The Little Wartime Library

by Kate Thompson

An uplifting and inspiring novel based on the true story of a librarian who created an underground shelter during World War II, perfect for readers of The Paris Library or The Last Bookshop in London. 

London, 1944: Clara Button is no ordinary librarian. While war ravages the city above her, Clara has risked everything she holds dear to turn the Bethnal Green tube station into the country’s only underground library. Down here, a secret community thrives with thousands of bunk beds, a nursery, a café, and a theater—offering shelter, solace, and escape from the bombs that fall upon their city.

          Along with her glamorous best friend and assistant Ruby Munroe, Clara ensures the library is the beating heart of life underground. But as the war drags on, the women's determination to remain strong in the face of adversity is tested to the limits when it may come at the price of keeping those closest to them alive.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Books About Books, World War II, War, Audiobook

Audiobook

First published February 17, 2023

About the author

Kate Thompson was born in London and worked as a journalist for twenty years on women's magazines and national newspapers. She now lives in Sunbury with her husband, two sons and two rescue dogs. After ghost writing five memoirs, Kate moved into fiction.

Kate's first non-fiction social history documenting the forgotten histories of East End matriarchy, The Stepney Doorstep Society, was published in 2018 by Penguin. She is passionate about capturing lost voices and untold social histories.

Today Kate works as a journalist, author and library campaigner. Her most recent books, The Little Wartime Library (2022) and The Wartime Book Club (2023) by Hodder & Stoughton focus on two remarkable libraries in wartime. Her 100 libraries project, celebrates the richness and complexity of librarians work and the vital role of libraries in our communities.

Kate is also proud to have worked in collaboration with one of Britain's oldest Holocaust survivors, Renee Salt, to research and write, A mother's Promise (UK) Do Not Cry When I Die (US and Canada) to be published on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.


Podcast host - From the Library With Love. Interviews with librarians, best-sellling authors and our remarkable wartime generation. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...

Reviews

[Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day! (U.S.)

“A library is the only place you can go—from cradle to grave—that is free, safe, democratic and no one will try to flog you anything. You don’t have to part with a penny to travel the world. It’s the heartbeat of a community, offering precious resources to people in need. It’s a place just to be, to dream and to escape—with books. And what’s more precious than that? So, here’s to all library workers. We need you.”
-From The Author’s Note, The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson

During WWII, the unfinished Bethnal Green Station not only provided shelter to five thousand people who slept in the bunkers constructed in the tunnels – a safe haven amid the devastation caused by the Blitz but also housed a theatre that hosted opera and ballet, a coffee shop, doctor’s quarters and a wartime nursery and a library.

Set in 1944, The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson follows twenty-five-year-old Clara Button, a young widow working as a librarian in the underground library in the Bethnal Green Tube Station and her close friend and assistant Ruby Munroe. Widowed after losing her husband in Dunkirk, Clara is the heart and soul of the library and friend to its patrons- the children, factory workers and those sheltering underground to whom reading provided an escape from the reality outside. Clara’s job isn’t easy, having to deal with misogyny, censorship and petty politics, and her personal losses but she is determined to help everyone who needs her assistance including evacuees fleeing their homes, women facing abusive relationships, those working multiple jobs just to provide for their loved ones and those needing the sanctuary of the library to cope with everything that is happening on the outside. Both Clara and Ruby have much to deal with on the personal front - for Clara it is the loss of her husband, the secrets she harbors and her conflicted feeling for an ambulance worker she meets when he saves her from being attacked outside her home and Ruby is dealing with the tragic death of her elder sister and domestic violence at home with her abusive stepfather’s violence directed toward her mother. As the narrative progresses, we see how both Clara and Ruby not only stand up for their friends and family but are also compelled to make choices that would significantly impact their own stories.

Narrated from the perspectives of Clara and Ruby in alternating chapters, The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson is a beautifully written story that combines fact and fiction while touching upon themes of war, loss, hope and survival, and the significance of libraries and librarians in our communities, especially during difficult times (the author also incorporates a discussion on present times and the need for libraries in the context of the pandemic). The author writes with compassion capturing the life and times of wartime Britain – the loss, death and destruction caused by the war, and the hope and resilience of those trying to make the most of what they have. The author incorporates real events such as the Bethnal Green Tube Disaster of 1943 and the Hughes Mansions Tragedy of 1945 into the narrative. I loved learning about the subterranean community and found the Author’s Notes at the end of the book extremely informative. The historical context and the stories of libraries destroyed during the Blitz (with stock images) make this story come to life. I love how the author based some of the characters in this story on actual people who lived down in the bunkers of Bethnal Green Station during those difficult times. I also loved learning about the books that were popular during the war years. The author does a brilliant job of not only painting a realistic picture of life in wartime Britain but also gives us an insight into societal changes during those times that also impacted reading habits and preferences, especially among women.

Informative and enlightening, heart-wrenching yet hopeful, this is a story that will stay with me. Fans of historical fiction and stories revolving around libraries would certainly enjoy this novel.
Many thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this exceptional novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

“We have lost so very much, but we have not lost heart nor hope. Books help to keep us human in an inhumane world. Don’t you agree?”

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the first week of the blitz, the Bethnal Green library was destroy, due to the war, construction of the Bethnal Green tube station had stopped and the vast empty space wasn’t being used. Despite losing her mentor, Clara Button and her assistant Ruby Munroe open an underground library and a sanctuary in London's East End.

So many families are homeless and a safe place is made for them to live underground, five thousand three tiered bunks are installed, it has a café, nursery, theatre and a library. Clara’s a trained librarian and Ruby isn't your typical assistant, between them they make a great team and devise ingenious ways of lending out as many books as they can. Visiting factories and delivering books to shift workers, holding a nightly story time for the children, starting a boozy book club for their mothers, and Clara sends a letter to Canada asking for donations of children’s classic books.

