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The Library of Lost Stories
Paperback
Published September 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Firefly for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is the first time I'm reading any of her books.
There was something quite simple about the way it was written - I don't mean that as a negative, as it's aimed at readers 10+ so it was never going to be overly complex. And it definitely got meatier as it went along which then appealed more to me as an older reader.
I love any book that talks about the love of books and reading and libraries so that was a big plus. When I was little, there was a mobile library that used to come to the local shops and I would always go with my Nan and we'd spend ages browsing the books in there, and I think that's probably where my love for reading came from. And it's so sad that there's hardly any mobile libraries around now and that so many big libraries are closing. It shows how important books are too, and stories, whether they're written down or spoken. Beautiful.
I know I am more than three times the reading age, but I don't think that matters - it's such an uplifting story, quick and easy to read, I read it in a few hours.
It does have some difficult topics, such as mental health, loss, bereavement, poverty, and mentions of the Aberfan disaster. Also, Noni is a young carer - something no child ought to be but sadly do have to be. Eloise has got the tone right here. She's not hidden the hardships of it but she's also not focussed too much on the negativity.
Apart from the odd one, all the main characters are children or young people, which can be hard to identify with as an older reader but they were all splendid. They were all different, all had good bits and flaws, and they felt real. They also worked well with each other and you can see how natural this group of friends would be.
It can be difficult to write a landscape or setting without it just sounding like a list of descriptive features or completely separate from the main story. But she's managed to evoke such a sense of place and atmosphere but without sacrificing any of the flow of the plot.
This has a timeless quality to it. I am 33 years old reading it in 2026. But it could easily have been a glorious, cosy, heartwarming story read by a 10 year old in 1980 or a 70 year old in 2050.
This is the first time I'm reading any of her books.
There was something quite simple about the way it was written - I don't mean that as a negative, as it's aimed at readers 10+ so it was never going to be overly complex. And it definitely got meatier as it went along which then appealed more to me as an older reader.
I love any book that talks about the love of books and reading and libraries so that was a big plus. When I was little, there was a mobile library that used to come to the local shops and I would always go with my Nan and we'd spend ages browsing the books in there, and I think that's probably where my love for reading came from. And it's so sad that there's hardly any mobile libraries around now and that so many big libraries are closing. It shows how important books are too, and stories, whether they're written down or spoken. Beautiful.
I know I am more than three times the reading age, but I don't think that matters - it's such an uplifting story, quick and easy to read, I read it in a few hours.
It does have some difficult topics, such as mental health, loss, bereavement, poverty, and mentions of the Aberfan disaster. Also, Noni is a young carer - something no child ought to be but sadly do have to be. Eloise has got the tone right here. She's not hidden the hardships of it but she's also not focussed too much on the negativity.
Apart from the odd one, all the main characters are children or young people, which can be hard to identify with as an older reader but they were all splendid. They were all different, all had good bits and flaws, and they felt real. They also worked well with each other and you can see how natural this group of friends would be.
It can be difficult to write a landscape or setting without it just sounding like a list of descriptive features or completely separate from the main story. But she's managed to evoke such a sense of place and atmosphere but without sacrificing any of the flow of the plot.
This has a timeless quality to it. I am 33 years old reading it in 2026. But it could easily have been a glorious, cosy, heartwarming story read by a 10 year old in 1980 or a 70 year old in 2050.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eloise Williams’ The Library of Lost Stories is an absolute treasure of a book. Written in an incredibly warm, conversational tone, the narrative instantly pulls you into the life of eleven-year-old Noni. Noni is a young carer carrying a burden far too heavy for her shoulders, trying desperately to shield her broken father from the harsh realities of their dwindling circumstances. It is a sad tale at its core, exploring deep themes of poverty, trauma, and communal grief. Yet, it balances that sorrow with a beautifully spun coming-of-age journey that feels both timeless and deeply meaningful.
What truly elevates this book is Williams’ sublime prose. The Welsh landscape is beautifully described, leaping off the page with vibrant, atmospheric imagery that honours the unique beauty of the South Wales Valleys. The text is beautifully written, featuring a seamless, flowing storyline that never falters in its pacing. You will easily find yourself sweeping through the pages, completely captivated by Noni’s mission to fix an old mobile library van and bring a spark back to her community.
The book is populated by a cast of genuinely loveable characters—from Noni's fiercely loyal friends to the stray dog, Jonesy—all of whom you will want to both comfort and cheer for. Be warned: this book is a certified tear-jerker. It handles the characters' emotional wounds with such radical empathy that it is impossible not to cry. Ultimately, it is a magnificent testament to how stories, friendship, and collective kindness can mend even the most fractured hearts.
What truly elevates this book is Williams’ sublime prose. The Welsh landscape is beautifully described, leaping off the page with vibrant, atmospheric imagery that honours the unique beauty of the South Wales Valleys. The text is beautifully written, featuring a seamless, flowing storyline that never falters in its pacing. You will easily find yourself sweeping through the pages, completely captivated by Noni’s mission to fix an old mobile library van and bring a spark back to her community.
The book is populated by a cast of genuinely loveable characters—from Noni's fiercely loyal friends to the stray dog, Jonesy—all of whom you will want to both comfort and cheer for. Be warned: this book is a certified tear-jerker. It handles the characters' emotional wounds with such radical empathy that it is impossible not to cry. Ultimately, it is a magnificent testament to how stories, friendship, and collective kindness can mend even the most fractured hearts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Library of Lost Stories by Eloise Williams is a charming historical middle grade book set in a small town in Wales in 1976, a decade after one of the country's greatest tragedies, the Aberfan disaster. Ten years may have passed but many people are still struggling, among them Noni and her dad, who have been threatened with eviction and do not even have money for food. Noni wants desperately to fix her Dad, who seems to have been broken by the loss of her mother, and when she sees the broken down library van where they first met it sparks an idea.
With the help of her new friend Rebecca, milk delivery boy Gareth, recently arrived mechanic Clare, and Jones her beloved dog Noni gathers her courage face the wrath of town grump Mrs Williams, who just might be a witch, by fixing the van that has been sitting in her driveway for a decade, Fixing the van might not just help her dad, it might just be what this embattled community needs to come together.
This was a beautiful heartwarming story that did not shy away from difficult topics and emotions, touching on grief, depression, loneliness and poverty in a way that was not heavy handed but rather made them approachable and understandable for a younger reader. Noni was such a beautifully real and lovable character, trying to find the smallest pieces of joy and comfort in such a difficult situation and the way the community came together at the end of the story meant that despite its bleak beginnings it ended on a hopeful note.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
With the help of her new friend Rebecca, milk delivery boy Gareth, recently arrived mechanic Clare, and Jones her beloved dog Noni gathers her courage face the wrath of town grump Mrs Williams, who just might be a witch, by fixing the van that has been sitting in her driveway for a decade, Fixing the van might not just help her dad, it might just be what this embattled community needs to come together.
This was a beautiful heartwarming story that did not shy away from difficult topics and emotions, touching on grief, depression, loneliness and poverty in a way that was not heavy handed but rather made them approachable and understandable for a younger reader. Noni was such a beautifully real and lovable character, trying to find the smallest pieces of joy and comfort in such a difficult situation and the way the community came together at the end of the story meant that despite its bleak beginnings it ended on a hopeful note.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
August 29, 2026
Set against the backdrop of the Welsh valleys, near Aberfan, we meet Noni, a girl trying desperately to hold her home together, as it all just falls apart. Her mother is gone, and her father is here physically, but the look in his eyes shows he has slipped away. As Christmas fast approaches, Noni finds herself trying to keep the house together as their money slips away and the balifs come knocking. She hopes that if she holds everything together by herself, her father will slowly come back to her. With each passing day, she begins to lose hope, until a girl wearing blue glasses from Swansea arrives with her library books. Noni soon discovers the power of stories and what they can do for us. Remembering that her father and late mother met at the lending library, she decides to try her hand at bringing it back to life, though noticing it has been left to rot in Mrs Williams' garden. Though suspecting Mrs Williams might be a witch, how will Noni fare in her project?
The Library of Lost Stories by Eloise Williams is a prime example of the power stories can hold for individuals and a community, as well as providing such strong Welsh representation. Eloise Williams has woven a heartfelt read, where each chapter or character interaction will leave an impression on the reader. Each reference to Jackie magazine, NHS glasses, or Crossroads will bring about childhood nostalgia for parents and grandparents, making The Library of Lost Stories the perfect generational read.
The Library of Lost Stories by Eloise Williams is a prime example of the power stories can hold for individuals and a community, as well as providing such strong Welsh representation. Eloise Williams has woven a heartfelt read, where each chapter or character interaction will leave an impression on the reader. Each reference to Jackie magazine, NHS glasses, or Crossroads will bring about childhood nostalgia for parents and grandparents, making The Library of Lost Stories the perfect generational read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a a really touching and timeless book, that can be enjoyed by anyone from 9 to 99. I am always going to be a fan of a book about books and in this story about a community reclaiming its mobile library and then sharing their stories alongside the books by authors from around the world.
At a time when mobile libraries have become a thing of the past and many brick and mortar libraries are closing hopefully this book will remind those who read it to make use of their local libraries.
Its highlighting the often silent and unseen struggle of young carers is an important story to be seen in young fiction and like the stories shared by the people in the story one that needs to be shared.
I hope along with every public library that this book finds its way into many school libraries across the uk and further afield like our public libraries school libraries especially with a dedicated Librarian are also being relocated to history. The public libraries and library and librarians in both my primary and secondary education were a safe space for me to escape to when my at that time undiagnosed autism and ADHD made school and childhood at times very difficult.
I give this book 4.5 stars and will be requesting it from my local library once it is published
At a time when mobile libraries have become a thing of the past and many brick and mortar libraries are closing hopefully this book will remind those who read it to make use of their local libraries.
Its highlighting the often silent and unseen struggle of young carers is an important story to be seen in young fiction and like the stories shared by the people in the story one that needs to be shared.
I hope along with every public library that this book finds its way into many school libraries across the uk and further afield like our public libraries school libraries especially with a dedicated Librarian are also being relocated to history. The public libraries and library and librarians in both my primary and secondary education were a safe space for me to escape to when my at that time undiagnosed autism and ADHD made school and childhood at times very difficult.
I give this book 4.5 stars and will be requesting it from my local library once it is published
April 17, 2026
This is a delightful coming of age story set in Wales, featuring an endearing protagonist. Nonie lost her mother at an early age and barely has any memories of her. Her father never recovered from the loss, and has increasingly been disappearing into a black hole of depression - leaving tween Nonie to deal with everything from figuring out how they can remain in their home to how she can drag her father back into the light.
Nonie's attempts to do so are finally supported by her discovery of Jones the dog, whom she effectively adopts, as well as a motley crew of unexpected friends who are willing to try and help her resurrect the mobile library van (now languishing in the garden of the one time librarian - currently believed to be the local witch) where her parents met and fell in love...
Does Nonie's desperate endeavour have any chance of success? One thing is for sure. The reader will undoubtedly fall in love with Nonie, Jones the doggy, and the rest of her gang. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Nonie's attempts to do so are finally supported by her discovery of Jones the dog, whom she effectively adopts, as well as a motley crew of unexpected friends who are willing to try and help her resurrect the mobile library van (now languishing in the garden of the one time librarian - currently believed to be the local witch) where her parents met and fell in love...
Does Nonie's desperate endeavour have any chance of success? One thing is for sure. The reader will undoubtedly fall in love with Nonie, Jones the doggy, and the rest of her gang. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 17, 2026
A sad story, but ultimately uplifting. A very human exploration of dealing with and overcoming grief, loss and painful past, and finding new hope and will to live again. Collection of interesting characters with various backgrounds and stories of their own and the ultimate importance of kindness and sense of community. Set in the 1970 Wales it contained bits and pieces of Welsh culture and language, which was lovely to read about.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Library of Lost Stories
By Eloise Williams
Published by Firefly Press Ltd
Eleven-year-old Noni lives with her dad but he’s in a bad way. Since his wife’s death, nothing is the same.
The house is empty of love and purpose.
His energy for life has gone.
It’s Christmas and there’s no money left!!
And the bailiffs are knocking at the door AGAIN!!
What’s a girl to do? Stand back and let her dad and their home be destroyed or find an answer?
Then Noni borrows a library book from a new friend and everything changes. Noni is reminded of the goodness that a book or story can bring. She realises that fixing the town’s old mobile library might be the only way out of their terrible situation.
If only she could reignite that spark back into her dad.
But nothing is ever simple. The library van hasn’t moved since the Aberfan disaster ten years earlier. It is broken and beyond repair. And Mrs Williams is a witch (she has a black cat, and she talks to the birds – so Noni believes).
A beautifully written story, full of true grit, determination and love.
Family love. Friendships. Community. Togetherness.
And so it’s up to Noni, her friends and the community to show everyone including her dad, that the joy found in stories can bring them all back together. Back on track. Moving forward. Healing together.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
7-14th June
By Eloise Williams
Published by Firefly Press Ltd
Eleven-year-old Noni lives with her dad but he’s in a bad way. Since his wife’s death, nothing is the same.
The house is empty of love and purpose.
His energy for life has gone.
It’s Christmas and there’s no money left!!
And the bailiffs are knocking at the door AGAIN!!
What’s a girl to do? Stand back and let her dad and their home be destroyed or find an answer?
Then Noni borrows a library book from a new friend and everything changes. Noni is reminded of the goodness that a book or story can bring. She realises that fixing the town’s old mobile library might be the only way out of their terrible situation.
If only she could reignite that spark back into her dad.
But nothing is ever simple. The library van hasn’t moved since the Aberfan disaster ten years earlier. It is broken and beyond repair. And Mrs Williams is a witch (she has a black cat, and she talks to the birds – so Noni believes).
A beautifully written story, full of true grit, determination and love.
Family love. Friendships. Community. Togetherness.
And so it’s up to Noni, her friends and the community to show everyone including her dad, that the joy found in stories can bring them all back together. Back on track. Moving forward. Healing together.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
7-14th June
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lovely story of community
September 7, 2026
I loved this book. It had everything I could want in a book, wonderful characters and a brilliant story that ultimately felt like one giant hug! This an amazing feat considering some of themes included, like grief, mental health and dealing with the impact of a tragedy and how it can affect a community. This is testament to the authors capabilities of tackling really big themes in a sensitive way that is never overwhelming, as we are always brought back to the characters and their relationships. The story centres around Noni, a young girl whose father is unwell, In an attempt to help him get better, she tries to restore a local library bus with the help of friends. The story also touches gently and sensitively on the Aberfan tragedy, striking the perfect balance for middle grade readers while offering opportunities for meaningful class discussion. It adds another layer of depth to an already beautiful story.A truly lovely, tender and uplifting read, with characters who will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews