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The Book Cat
This is a classic wartime tale of a (real!) cat who made his home at the Faber offices and decided he'd never leave.
"This time we need to get you – get all of the kittens, safe out of London," said Morgan decisively . . . "To have a chance for a better life, well, let’s just say, I’ve got an idea."
Morgan is a young orphan who lives off scavenging – until he finds a cosy home at a famous London publishing house. Over time he learns a trade – and soon becomes the very best book cat in the business. And then the Blitz begins. Morgan finds himself training up twenty odd kittens to be book cats, and then there is the small matter of secretly evacuating them out of London. Happily, Morgan has a plan.
Set in war-torn London, charmingly illustrated, and full of heart and verve.
"This time we need to get you – get all of the kittens, safe out of London," said Morgan decisively . . . "To have a chance for a better life, well, let’s just say, I’ve got an idea."
Morgan is a young orphan who lives off scavenging – until he finds a cosy home at a famous London publishing house. Over time he learns a trade – and soon becomes the very best book cat in the business. And then the Blitz begins. Morgan finds himself training up twenty odd kittens to be book cats, and then there is the small matter of secretly evacuating them out of London. Happily, Morgan has a plan.
Set in war-torn London, charmingly illustrated, and full of heart and verve.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published August 24, 2021
2 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Polly Faber
27 books32 followersPolly Faber is a children’s-book blogger and volunteer reading helper through the charity Beanstalk. With her family, she looks after her very own tiny free library outside their house in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 23, 2021
This is such a lovely comfort-read of a book, written by Polly Faber in a cozy, classic style reminiscent of 101 Dalmatians, and gorgeously illustrated by Clara Vulliamy. I read it out loud to my 8-year-old all in one go, from beginning to end, because it was just so delicious, neither of us wanted to stop. It worked perfectly for him and I'd certainly recommend it for anyone in his age group, but it was also just delicious for me, and I'd absolutely recommend it to cat-loving adults as well. This would make an amazing holiday gift or any day gift, as I can say now from experience - it arrived out of the blue as a gift for me, and it brightened my day SO much! I'll definitely be re-reading it for comfort in the future (and I know my younger son will as well).
January 28, 2024
I mean, what's not to like here - cats, London and books! The most beautiful things in the world! And the book has so beautiful illustrations 😻
May 20, 2022
Fantastiska bērnu grāmata! Par ģimeni, draudzību un savas dzīves aicinājuma piepildīšanu, sekojot kaķa Morgana liktenim Otrā Pasaules kara laikā Londonā. Kaķi + grāmatu mīlestība = perfekta kombinācija 😻 Lasīju kopā ar savu deviņgadnieku, kurš bija sajūsmā gan par stāstu, gan ilustrācijām.
December 1, 2021
this was absolutely adorable!
September 29, 2022
Hoewel ik liever honden heb, ben ik het er mee eens dat elke auteur/boekenwinkel/bibliotheek een Book Cat moet hebben!
October 29, 2021
A pleasant and unchallenging story about cats surviving WW2, after The Faber building in Russell Square was bombed. Well illustrated.
Edit: GD, aged 9 thought it was wonderful. She loved everything about it, including the fact that it was an easy read.😊
Edit: GD, aged 9 thought it was wonderful. She loved everything about it, including the fact that it was an easy read.😊
July 31, 2021
This is a gorgeously charming little story about a cat who makes it his mission to save the kittens of wartime London, and maybe help some authors and illustrators too! This is so up my street - cats and WW2! Just lush and some gorgeous illustrations throughout too. If you’re doing WW2 with slightly younger children, this would be such a lush read!
October 16, 2024
Oare cum o fi la 23 de ani să acord 5 steluțe unei cărți pentru copii?
Ei bine, îi acord acest punctaj pentru că m-a ajutat să termin a 3-a mea carte în engleză, m-a ajutat să învăț fraze noi și să mă reobișnuiesc cu cititul în limba engleză.
Pe lângă partea subiectivă a punctajului, obiectiv vorbind, cartea a ilustrat povestea unei pisici a străzii care a reușit să facă față războiului din Londra din 1943-1945. Motanul Morgan a fost înțelept, curajos și dedicat muncii sale. Ce se potrivește cel mai bine pe lumea asta în afară de o pisică într-o redacție? NIMIC! Vă zic eu!