As the war drags on, the Germans start using their secret weapon and it creates shocking mayhem and carnage. No one living underground has escaped being effected by the doodle bugs, Clara and Ruby aren’t just librarians, they become vital to the community, they make friends, helping those in need, listening to and solving people’s problems and are their main confidants.

The Little Wartime Library is wonderful story, about the struggles and triumphs of Clara, Ruby, and the books cast of delightful and inspiring characters. It made me feel a wide range of emotions, I cried, laughed, and cheered them on. Based on a true story, it’s amazing how reading, helped Londoner’s live through the terrible years of the blitz, they could switch off for a little while and escape reality between the pages of a book.

I received a copy of The Little Wartime Library from NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review, Kate Thompson’s book is outstanding, and five big stars from me.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love books that celebrate the community benefits from libraries? Then you will love this book. While I enjoyed the story of Clara and Ruby -- our little library protectors and guardians, I must say that the notes at the end of the book really elevated the experience for me. That was when I was quite keenly reminded of The Library Book even though that was a nonfiction publication. So, if you love your local library (or have worked in a library like me) and enjoy historical fiction set in the WW II era, you are in for a treat with this new release! There are some shout outs to great books, exploration of some substantial societal issues, and I can't forget Library Cat -- one of the most hale and hardy cats I have met in fiction.

Thank you to Forever (Hachette Book Group) and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant!! I can't describe it any other way. The fact it's based on true events adds more layers to it.
The author's note at the beginning clicked with me. She spoke of the importance of books in her life and the list of her favourites were also mine, I devoured every Enid Blyton title I could get my hands on. Reading this story made me realise how much I missed out on by not having access to a library growing up.
The Little Wartime Library was a haven for people. It did so much more than hand out books. It helped children to learn to read, to come to terms with loss of family to help those living in the underground to bear the long hard years that war brought to their homes and cities.
Everybody was welcome from every walk of life.
My favourite character throughout was Ruby. Bold, brassy and brave she epitomised the bulldog tenacity of the Eastend people. She's certainly someone you would want to have as an ally. She was, almost, like Clara's conscience. Encouraging her and pushing her to do things she might have let go. The friendship between them was special.
The story touches on the Occupation of Jersey. While fleeting, this is an intense part of the book. There are a variety of stories and people to empathise with throughout. An over riding theme of men being the rulers and women the lesser species is prevalent and necessary to the story as it was the way of the times.
This novel is a must for anyone who likes books set in this era and would like a glimpse into the lives and resilience of ordinary people in this harrowing time.
A book that will linger long in my memory.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an early copy of this book.

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the time I was a young girl and had learned how to read, l always enjoyed visiting the local library where I grew up. During my elementary school years, I remember looking forward to the day that the big bookmobile showed up on my street. The librarian allows greeted me with a smile and was most helpful in assisting me to find the books she thought that I would enjoy reading. Libraries continued to play an important part in my life as I got older. During college, I worked at the library at my college by getting new books ready for circulation. As a parent, I volunteered at my children’s school library twice a week. It gave me such pleasure seeing young children excited about visiting the library and being able to borrow books. Whenever my grandchildren spend a weekend at my home, a visit to the library is always included in our plans. It was no wonder then that I was drawn to The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson. Books about libraries entice me. I switched back and forth between reading The Little Wartime Library on my kindle and listening to the audiobook. The audiobook was narrated very well by Sarah Durham. It was well written and it was apparent that a great deal of impeccable research went into writing this book.

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson took place in the East End of London in 1944 as the Blitz over London began. No sooner had the Blitz begun than The Bethnal Green Library became a direct target and was completely destroyed. Clara Button, a twenty-five year old children’s librarian and widow and her faithful and devoted assistant Ruby Monroe had the vision to create a one-of-a-kind library down in the space the tubes were supposed to occupy. It was an empty space that was serving no purpose at the time so why not build an underground library? The vision didn’t end there. It became a shelter that at times provided a safe haven for over five thousand people. Many of those people had lost their homes as a result of the Blitz. Bunk beds, stacked three high, were built in the tunnels to accommodate all 5,000 people. There was also a coffee shop, a cafe, a nursery for the children that lived there with their families, a theatre and a doctor’s office. Clara and Ruby had high expectations for the library.

Before the war, Clara had married. Clara’s husband lost his life at Dunkirk. She was devastated by his death. The only thing that helped Clara go on living was when she totally immersed herself in her work at the library. Clara was a very knowledgeable and kind librarian. Her greatest pleasure was helping others. Clara had many good ideas that she wanted to introduce into the library but she was met with opposition almost every time she tried to implement something. The men during that time, believed that women had one purpose. Women were expected to get married, give her husband lots of children, keep house for her husband and do whatever it takes to make her husband happy. Women who aspired to do anything else were belittled and even threatened. When Clara decided to hold story hour sessions for the children living in the tunnels, started a book club for the mothers and women in both the surrounding neighborhood and for those living in the tunnels and tried to acquire additional children classic books from Canada she found herself fighting an uphill battle with the men that were in charge. No matter how much Clara and Ruby tried to improve the lives of those around them they were constantly threatened with the termination of their positions and the closing of the library. Both Clara and Ruby believed that a woman or a child could forget about the devastation of the war, even for a few minutes, when they were absorbed in a good book. Clara and Ruby were also met with opposition for some of the book titles they suggested to the women. The men in those times frowned upon women reading for pleasure and more so for reading about subjects that men did not want women to know much about. Women faced so much censorship during that time.

There was also a sexual predator lurking around the streets of London around that time. One night, on her way home from the library, Clara realized that she was being followed. The man was getting ready to attack Clara when an ambulance driver happened to hear her screams and came to Clara’s defense. Luckily for Clara, the ambulance driver came just in the knick of time. A friendship between Clara and the ambulance driver started to develop. Clara was conflicted about her developing feelings towards the ambulance driver and the guilt she felt for having them. It was four years since her husband was killed at Dunkirk but Clara still harbored guilty feelings about the possibility of developing a relationship with anyone else.

Ruby became Clara’s right hand and best friend. Something haunted Ruby’s thoughts as well. Ruby could not stop blaming herself for her older sister’s death. She held herself responsible for it and kept reliving the horrific moments of her sister’s death. Both Clara and Ruby embraced their lives and stood strong for one another and for those they came to care about.

The chapters of The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson was well written and was based on a true story. Kate Thompson combined just the right amount of facts with fiction to make this such a compelling read. The chapters alternated between Clara’s and Ruby’s voices. At the conclusion of The Little Wartime Library, Kate Thomson included an author’s note. It was very informative and enlightening. She explained what the real facts were about the history of this unique underground library that existed during World War II and what parts were fiction. The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson brought forth the themes of war, women’s roles, friendships, the importance of books during war, loss, grief, resilience, courage, the role of librarians and libraries and a touch of romance. I really enjoyed reading The Little Wartime Library, learned some new information and still find myself thinking about it. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story, set during World War 2 it shows the strength and courage that a librarian goes to, to make sure that people have books to read and what’s more friendship and support through some of the toughest times England has seen, when the Bethnal Green Library is bombed during the blitz, librarian Clara Button creates a new library underground in the disused Bethnal Green tube station along with thousands of bunk beds and many more services for the people of Bethnal Green, this was a book I found very hard to put down.

With so many people homeless and living in this underground world, Clara is determined to make sure that there is still books for them to read and does everything she can to encourage more people into the library she and her assistant and best friend glamourous Ruby Munroe have started a children’s bedtime reading session and also a book club for anyone who wants to join in, in these times not only do these people read and listen to some great books they also find friendship and the support that is needed. They start a travelling library for the factory workers who can’t get to the library they also have pamphlets on different issues for woman in desperate need.

Clara must fight some adversity and people who are against what she is trying to do, as the war drags on Clara’s strength is tested many times over but she never gives up, with the Germans dropping their new bombs many people from the underground are affected and there are many tears shed. Clara meets ambulance worker Billy Clark when he jumps in and helps her when needed most, and Clara is a widow and soon she is seeing her heart open to Billy but he holds a secret that will cause problems.

Beautifully written with emotion this story is based on true events is heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time as we see Clara and Ruby stand up for the people who need this library, Clara is the most caring person as is Ruby both have been through so much and deserve happiness. I loved getting to know the people who live in this underground world, I cried with them and cheered them one, anyone who loves reading and loves a library must read this story, it truly shows what a library means to so many people. I highly recommend this story, I loved it.

My thanks to Hachette AU for my copy to read and review.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was pure historical fiction, bit it is not.

The Little Wartime Library is based on the real underground Library ingeniously created in the unfinished Bethnal Green Underground station ("knocked together on fifty bob and a wing and a prayer”) when the real public library is destroyed by a bomb. The real librarians who created the real underground library was George Vale and his assistant Stanley Snaith.

Our fictional librarians are best friends Clara and Ruby and the story the author has weaves around these two women are complex, heart breaking and heartwarming at the same time.
I especially enjoyed Clara’s clashes with the hoity-toity Library Committee Chair Mr. Pinkerton-Smythe.

The book is full of heart, courage, friendship and of course books.

At the end of the book the author has provided some pictures that are especially interesting.

[Karen J · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely love reading stories pertaining to libraries and this incredible read did not disappoint me.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me so angry. Angry at the closed minds and attitudes against women, reading and children. Mr Pinkerton-Smythe is just one example of the judgmental and wrong attitudes that abound. Sadly, it is not only the men either. Some of the women’s blinkered attitudes are just as bad. The other thing that made me my blood boil is the horror that is war and the lives lost. And the blind eye turned to the abuse dished out to women on a regular basis by their husbands.
This book also made me cry. From start to finish I was emotionally involved in the lives of Clara, Ruby, and those who through the war found refuge, support and a home in Bethnal Green underground library. This historical fiction set in London’s east end during WW 2 resonates with stories of family, community, friendship, loss, love, grief, the absolute treasures librarians are, and the value of public libraries.
As an avid library lover from way back, I loved the way each chapter starts with a quote about books, libraries or librarians. Loved all the book references throughout. This book is a gem and I appreciated reading the author’s note at the end and the true story of Bethnal Green Library and the fight to save it.
I am so thankful this book was sitting on the library shelves last time I visited. An engrossing read that I heartily recommend to those who like historical fiction, stories set during wartime or just a great story well told about people the reader cares about. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it and wanting to be reading it. It is definitely a story worth reading. I adored it. My first book by this author. It definitely won’t be my last.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

*www.onewomansbbr.worspress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr

**4.5 stars**

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson. (2022).

London, 1944. Clara is no ordinary librarian - while the world remains at war, she has created the country's only underground library, built over the tracks in a disused tube station. Down here a whole community thrives with thousands of bunk beds, a nursery, a café and a theatre. The library is the beating heart of life underground. But as the war drags on, Clara and her glamorous best friend/library assistant Ruby's determination to stay strong is tested when it seems to be at the price of keeping those closest to them alive.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction which is based on true events. Love love love the concept of an underground library - the reasoning behind needing it at the time is horrible and makes for emotional reading at times but it is has an uplifting tone. The perspectives alternate between librarian Clara and her best friend/library assistant Ruby. I particularly enjoyed that the storyline often focused on the love readers had for their books - the children listening at storytime and the adults using reading to escape the horrific events at the time. Clara and Ruby are very likeable leads and there is a large cast of supporting characters whose antics mean that readers will fly through the pages.
Overall: happily and highly recommend this gripping and engaging novel for any reader who enjoys historical fiction and/or novels that show a deep appreciation for librarians and literature.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara Button is no ordinary librarian. While the world remains at war. in East London Clara has created the the country's only underground library, built over the tracks in the disused Bethnal Green tube station. Down here a secret community thrives: with thousands of bunk beds, a nursery, a cafe and a theatre offering shelter, solace and escape from the bombs that fall above. Along with her glamorous friend and library assistant, Ruby Munroe, Clara ensures the library is the beating heart of life underground.

This story is based on true events set around WWII. There's also comments between the chapters which are from past and present librarians. The main characters were wonderful, especially Ruby who was quite funny. I like learning what took place in the library. There's stories from children and adults as they escape reality whilst reading in the tube station. The book will tug at your heartstrings. The author has well researched the background into this lovely story.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #KateThompson for my ARC of #TheLittleWartimeLibrary in exchange for an honest review.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson
Historical fiction. Based on a true story of a librarian who created an underground shelter during WWII.
London 1944 is ravaged by war, bombings and limited supplies. Clara, Ruby and their neighbors, turn the Bethnal Green tube station into the country’s only underground library. Down there, a secret community thrives with thousands of bunk beds, a nursery, a cafe, and a theatre - all offering escape from the bombs that fall day and night. As the war continues, Clare and Ruby face numerous issues from an unbending supervisor, homeless orphans and trauma patients from the unending war.

An inspiring story of courage and sacrifice in truly difficult times. Books are a unique escape in good times and bad and it was interesting to read how these librarians used their skills to help their community.
Sad and poignant but also an uplifting story from the dark days in London 1944.

[Abril Camino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonita, dulce, interesante... Con un trasfondo histórico que, al menos yo, desconocía (y eso que Londres y la Segunda Guerra Mundial son dos de mis temas favoritos), se cuenta una historia llena de alma, de personajes llenos de matices y de un amor infinito por los libros. Una lectura confort absoluta.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson

Synopsis /

London, 1944.

Clara Button is no ordinary librarian. While the world remains at war, in East London Clara has created the country's only underground library, built over the tracks in the disused Bethnal Green tube station. Down here a secret community thrives: with thousands of bunk beds, a nursery, a café and a theatre offering shelter, solace and escape from the bombs that fall above.

Along with her glamorous best friend and library assistant Ruby Munroe, Clara ensures the library is the beating heart of life underground. But as the war drags on, the women's determination to remain strong in the face of adversity is tested to the limits when it seems it may come at the price of keeping those closest to them alive.

My Thoughts /

There's an assumption - an unfair one - that if you work in a library, you are a cardigan-wearing introvert. Bethnal Green Library, where my novel is set, is one hundred years old this year, so I set myself the goal of interviewing one hundred library workers. From post-war librarians, to feminist and activist librarians, school librarians to Britain's oldest library reading volunteer, qualified and unqualified, all share one thing in common, a passionate belief in the power of books and reading to change lives.
— Kate Thompson

The crowd murmurs in anticipation. There is a drumroll. The presenter is given the envelope. It’s opened and I say…..

The award for my favourite read of 2022 goes to The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson.

Based on real life events, Kate Thompson has penned a beautifully written fictional story, which oozes strength and courage, resilience, resistance, and defiance. And the mainstay at the heart of this story is Clara Button.

London, 1944.

In the now disused undergrown tube stations of London, there is a community of people living in makeshift shelters, after being forced out of their homes by Nazi bombs. There is to be found, at the underground station of Bethnal Green something truly remarkable - the country’s only underground library, which was created by Librarian, Clara Button, after the original library above ground was destroyed in the bombings.

History isn’t about dates and battlefields, leaders, and royalty. It’s about ordinary people getting on with the business of living, in spite of such unforgiving odds. And somehow in the process always managing to hold hard to hope.

While the world above remains at war, here in East London, the country's only underground library, built over the tracks in the disused Bethnal Green tube station is open for business. It is here, underground, where a secret community thrives. Along with the ‘lending library’, there is a café, a theatre, thousands of makeshift bunk beds, even a nursery, all of which offers shelter, solace, and escape to all who call this place home, from the bombs that fall above.

Weaving historical fact and fiction, Thompson furnishes the reader with warm and engrossing reading experience.

Clara Button and her best friend and library assistant, Ruby Munroe, together ensured the lending library operated as the beating heart of life underground. The library, which had a captive audience during a raid when the doors to the shelter were locked, was open from 5.30–8pm every evening and loaned out over 4,000 volumes that survived from the bombed-out library above.

The narrations were split between Clara and Ruby. Clara stands up to injustice – particularly when it comes to lending out what have been deemed ‘restricted’ books.

Books are for everybody. In a society where women shouldn’t read too much and children are considered just a nuisance, Clara strongly believes not only that everybody should read, but that they should be allowed to read any kind of book they want. Girls shouldn’t be forced to read only books “for girls”. Romance and fiction are as good as non-fiction.

Ruby Munroe has what can only be described as a colourful background and interesting personal life. She is, nevertheless, bright, bubbly, and enthusiastic, and shows great courage in difficult and dangerous situations. There are some who don’t like what the library has become and want to see it closed. Clara and Ruby must come together to battle the enemies from within to keep their little library open.

'Anyone for a top-up' asked Ruby.
'Not many', said Pat, sticking her glass out.
'Any more of these and I'll be on the floor', laughed Alice. 'It's delicious; what's in it, Ruby Red Lips'?
'Well, the book club belter, as I've called it, is made up of three key ingredients. Gin, gin and gin. I'm joking. There is a bit of orange cordial in it', she said, winking as she topped Pat up. 'But I don't like to go too heavy handed on the cordial'.

The entire supporting cast of characters in this story are a definite value add – they all work together to add unity to the overall scope of the story. I can’t think of a single one which didn’t add something of value.

One of the things I loved about this book, was the author’s exploration of what “one” person can achieve when faced with hardship. As the war dragged on, the women's determination to remain strong in the face of adversity is tested to the limits, when it ‘seems’ it might have come at the price of keeping those closest to them alive.

Amongst the plethora of WWII stories, The Little Wartime Library is a lighthouse of factual truth, and exquisitely written fiction.

As for Bethnal Green station? Today it reverberates with the drone of Central Line tube trains but 80 years ago it was the magical sound of children’s laughter and the satisfying thunk-thunk of a librarian’s stamp which echoed up the tunnels.

“When war was over, I missed life underground, and even now when I go to Bethnal Green and see the tube sign, I feel a warmth spread over my chest. To others, it’s a transport network; to me, it was my home.”
Patsy Crawley, 84, Essex, United Kingdom

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Libraries are the engines of our education and our escape, never have they been more important in transforming our lives.”

Author Kate Thompson’s 5-star historical fiction focuses on the pioneering efforts of two women who effectively transformed the lives of wartime Londoners.

In September 1940 after a bomb damaged their local library branch, librarian Clara Button and Ruby Munroe created the country’s only underground library in the unfinished Bethnal Green tube station, 78 feet below ground - the only place where the bombs couldn’t be heard. Their aim was to offer solace and foster a joy of reading amongst the East Enders.

The characters are the highlight of this delightful book. Clara, a war widow, had every reason to be bitter. She disregards her ‘imposed upon’ obligations and her losses and channels her energy into providing equal opportunity books to everyone in the secret community. Ruby has a big heart and puts others before herself, desperately wanting to hide her inner unhappiness and loss. You’ll be in awe of the sense of community the author creates and come to love many of the library patrons.

Based on the real history of the Bethnal Green Library, Thompson’s book reveals that although COVID and The Blitz are both very different, the effect on reading has been the same. Books, in both cases, were “a key weapon in the fight for morale.” The Blitz revealed the need to have equal access to reading material and the stigma of reading for relaxation lifted. Covid revealed the need for equal access to information via the internet. We may not have had the bibliobus that the East Enders had, but our community had a book bicycle that travelled between communities to the shut-ins. I’ll never forget the first time I re-entered the library after the restrictions were lifted. The protocols were worth every effort.

This book is a true gem and helps us realize the value of a library - the heartbeat of a community. Reading for Victory may have been a wartime slogan, but, reading for victory during the recent pandemic was a war on COVID.

“Library work isn’t all about books. It’s the people who make it special; you never know who’s going to walk in and what their story is.”

“Stories are the grease of life.”

“Books were their escape into another, less punishing, world.”

The author’s note at the end was as enjoyable as the novel! This is essential reading for bibliophiles around the world.

I was gifted this precious copy by Forever, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that this book is based a true story, and what a story
Clara ( who I immediately liked ) has created a library as part of a secret community that makes it’s home in the dis-used Bethnal Green tube station! It really is a secret world down there with amongst other things a theatre,a nursery and a cafe
We follow Clara’s life and her family/ friends,their hopes,dreams,loves and losses and their daily problems as war is battled over head and affects every aspect of their life
It was easy to picture it all,such is the brilliant descriptive writing and scene setting
It is heart warming,at times upsetting,very real,emotive and poignant,makes you think again of how people lived and coped through those awful harrowing times
Very well put together and all the more interesting as said because it is based on a true story

10/10
5 Stars

[Nora Currie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m really struggling with what to write about this book. I tried to major in the Library Media Specialist program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and unfortunately I wasn’t able to get a major in the program because I was disabled and I want to give a giant shout out to Ann Zarrinia and Eileen Shroeder who ran the department together and the head librarian of the Palmyra Public Library whose name I have forgotten during 2010 which refused to let me complete my internship for not allowing me to complete my major. There’s a very interesting author’s note in the book that mentions librarians helping the mentally disabled and look at how they helped me!

There’s a lot of trauma in the book and struggles that the librarians go through as well, so please be sure to read the trigger warnings for this book. One of the things that bothered me was that one of the characters suffered from panic attacks like I do yet somehow finding a love interest seems to have helped her and I can tell you that is very unrealistic.

I love the two women who run the underground library and how resilient they are and I love most of the other characters as well. I love the world building and how much research the author does include in the book as well.

So overall, I have very mixed emotions about this book.

[George Ciuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about Clara. A librarian who created an underground space for readers. Such an inspiring story of resilience and perseverance during a time of war

5 stars from me

[Lucia Nieto Navarro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novela basada en hechos reales y ambientada en Londres en época de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Todos los ingredientes que más me gustan para un libro.
Clara Button será la protagonista de esta historia, una bibliotecaria, que si será ficcionada por parte de la autora.
Si algo tiene de peculiar esta historia, es que la biblioteca se encuentra ubicada bajo tierra, lugar donde miles de personas decidieron refugiarse ante las bombas de los nazis. Bajo tierra se creó una gran comunidad, una comunidad con todas las instalaciones que podáis imaginaros para poder convivir, incluso teatros, cafeterías, consultas médicas…
La biblioteca fue creada por Clara Button y tuvo como asistenta y amiga a Ruby Munroe, a las cuales conoceremos a fondo, tanto en su vida personal como en la manera de gestionar una biblioteca durante la guerra, además de crear un club de lectura, la presencia de niños en la biblioteca…
Novela muy ágil y fácil de leer, los capítulos comienzan con citas muy chulas de bibliotecarios de todo el mundo, con un mensaje que creo que todos los lectores estamos muy de acuerdo, y es que los libros pueden ayudarnos en momentos difíciles. Y pensar que en tiempos de guerra, los libros te hacían olvidar que te estaban cayendo bombas al lado, lo dice todo.
Mi gran pero y que se que para muchos no lo es, ha sido la parte romántica, no es que sea lo principal ni mucho menos, pero el romance que hay me ha resultado algo forzado y que en ocasiones no me hacia falta.
Un epilogo y una nota de autora final que me ha encantado.
Asique, si, un libro que recomiendo para los amantes de los libros y de la novela histórica de personajes.

[Uhtred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un bel libro, un po’ cupo (se non altro perché si svolge sottoterra, in una stazione della metropolitana durante la Seconda guerra mondiale a Londra) ma con sprazzi di luce, per le storie d’amore che vi si sviluppano e per la fine della guerra verso la fine del libro. Un buon mix quindi, di parti tragiche e di parti molto umane, scritte con uno stile scorrevole che solo in qualche punto diventa un po’ troppo mieloso per i miei gusti. Ma il libro si lascia leggere bene e le due protagoniste, Clara e Ruby, due bibliotecarie un po’ fuori dagli schemi, lasciano sicuramente al lettore un buon ricordo di sé.
L’autrice ci offre molti spunti di riflessione su come si vive durante una guerra, soprattutto se donne, visto che da loro ci si aspettavano solo atteggiamenti e comportamenti sociali “conformi”. Attraverso le vicende di Clara e Ruby entriamo anche noi nella metropolitana di Bethnal e nella biblioteca sotterranea che sono state capaci di far vivere. Sono due donne decise a fregarsene del conformismo e combattono contro l’ottusità del sistema e di certi uomini che risultano odiosi perfino a noi lettori. La loro indipendenza e la loro determinazione serviranno da esempio a tanti e soprattutto faranno nascere quel luogo di aggregazione e crescita che ha permesso a tanti, adulti e bambini, di resistere durante la guerra al terrore e all’imbarbarimento. Ogni personaggio (Sparrow, Marie, Beattie, Eddie, Billy) ha una sua storia e una sua ragione di essere nel libro e tutti concorrono a creare quell’ambiente sotterraneo che riusciamo quasi a vedere, pieno di umanità e allo stesso tempo di crudezza.
In questo ambiente non certo naturale, trova un suo spazio enorme la biblioteca, con la sua carica di eversione, in un periodo nel quale i libri sono visti come “pericolosi” e due donne bibliotecarie possono passare addirittura per ribelli.
Dalle pagine emerge invece che leggere è uno dei principali modi per crescere, migliorarsi, aprirsi al mondo, ragionare con la propria testa, immaginare e sognare. E quando finalmente la guerra finisce e tutti possono tornare a vivere in superficie, anche noi lettori tiriamo un sospiro di sollievo e saremo contenti di vedere che Clara può tornare a lavorare in una biblioteca “vera”. Un bel libro, completato alla fine anche da una serie di riferimenti storici che l’autrice ci regala come bonus.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

After the first night of reading I checked the rating on this book again. I loved the idea of this book. What's not to love-it's historical fiction and it's about a library? The book was calling my name. However, I just was not feeling the love. The characters felt shallow and stereotypical. The dialogue was cliche.

After seeing that the book still had a 4.35 rating I pushed on for another night, but gave up at that point. It wasn't getting any better. Plus, I have 4 other books on my nightstand that look much more interesting at this point still waiting to be read.

I just couldn't get into this book- the writing felt too chick lit. I want more substance and depth.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on real events, the creation of an underground library beneath unused railway tracks during WWII.
What an inspirational story that really speaks to the importance of community, friendship, and libraries!
Although the scene is set in a horrifying time of war, and the story is heart-breaking at times, the overall message speaks to the collective power of community and its vital importance!
Highly recommend this amazing book!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant!!! I really enjoyed every second that I spent reading this incredible story of Bethnal Green Library!! I'm glad that I bought this book because I was able to write on the pages, circle quotes, dog ear pages and write in the margins " put in review!! ". Now, growing up, my Mom always told my siblings and I that writing in books defaces the value of the book. I totally agree with my Mom! I understood where she was coming from, because she and my Dad were raised in an era where having a book was rare and priceless! Going to the library was a treat! It was a treat for me not only to go to the library, but I worked as a library aide when I was in grade school through Junior Highschool!! 😄. As I grew up, I really believe that my Mom understands about me writing in books that I own.

What can I write about this amazing book based on true events that hasn't already been written?? Well, I guess that I'll share some of my favorite parts that really touched me! I don't think I will write all my quotes down because I could fill a book with them.

" Quantities of cheap fiction will be required. The soldier will carry a book in his kitbag ; the civilian will keep books for his fireside. We are a nation of readers, and the war is only going to increase the demand for books."
-- Frederick J. Cowles, Chief Librarian of Swinton Pendlebury Library Service

I would have loved to seen Bethnal Green Library, I mean how clever to build a library 78 feet underground in a tube station!! This place was incredible!! It was they only place you couldn't hear bombs in WW2, London. " How did it get turned into this --- underground village?" Asked Mr. Pinkerton Smythe ( he's really not a good guy as I read on! One of the worst characters in the book! )
" All of us who live and work down here in this other London often think of ourselves as inhabitants of a secret village," Clara's eyes shone as she looked about. " We are all very proud of our subterranean community. Not many tube stations can boast triple bunks for five thousand, a library, a theater, plays and dancing lessons ---"
" With a grand piano, if you please," interrupted Ruby. " " Quite, not to mention a nursery, cafe, first -aide post with nurses ' and doctors ' quarters, all below ground, along with a hairdresser and a ' Bibliobus '" The Bibliobus took books to those who couldn't find a way to get to the library. The sleeping quarters alone, in Bethnal Green was 3/4 quarters of a mile long!

Clara and Ruby are the main characters in this book. I really loved them both! Ruby was a bit "racey" while Clara was more reserved. The friendship between them was endearing and they became my friends too! 💜I really loved the characters of Beatty, Marie and Sparrow!! They lived in Bethnal Green and these children, along with the other children were known as " Tube Rats!" 🤣 This is an amazing and endearing story celebrating librarians and libraries. It wasn't all fun and games. No, the realities of the horrors of war were there, people lost their homes, families and a lot turned to drinking as a a way to escape, thankfully more turned to reading books....to escape the war if only for a while!

Kate Thompson really did her research for this fantastic book! She even interviewed some of the survivors who were were still alive and lived in Bethnal Green Library during WW2!! I really loved the pictures of the library and people included in the book. Please read the Author's Notes to see how this story came to be!!

" What are we, after all without libraries? " asked Clara.

I'm so excited that I finally read this book and I learned a lot! This is one of my favorites, of all the books I have read. It also meets another challenge for me to read more books that I have at home!! All I can say is, please read this book and get lost in the adventures of Bethnal Green Library, you'll be glad that you did!!! 💞

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨📚📚📚📚📚

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it only takes a glance at the title to know that herein lies a soulmatch book. Library love, WWII London underground community, and the resourceful spirit of a pair of women librarians and the community of the Bethnal Green underground tugged at my heart and left only satisfaction in their wake.

The Little Wartime Library, is a book framed by author’s message and notes as well as modern-day prologue and epilogue. The heart of the story is set during WWII era London during the devastating days of bombing. Right when it seems the most nonsensical time to put time and resources into a lending library, theater, or music, is exactly the time to do it and they did. People needed this library and the determined help of Clara the Librarian more than ever.

This ode to libraries and WWII era books and librarians introduces a community of people brought together by war and needed the isle of calm the library gave them when up against terrors like refugees from the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands and the bombings on the home front while a nation is in a desperate war. Based on the real existence of the Bethnal Green underground community, the historical authenticity and historical mile markers- like the Bethnal Green tube disaster, Jersey, and other devastation- settled over the story as added layers letting the character-driven plot action and colorful, complex characters shine in the forefront.

The narration is shared in alternating turns by Clara the librarian at the center of it all and gutsy Ruby her assistant from the lower class London East End, a shining character who I enjoyed quite a lot. They were up against those, mostly male authority, who thought they knew better whether there should be a library or not and their own personal pains, losses, secrets, and demons filled in the conflict. But, like old-style bartenders with Google-savvy minds, the librarians were more than book pushers and really heard out people and dispensed advice and help with their book offerings (hats off to the librarians who are still at it today). I loved seeing Clara and Ruby making a difference for this unique community living in the underground tubes (subways) after the bombs started pounding aboveground London to bits. I liked the little romance for Clara though she’s getting past her loss so it wasn’t the forefront of the story.

My emotions were tugged in several directions from heartbreak to hope, to bittersweet and joy. The pages flew past and I was finished reading before I knew it. This Ode to Libraries left me well-pleased and it will surprise no one that I think all booklovers whether they like historical era or not should give it a go.

I rec'd a print ARC from Forever to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Mar 15th.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thanks to libro.fm and Hachette Audio for an ALC of this book to listen to and review.

There is so much DRAMA in this book that has next to nothing to do with the war, I can't even.

I DNF'd at 23% because of the one or the other characters men have now been pigeon-holed into was rearing it's head and I REFUSE to read a book where one gender is only one or the other and that's it.

Example: lots of older sci-fi/fantasy has female characters as either the Virginal Madonna figure or the slutty whore.

Nowadays, men get to have the one side of the coin characteristic of either: misogynistic pig who represents the Patriarchy and needs to be brought DOWN by STRONG, INDEPENDENT WOMEN who are SO MUCH SMARTER than he is or they are the Strong, yet Sensitive type who Isn't Afraid to Cry when he sees a Kitten or Puppy, because he is in touch with his Feminine side and he RESPECTS women, because they are not equals, NAY! They are SUPERIOR to his unfortunately born male self.

I don't like that new trope, so avoid it when I notice it popping up. This book had that in spades.

It also had: a step-father who abused his wife/the mom of one of the MC h's, another mother who disowned her librarian widow daughter for not wearing black for longer to mourn her dead husband and who INSISTED on WORKING, THE HORROR. A dead sister the second MC h feels guilty for not being able to save, a serial rapist who assaulted the MC h, but who was saved by the MC H, and a partridge in a pear tree.

The final topper to my taco was either the narrator had no ability to modulate her voice volume or the production was bad, because I was constantly messing with the volume while listening.

This wasn't for me. Looking at the average star ratings for this book, I obviously read it wrong. Take my review with a grain of salt.

2, I wanted to like this one more than I did, stars.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discover the locations in the novel The Little Wartime Library

This is a remarkable novel inspired by the even more remarkable real life story of a library under ground! The library is the one at Bethnal Green in a disused tube station during the war.

Why was this library here? Who worked there? How did the library survive?

This has to be one of my best books of 2022. Yes I realise we’ve barely woken up from the new year celebrations but this is such a wonderful story, beautifully told that I am sure I am going to be hard pressed to find a match to this.

Young librarian and widow Clara Button works in the underground library during WW2. The library is located in the disused tube station in Bethnal Green. It’s an actual godsend in many ways = not only from the bombs but from the daily grind. This is where people can meet and talk as well as there being so many books there! I loved the people who worked there and I felt I really got to know them very well really early on.

The entire idea behind this novel – not just highlighting the remarkable library but the community at large, the war effort, the community spirit, the resilience, the love of books and so much more = is just brilliant. The final pages left me feeling bereft but sure of where the characters were going and how the spirit of the library would endure.

I loved the feeling this book gave me. The fact that this community, this love of books realty did exist and really did make a difference, was a wonderful thing to discover. I really can’t thank the author enough for finding this story and for being curious enough to write about it, and in this way. Kate I could hug you as I’m sure the people from this novel would too.

[Aj Yogi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟

Clara and Ruby are librarians at Bethnal Green library which is set up underground in the subway tunnels during WWII. There are a lot of characters in this story but all (save for 2) are wonderful people just trying to figure out how to live on during the war. While I did love the story and adored the idea of an underground library, some of the storytelling felt a bit tell instead of show, so I didn't get as involved with the characters as I might have been otherwise.

Great idea for a historical fiction book. Who doesn't love a good book about books?!?!

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

From a journalist to a ghost-writer, British author Kate Thompson has published a range of books over the last 20 years. In her most recent publication, Thompson has penned a story about strength, resilience, resistance, courage and the power of the written word. Drawn from real life events, The Little Wartime Library is an engrossing title that will rouse all Second World War fiction fans.

The Little Wartime Library follows two brave and engineering women who control an underground library in the heat of World War Two. The journey begins in 1944 and we meet Clara, a woman who has manufactured a valued library located in Bethnal Green’s tube station. This unusual set up in wartime conditions becomes a community hub, where people can connect and escape from the trials of everyday life. With the help of library assistant and close friend Ruby, Clara keeps the library ticking over, providing an essential service to the local citizens of the nearby area. However, the stress of the war and the difficult conditions that these trying times bring challenge the hardworking librarians of the underground library. Can they keep this essential service alive and maintain their safety too?

It’s so satisfying when you come across a new author with an appealing backlist. Kate Thompson is no new face to the wartime fiction genre or writing in general after penning over nine fiction and non-fiction titles. The Little Wartime Library spoke to me both cover and genre wise, so it’s no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

The Little Wartime Library is quite a lengthy read, coming in at over 450 plus pages. However, I can’t say that I had a problem with the breadth of this title at all, it was an easy page turner in all honesty. A split character narration forms the basis of this novel’s engrossing format, which is shared over librarians Clara and Ruby. It was so nice to be acquainted with these agreeable ladies. I really admired their resolve and overall wartime work ethic. Clara and Ruby have colourful backgrounds and interesting personal life complications which helps to extend the wartime library initiative. It was nice to be involved in the heartache and life choices made by these two enterprising women. The support cast are a great bunch, who all work together to add unity to the overall tale. I think the characters of The Little Wartime Library are a pretty special bunch and I’m glad I was able to spend time with them in the pages of this novel.

Kate Thompson has conducted a range of historical research to magnify the events, time period and finer moments of this wartime novel. With a hearty author’s note, a select bibliography, a segment on the true story of the Bethnal Green Library and the fight to save it, along with a ‘Read for Victory’ bonus piece, I appreciated all the extra flourishes contained in this text. As a bibliophile I was moved by the various librarian quotes integrated into the chapter openings. So, there is more than just a moving narrative to enjoy when readers select The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson!

*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson is a heart-warming tale of friendship and resilience in tough times during the war in 1944. This story is based on true events.
Bethnal green 1944 the world is at war. Young Widow Clara Button creates the country’s only underground library on the disused tracks of Bethnal Green tube station. But it is not just a library is where a community thrives. Where adults and children live to survive the bombings in the East London. Clara is helped with her friend Ruby Monroe. They use the books not only to help them learn but also help them through the tough times they had to endure.
This was a great read from the author centred around the library. How with great determination Clara not only introduced the community to reading with all the different books but helped in other ways too. I loved the camaraderie the little community and the children she looked after. This also talked about abuse between man and wife. Women were supposed to do what their husbands told them to do. They weren’t allowed to have their own opinions. I also liked the quotes in between of real librarians throughout the story. 5 stars from me.

[Consu Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una novela ambientada en la II Guerra Mundial donde nos muestra toda una mini ciudad bajo Londres en particular en los túneles del metro a medio terminar donde se pone de relieve la camaderia de sus habitantes .(Lo que hizo que salvarán muchas vidas)
De la mano de las dos protagonistas femeninas encargadas de la primera biblioteca subterránea y con sus idas y venidas nos narran una historia en la cual los libros pueden salvar vidas y abstraernos de nuestra vida cotidiana.
Este libro rezuma un respeto sincero y profundo a todas aquellas personas que trabajan en la bibliotecas .
Muy interesante la nota final de la autora y la breve explicación de la biblioteca de Bethnal Green en la cual está basada esta novela.