing and weird anachronisms. For example, people didn’t “buckle up” in the early 1940s as seatbelts were not installed in cars, trucks or busses until the 1950s at the earliest—so the mobile library certainly would not have had one. The story also sort of just ended with a 30 year break and then a discovery that did not feel realistic. Ww2 and Holocaust novels are myriad and this is not among the best.
I enjoyed reading this novel but was disappointed in the inconsistent writing and weird anachronisms. For example, people didn’t “buckle up” in the early 1940s as seatbelts were not installed in cars, trucks or busses until the 1950s at the earliest—so the mobile library certainly would not have had one. The story also sort of just ended with a 30 year break and then a discovery that did not feel realistic. Ww2 and Holocaust novels are myriad and this is not among the best.
Read
July 27, 2026The Secret Society of Librarians is a historical novel set during World War II. In London, Joyce Kindred is a librarian who finds her library has been bombed. It is during the Blitz, and she starts a mobile library with the help of a young Jewish refugee named Adela. In Poland, Dorotha (older sister of Adela) can no longer work as a librarian in the Polish Ghetto due to the oppression of the Nazi party. She creates a small secret library. Dorotha and Joyce are part of a group of friends from library school, and the story involves their network of friends.
I wanted to read this book because I have enjoyed Kate Thompson's other WWII novels (especially The Little Wartime Library). I read a lot of historical fiction, and am interested in the 1940's time period.
This novel is told in alternating viewpoints by Joyce and Dorotha. They face struggles both personally and as librarians, but they were very committed to the motto of their group of librarian friends:
"And thanks to Virginia Woolf, it came to her. “What about ‘Libertatem per Lectio’?” Joyce asked, her eyes shining. “It stands for ‘freedom through reading.’” (eBook location 191).
Joyce shelters in the London underground along with Adela and an older friend they look out for. The book depicts the frightening bombing that happened during the Blitz. In one dramatic scene, Joyce and her beau are visiting St. Paul's Cathedral with its huge and winding library passages and they leave just to find the city being bombed.
The hardships that Dorotha faces are unimaginable, and heartbreaking to read. She loses family, work, and lives with hunger and deprivation beyond imagination.
These women hold on to their ideals - the importance of books and reading, kindness and compassion for others, and a long lasting friendship. They are truly heroic figures.
I recommend The Secret Society of Librarians for historical fiction readers, and especially for anyone with an interest in World War II fiction.
I wanted to read this book because I have enjoyed Kate Thompson's other WWII novels (especially The Little Wartime Library). I read a lot of historical fiction, and am interested in the 1940's time period.
This novel is told in alternating viewpoints by Joyce and Dorotha. They face struggles both personally and as librarians, but they were very committed to the motto of their group of librarian friends:
"And thanks to Virginia Woolf, it came to her. “What about ‘Libertatem per Lectio’?” Joyce asked, her eyes shining. “It stands for ‘freedom through reading.’” (eBook location 191).
Joyce shelters in the London underground along with Adela and an older friend they look out for. The book depicts the frightening bombing that happened during the Blitz. In one dramatic scene, Joyce and her beau are visiting St. Paul's Cathedral with its huge and winding library passages and they leave just to find the city being bombed.
The hardships that Dorotha faces are unimaginable, and heartbreaking to read. She loses family, work, and lives with hunger and deprivation beyond imagination.
These women hold on to their ideals - the importance of books and reading, kindness and compassion for others, and a long lasting friendship. They are truly heroic figures.
I recommend The Secret Society of Librarians for historical fiction readers, and especially for anyone with an interest in World War II fiction.
October 16, 2026
Sometimes the dual-timeline technique works really well for historical fiction, and sometimes it doesn’t. I wouldn’t go so far to say this one didn’t work; more that I thought it was a little strange. The two timelines take place during WWII, with one character in London and the other in occupied Poland, but it was odd to have one character moving ahead timewise, and the other lagging significantly. I’m not sure what the purpose of that was.
Otherwise, this was a good read about the impact of the war (particularly during the Blitz) in London, and what life was like in the Jewish ghettos in occupied Poland. The two main characters were both librarians, and the focus was on how libraries/books/reading can not only forge friendships, but also maintain some sanity and civilization during dire times.
The author has extensive research notes in the back which are definitely worth reading.
Otherwise, this was a good read about the impact of the war (particularly during the Blitz) in London, and what life was like in the Jewish ghettos in occupied Poland. The two main characters were both librarians, and the focus was on how libraries/books/reading can not only forge friendships, but also maintain some sanity and civilization during dire times.
The author has extensive research notes in the back which are definitely worth reading.
July 15, 2026
3.75 rounded up for goodreads. I really applaud Thompson’s research in the topics of the Lodz ghetto, mobile libraries, the blitz; it really grounded the novel and the different viewpoints. However, the timeline changing with each chapter got to be pretty confusing and made it really hard for me to really engage with Dorotha and Joyce. I also found a lot of the language to be quite modern and this also took me out of the story. A lot of the romance was predictable and rushed. I do wish she spent a little more time growing those relationships, but in war time it is probably believable. The messaging of reading being resistance is still true today and was powerfully clear.
July 22, 2026
Another incredibly well written and heavily researched historical novel by Kate Thompson. This story follows our librarians again as they form The Secret Society of Librarians. This time we have Joyce during the blitz in London and Dorotha in the Lødz ghetto in Poland. Both of their stories are so rich in detail and I was rooting for a happy ending for both. Both women view reading as an escapism and come up with plans to get books into the hands of people no matter the circumstances. The society's motto is Libertatem per Lectio - Freedom through Reading and both women embody this statement in the book. The end of the book is so moving! Keep your tissues handy. The historical note in this book is incredibly detailed with pictures included. Definitely a must read for librarians and book lovers!
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this book.
August 26, 2026
What an amazing book! As someone who loves reading about WWII history, this book completely reignited my fascination with the time period. I truly loved the multiple character perspectives and all the unexpected twists and turns throughout the story. There were so many heartwarming and happy moments, but also plenty of heartbreaking ones that really stayed with me. I was completely invested in the characters and their journeys from beginning to end. A beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable read!
September 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
My heart was in my throat for what felt like the entire book.
The Secret Society of Librarians follows Joyce, a librarian who is part of a secret society of librarians, as she takes in Adila, Rosa’s Jewish sister, who arrives from Poland during World War II. Through the stories of these women, we’re given two different perspectives across different periods of history, and we see the devastating realities of persecution, fear, loss and survival.
This book was heartbreaking. Truly heartbreaking.
It shines such a painful light on just how brutal and difficult this period in history was, and I found myself going through such an emotional journey while reading it. There were moments where I just had to stop and take a breath because of the weight of what these characters were experiencing.
One of the things I loved most was seeing how the librarians used what they had to help others during such an unimaginably terrible time. Their courage, compassion and determination made this story feel incredibly meaningful. There was something so powerful about people quietly choosing to help others when the world around them was falling apart.
I will say that, despite being completely engrossed in the story, I didn’t connect with the characters quite as deeply as I wanted to. I think that kept me from becoming completely emotionally attached to them on a personal level. But the story itself still pulled me in and stayed with me.
I also really appreciated the notes and the insight into Kate Thompson’s research. Learning about the people she spoke to, the history she uncovered, and the process of bringing this story to life made the book feel even more poignant. You can feel the care and respect that went into telling this story.
This was a heartbreaking, emotional and deeply moving read. It reminded me that even in some of the darkest periods of history, there were people who chose compassion, courage and humanity.
And honestly? The secret society of librarians might just have broken my heart.
My heart was in my throat for what felt like the entire book.
The Secret Society of Librarians follows Joyce, a librarian who is part of a secret society of librarians, as she takes in Adila, Rosa’s Jewish sister, who arrives from Poland during World War II. Through the stories of these women, we’re given two different perspectives across different periods of history, and we see the devastating realities of persecution, fear, loss and survival.
This book was heartbreaking. Truly heartbreaking.
It shines such a painful light on just how brutal and difficult this period in history was, and I found myself going through such an emotional journey while reading it. There were moments where I just had to stop and take a breath because of the weight of what these characters were experiencing.
One of the things I loved most was seeing how the librarians used what they had to help others during such an unimaginably terrible time. Their courage, compassion and determination made this story feel incredibly meaningful. There was something so powerful about people quietly choosing to help others when the world around them was falling apart.
I will say that, despite being completely engrossed in the story, I didn’t connect with the characters quite as deeply as I wanted to. I think that kept me from becoming completely emotionally attached to them on a personal level. But the story itself still pulled me in and stayed with me.
I also really appreciated the notes and the insight into Kate Thompson’s research. Learning about the people she spoke to, the history she uncovered, and the process of bringing this story to life made the book feel even more poignant. You can feel the care and respect that went into telling this story.
This was a heartbreaking, emotional and deeply moving read. It reminded me that even in some of the darkest periods of history, there were people who chose compassion, courage and humanity.
And honestly? The secret society of librarians might just have broken my heart.
May 17, 2026
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
I applied for this one as soon as I saw a Kate Thompson book available. She does such a great job of crafting fictional stories that are based so firmly in reality and based on the true history. I am a sucker for books about library’s/ librarians and this one doesn’t disappoint.
In the darkest of times we turn to literature for strength, an escape, hope, etc. In this beautifully crafted masterpiece it doesn’t matter if you can’t make it to the library, the library will come to you as a symbol of hope. This story is moving and beautiful in so many ways but it also doesn’t hide the facts of war. Heartfelt and not without tears this was a masterpiece.
I applied for this one as soon as I saw a Kate Thompson book available. She does such a great job of crafting fictional stories that are based so firmly in reality and based on the true history. I am a sucker for books about library’s/ librarians and this one doesn’t disappoint.
In the darkest of times we turn to literature for strength, an escape, hope, etc. In this beautifully crafted masterpiece it doesn’t matter if you can’t make it to the library, the library will come to you as a symbol of hope. This story is moving and beautiful in so many ways but it also doesn’t hide the facts of war. Heartfelt and not without tears this was a masterpiece.
April 14, 2026
5 ⭐️ - a truly touching and emotional book. You can definitely see how much research and devotion the author gave to this story. I really liked the addition of historical notes with photographs at the end.
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