Superbă și minunată, primește 5 steluțe pe meritate!
Ei bine, îi acord acest punctaj pentru că m-a ajutat să termin a 3-a mea carte în engleză, m-a ajutat să învăț fraze noi și să mă reobișnuiesc cu cititul în limba engleză.
Pe lângă partea subiectivă a punctajului, obiectiv vorbind, cartea a ilustrat povestea unei pisici a străzii care a reușit să facă față războiului din Londra din 1943-1945. Motanul Morgan a fost înțelept, curajos și dedicat muncii sale. Ce se potrivește cel mai bine pe lumea asta în afară de o pisică într-o redacție? NIMIC! Vă zic eu!
Superbă și minunată, primește 5 steluțe pe meritate!
August 23, 2022
Everyone should get to read this book at least once in their life. Idc if it’s meant for children, the book itself is soo cute and it’s such a quick read. Morgan is an icon and LouLou is a girlboss 💪🏻💪🏻 We Stan Book Cats 🫶🏻🫶🏻
April 10, 2023
Read as a possible readaloud, but I don't think the story is quite enticing enough (and also a bit too 'factual' ... I don't think a 6/7 year old is going to be too interested in what an editor is, for example).
Charming illustrations from Clara Vulliamy, however.
Charming illustrations from Clara Vulliamy, however.
March 12, 2022
A cute children's chapter book dealing with the hard topics of loss and war. I would have given it more stars, but I bought the book expecting an adult novel.
October 30, 2023
Well that was positively delightful!
January 22, 2023
A very cute book about a real cat, and a sweet way to learn about the publishing company that worked with T.S. Eliot!
November 15, 2021
Really lovely story.
This follows a Kitten called Morgan through the years of his life in London. He is born on the night of the first bombs in WW11, in a tube station used for shelter. His life starts well, he has a good mother and loves playing with his sister. But one day his life changes and not in a good way. Later still he becomes a house cat in a publishing house where he becomes a very judge of author, he is lucky and well fed but he doesn't forget being a street cat and when the bombs continue he decides he has to help other cats.
This is a read suitable for readers from around age 7/8 depending on their reading level. However I am sure younger children would enjoy listening. The pictures complement the story so well.
TA, Primary school.
This follows a Kitten called Morgan through the years of his life in London. He is born on the night of the first bombs in WW11, in a tube station used for shelter. His life starts well, he has a good mother and loves playing with his sister. But one day his life changes and not in a good way. Later still he becomes a house cat in a publishing house where he becomes a very judge of author, he is lucky and well fed but he doesn't forget being a street cat and when the bombs continue he decides he has to help other cats.
This is a read suitable for readers from around age 7/8 depending on their reading level. However I am sure younger children would enjoy listening. The pictures complement the story so well.
TA, Primary school.
September 14, 2021
This is as delightful a read as we have come to love from the dream team of Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy. If you haven’t come across any of the books they have collaborated on yet, this one will be a fantastic one to start with that I am sure will lead you onto seeking more including the charming collection of illustrated stories they created together about the friendship between Mango, a little girl, and Bambang, an Asian tapir. Back to The Book Cat though…This equally charming book is set in London during the World War Two during the Blitz. The story is about Morgan, an orphan kitten, who finds his home at a famous London publishing house and is inspired by a real-life cat who really did make his home in the Faber and Faber offices and was the inspiration for one of the poems in T S Eliot’s Old Possums Book of Practical Cats.
The story is set over chapters with the first chapter telling us how Morgan sadly became an orphan one night during the Blitz. The following chapter sees Morgan having to fend for himself and tells an hilarious story of him stealing a banana that was being auctioned at a fair in Russell Square (this auction really did happen during the war!). It is running away from the scene that Morgan finds his home in the publishing house. From here we see Morgan finding his calling as a literary cat, finding homes for many homeless kittens with authors, illustrators and poets visiting the offices, helping them to move out of the danger of the bombing happening in London and into a safer place.
It is a superb first chapter book for new independent readers with the perfect balance of words and pictures. It would also be a great book to read aloud too. The illustrations capture beautifully the liveliness of the cats and there are facts within the story that make this a great discussion opener for life during WW2 London. As it is also inspired by a real-life cat within the Faber publishing offices it offers potential for further questions and research to find out the facts from the fiction. There are wonderful creative writing opportunities too for children to write their own stories about each writer/illustrator/poet that the kittens sneak home to live with and imagining the kinds of homes they end up in and stories and pictures that get written and illustrated in them. I also think the chapter headings could also inspire artwork, to capture the titles. The Cat Burglar, Uncle Cat, Door Cat, Book Cats and Victory Cat could be a great opportunity for children to use their imagination to paint/draw/design/use different materials to create these cats!
It is an utterly delightful story that comes to life throughout with Polly Faber’s engaging storytelling style and Clara Vulliamy’s lively detailed illustrations that capture the tone perfectly. This is a beautiful hardback book that will appeal to children and adults alike and is a book to treasure, reread and share over and over.
The story is set over chapters with the first chapter telling us how Morgan sadly became an orphan one night during the Blitz. The following chapter sees Morgan having to fend for himself and tells an hilarious story of him stealing a banana that was being auctioned at a fair in Russell Square (this auction really did happen during the war!). It is running away from the scene that Morgan finds his home in the publishing house. From here we see Morgan finding his calling as a literary cat, finding homes for many homeless kittens with authors, illustrators and poets visiting the offices, helping them to move out of the danger of the bombing happening in London and into a safer place.
It is a superb first chapter book for new independent readers with the perfect balance of words and pictures. It would also be a great book to read aloud too. The illustrations capture beautifully the liveliness of the cats and there are facts within the story that make this a great discussion opener for life during WW2 London. As it is also inspired by a real-life cat within the Faber publishing offices it offers potential for further questions and research to find out the facts from the fiction. There are wonderful creative writing opportunities too for children to write their own stories about each writer/illustrator/poet that the kittens sneak home to live with and imagining the kinds of homes they end up in and stories and pictures that get written and illustrated in them. I also think the chapter headings could also inspire artwork, to capture the titles. The Cat Burglar, Uncle Cat, Door Cat, Book Cats and Victory Cat could be a great opportunity for children to use their imagination to paint/draw/design/use different materials to create these cats!
It is an utterly delightful story that comes to life throughout with Polly Faber’s engaging storytelling style and Clara Vulliamy’s lively detailed illustrations that capture the tone perfectly. This is a beautiful hardback book that will appeal to children and adults alike and is a book to treasure, reread and share over and over.
February 6, 2022
Morgan began his life on a pile of newspapers and a felt hat in a London bomb shelter. Ever since, he has found the smell of ink calming and safe, reminding him of his mum. London however, is still being bombed and Morgan isn't fully grown before tragedy strikes.
The war goes on and on, London continually bombed night after night. It's two years down the track before Morgan's life on the streets changes, and it's all to do with a stolen banana.
Finding himself inside a room full of paper and ink, Morgan settles into his memories for the night. The next morning brings people, one keen to be rid of him and one who believes Morgan has helped him. He is invited to a saucer of milk, which soon turns into a bowl with his name on it and an official job in the office of publisher company - Faber & Faber. He is a door cat, welcoming all who visit the office.
Morgan isn't a cat to forget where he came from though, and he shares his gifts from visiting authors with street cats needing a meal or shelter. Seeing a dire need for safety, Morgan begins an even grander plan.
Many authors, myself included have a 'Book Cat' nearby, whether keeping them company, lying on their keyboard when they think they need a break, or sitting on their chair when they need to do something else.
I have a space especially for our cat Looey, so she feels included and not ignored, as cats often do. I can get away with an hour or so, before attention to her is required. This story is based on a real street cat, who turned up at Faber & Faber Publishing and never left.
Morgan is a kind and clever character, with plans to not only help many kittens in his care, but aid many authors in their writing endeavours. This hardback, illustrated throughout in black, white and tones of red would make the perfect gift for a young cat lover.
Author - Polly Faber
Illustrator - Clara Vulliamy
Age - 6+
The war goes on and on, London continually bombed night after night. It's two years down the track before Morgan's life on the streets changes, and it's all to do with a stolen banana.
Finding himself inside a room full of paper and ink, Morgan settles into his memories for the night. The next morning brings people, one keen to be rid of him and one who believes Morgan has helped him. He is invited to a saucer of milk, which soon turns into a bowl with his name on it and an official job in the office of publisher company - Faber & Faber. He is a door cat, welcoming all who visit the office.
Morgan isn't a cat to forget where he came from though, and he shares his gifts from visiting authors with street cats needing a meal or shelter. Seeing a dire need for safety, Morgan begins an even grander plan.
Many authors, myself included have a 'Book Cat' nearby, whether keeping them company, lying on their keyboard when they think they need a break, or sitting on their chair when they need to do something else.
I have a space especially for our cat Looey, so she feels included and not ignored, as cats often do. I can get away with an hour or so, before attention to her is required. This story is based on a real street cat, who turned up at Faber & Faber Publishing and never left.
Morgan is a kind and clever character, with plans to not only help many kittens in his care, but aid many authors in their writing endeavours. This hardback, illustrated throughout in black, white and tones of red would make the perfect gift for a young cat lover.
Author - Polly Faber
Illustrator - Clara Vulliamy
Age - 6+
January 27, 2022
Morgan was a cat, born near an air raid shelter in London near the beginning of WWII. He and his little sister were safe in the Underground Station where the kittens played. Soon, their mother brought them up to the street where things were more dangerous - one afternoon while Morgan was chasing a butterfly, a bomb dropped which killed both his mother and sister. Now he was on his own. Cold and hungry one evening, he followed the sound of mice down a chimney, and ended up in the Faber and Faber publishing house, and became their book cat. Now, safe and sound himself, Morgan needs to help the new generation of kittens get away from the dangerous streets of wartime London.
Historical fiction is a hard sell these days to young readers, however, this one is about cats and it's just delightful. Yes, there's the background of WWII London and the cats are in danger, but the story is so sweet and the illustrations are lovely. I loved the tie in to Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" and that real places were mentioned. With a bit of talking it up The Book Cat will get checked out.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Historical fiction is a hard sell these days to young readers, however, this one is about cats and it's just delightful. Yes, there's the background of WWII London and the cats are in danger, but the story is so sweet and the illustrations are lovely. I loved the tie in to Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" and that real places were mentioned. With a bit of talking it up The Book Cat will get checked out.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
April 19, 2023
The Book Cat - a character that so many readers, adults and children alike, will be able to identify from their own lives! The cat that lies on your homework, swipes pens off the table, loves an afternoon cuddle or to snuggle up at night.
Faber has created a unique story, stemming from the experiences and poems of T. S. Eliot, during the war. Written from the perspective of Morgan, a cat who has grown up in London during the war, The Book Cat follows the story of Morgan and his plight to keep as many London kittens as safe as possible, after losing his own family a few years earlier. With a little bit of training and lots of hiding - behind shelves, in teapots and balls of yarn - Morgan prepares his little kittens to take on the role of Book Cat for authors from all over London.
This story was a cute and heartwarming tale about the determination and benefits of cats during the war, especially Morgan, the well known Book Cat at Faber and Faber. This book was especially great due to its connections to T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, a book that I have loved and read many a time.
Faber has created a unique story, stemming from the experiences and poems of T. S. Eliot, during the war. Written from the perspective of Morgan, a cat who has grown up in London during the war, The Book Cat follows the story of Morgan and his plight to keep as many London kittens as safe as possible, after losing his own family a few years earlier. With a little bit of training and lots of hiding - behind shelves, in teapots and balls of yarn - Morgan prepares his little kittens to take on the role of Book Cat for authors from all over London.
This story was a cute and heartwarming tale about the determination and benefits of cats during the war, especially Morgan, the well known Book Cat at Faber and Faber. This book was especially great due to its connections to T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, a book that I have loved and read many a time.
June 8, 2025
The Book Cat by Polly Faber is a most charming historical tale for ages eight to twelve years, and also for anyone who loves cats.
The book is set in London during World War II. It has its’ roots in fact as T.S. Eliot opened his doors to Morgan, a stray kitty, who then lived in the offices of Faber and Faber.
Starting off in the wider London area before moving to the docks and then to Russell’s Square next to the British Museum, the reader is delighted by the antics of Morgan, a stray cat. Polly Faber has brought him to life with her words as the reader almost ‘believes’ his antics.
The story is amusing too as Morgan trains stray kittens to belong to authors. “If a writer has been at their desk too long, it’s best for them to stretch their legs by way of the fridge or larder.”
The whole book is beautifully Illustrated by Clara Vulliamy.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Book Cat. It was very delightful and enchanted me from the start.
The book is set in London during World War II. It has its’ roots in fact as T.S. Eliot opened his doors to Morgan, a stray kitty, who then lived in the offices of Faber and Faber.
Starting off in the wider London area before moving to the docks and then to Russell’s Square next to the British Museum, the reader is delighted by the antics of Morgan, a stray cat. Polly Faber has brought him to life with her words as the reader almost ‘believes’ his antics.
The story is amusing too as Morgan trains stray kittens to belong to authors. “If a writer has been at their desk too long, it’s best for them to stretch their legs by way of the fridge or larder.”
The whole book is beautifully Illustrated by Clara Vulliamy.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Book Cat. It was very delightful and enchanted me from the start.
January 25, 2022
The Book Cat is an incredibly wholesome book about a street cat named Morgan and his time as a Book Cat for a publishing company called Faber and Faber. Set during the London Blitz, Morgan deals with grief and worry resulting from frequent bombings until he finds a home in a publishing house. As the war continues, he does his best to help out his humans and their clients as well as train kittens to become Book Cats for the authors that walk in their door.
This was a fast read but enjoyable regardless. Polly Faber's writing is simple and concise, yet still tells a rich story about a cat's life during such a scary time in history. Clara Vulliamy's illustrations add so much to the story. I often slowed down my pace just to look at pictures longer because they were just SO CUTE!
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick, wholesome story about cats.
This was a fast read but enjoyable regardless. Polly Faber's writing is simple and concise, yet still tells a rich story about a cat's life during such a scary time in history. Clara Vulliamy's illustrations add so much to the story. I often slowed down my pace just to look at pictures longer because they were just SO CUTE!
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick, wholesome story about cats.
May 6, 2022
The Book Cat by Polly Faber and illustrated by Clara Vulliamy
This book is lovely.. it’s a little short shot of loveliness!
It’s the story of Morgan the Faber and Faber publishing house cat and his efforts to rehome the kittens of London in to safer homes in the country while the Blitz is happening.
I think what makes this book lovely is that we see some real humour with Morgan training the kittens to be helpful to there new author owners and some real sadness when we learn that Morgan’s mother and sister are killed from a bomb destroying the wall that they were sleeping on and that Morgan now has to take care of himself.
I recommend this book to all.. the illustrations are gorgeous and add to the humour.
#London #Birthdaygift #Cats #WW2
This book is lovely.. it’s a little short shot of loveliness!
It’s the story of Morgan the Faber and Faber publishing house cat and his efforts to rehome the kittens of London in to safer homes in the country while the Blitz is happening.
I think what makes this book lovely is that we see some real humour with Morgan training the kittens to be helpful to there new author owners and some real sadness when we learn that Morgan’s mother and sister are killed from a bomb destroying the wall that they were sleeping on and that Morgan now has to take care of himself.
I recommend this book to all.. the illustrations are gorgeous and add to the humour.
#London #Birthdaygift #Cats #WW2
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September 3, 2021I sat down and read this incredible book in one sitting, and whilst its aimed at children everyone should read it! I promise its a story that will suit all ages and be adored by everyone.
This is a classic, charming tale that everyone who has a soft spot for cats will love. From the charming illustrations to the wartime tale of a (real) cat who made his home at a publishers and never left, this novel will find a spot in your heart.
Its rare to find something you know you’ll cherish as much at 8 as 80, but I have the strongest feeling this tale will stand the test of time and be read and reread and passed along for generations to come.
Charley
This is a classic, charming tale that everyone who has a soft spot for cats will love. From the charming illustrations to the wartime tale of a (real) cat who made his home at a publishers and never left, this novel will find a spot in your heart.
Its rare to find something you know you’ll cherish as much at 8 as 80, but I have the strongest feeling this tale will stand the test of time and be read and reread and passed along for generations to come.
Charley
May 10, 2024
Books and cats - what's not to love?!
Polly Faber's grandfather ran Faber and Faber during World War II, the time period of this book. The author has invented a story based on Morgan, the real book cat who turned up at Faber and Faber one day during the war and never left.
The story of Morgan training the kittens of the Blitz to be book cats so they can be evacuated is just charming, while still bringing home to readers the terror of that time.
The illustrations are lovely.
I particularly love how the book has been formatted to look like older books, with the font and the illustrations being in those tradition colours of black, white and red/pink.
Polly Faber's grandfather ran Faber and Faber during World War II, the time period of this book. The author has invented a story based on Morgan, the real book cat who turned up at Faber and Faber one day during the war and never left.
The story of Morgan training the kittens of the Blitz to be book cats so they can be evacuated is just charming, while still bringing home to readers the terror of that time.
The illustrations are lovely.
I particularly love how the book has been formatted to look like older books, with the font and the illustrations being in those tradition colours of black, white and red/pink.
October 22, 2021
This story of a street cat called Morgan is set in the offices of Faber and Faber publishing house during World War II. There are lots of super historical inclusions to place it firmly in this era and interesting glances into publishing and the importance of books at this time.
A story of cats that cleverly mirrors human experiences of blitzed London, this is a gentle way of bringing the idea of war to younger readers.
Brilliantly told and gorgeously illustrated, this hardback book is a real treasure and a super addition to any bookshelf.
A story of cats that cleverly mirrors human experiences of blitzed London, this is a gentle way of bringing the idea of war to younger readers.
Brilliantly told and gorgeously illustrated, this hardback book is a real treasure and a super addition to any bookshelf.
July 7, 2022
so short yet so good!! THE PICTURES AND THE WRITING WAS AMAZING. AND EXCUSE ME?! HIS FAMILY DIES!??!?!?!? UGHHH SO SADDDDDDDD AND POOR MORGAN BECOMES A STREET CAT (cat burglar) AND I LOVE THE JOB THEY USE LIKE "BOOK CAT"?!?! SO COOL. AND I LOVE HOW THEY CALL HIM "uncle morgy" SO CUTE AND THE NIGHT (CLUB?) WAS SOOOOOO AMAZINGGG LOVE THIS BOOK, FINISHED IT IN A NIGHT
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2023
Very sweet and charming book, both in its tale and in its illustrations. A cat orphaned during World War II finds his place in life as the resident cat of Faber & Faber the London publishers. Many of the pages pulled a smile or a chuckle out of me. I will likely re-read this treatise to the importance of cats for writers and other book people.
December 2, 2025
I don’t often write reviews but this book deserves one. I read this as a prompt on the 52 book club 2025 and although I don’t usually read Children’s book this one is the nicest one I think I’ve ever read. Beautifully illustrated and I also learnt a lot about the relationship between cats and authors I’m sad I could only give it 5 stars xx
November 8, 2022
Such a great book! Listened to the audiobook in the car with my 5 year old. I loved the story and it was such a great introduction to war. The story being from a cat’s perspective helped introduce a terrible concept (war) in such a gentle way.
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September 17, 2023Bought this for my 8 year old niece and both she and I have loved reading it together. Sadly my own 17 year old very deaf cat Monty was knocked by a car and had to be put down 2 days ago. The storyline deals with death so it's given me ideas for how to share the sad news with her.
February 8, 2024
Content warning (cw):
A bomb is dropped and falls onto Morgan’s mother and sister. It just says they were gone when he looked at where they’d been. The book describes the aftermath of bombs on WWII in London and the effect they had on the city.
A bomb is dropped and falls onto Morgan’s mother and sister. It just says they were gone when he looked at where they’d been. The book describes the aftermath of bombs on WWII in London and the effect they had on the city.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews