The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
kobireads's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to the audiobook of this novel and I found it difficult to stay connected to the story. I enjoyed the premise of the novel, but at times I found that there was too much going on.
thatsoneforthebooks's review against another edition
4.0
✨ Review ✨ The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson
I don't read a lot of WWII-era historical fiction anymore but I was hooked into this book about a library in an abandoned underground tube station in London. The book follows the perspectives of the head librarian Clara, a new war widow, and her sassy assistant Ruby. The Bethnel Greens station, locked up initially because construction had been suspended during the war, opened as an underground shelter complete with thousands of bunk beds, a cafe, a theater, and a library. I loved this idea of spaces fostering cultural enrichment during such a traumatic time.
The book balances the rich moments of joy along with the terrible trauma of wartime, especially as residents are still facing bombings and other traumas. Both Clara and Ruby are dealing with a range of family issues and both meet potential love interests along the way. The book brings such a range of emotions and feelings, and it all seemed grounded in really stellar historical research too!
This was a quick read for me -- and one that I was able to really put myself inside of while I was reading. There was some Jewish representation here, but otherwise, it didn't feel like there was a whole lot of diversity in identity. It also felt like the last 75 pages or so of the book went beyond where I expected the book to go in a way that maybe could have been a little better blended in.
Overall, a solid historical fiction read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: historical fiction, f/m romance
Setting: c. 1944 London
Reminds me of: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Read this if you like:
⭕️ libraries and book love
⭕️ WWII historical fiction with a side of romance
⭕️ tough female characters
Thanks to Forever and #netgalley for a copy of this book!
I don't read a lot of WWII-era historical fiction anymore but I was hooked into this book about a library in an abandoned underground tube station in London. The book follows the perspectives of the head librarian Clara, a new war widow, and her sassy assistant Ruby. The Bethnel Greens station, locked up initially because construction had been suspended during the war, opened as an underground shelter complete with thousands of bunk beds, a cafe, a theater, and a library. I loved this idea of spaces fostering cultural enrichment during such a traumatic time.
The book balances the rich moments of joy along with the terrible trauma of wartime, especially as residents are still facing bombings and other traumas. Both Clara and Ruby are dealing with a range of family issues and both meet potential love interests along the way. The book brings such a range of emotions and feelings, and it all seemed grounded in really stellar historical research too!
This was a quick read for me -- and one that I was able to really put myself inside of while I was reading. There was some Jewish representation here, but otherwise, it didn't feel like there was a whole lot of diversity in identity. It also felt like the last 75 pages or so of the book went beyond where I expected the book to go in a way that maybe could have been a little better blended in.
Overall, a solid historical fiction read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: historical fiction, f/m romance
Setting: c. 1944 London
Reminds me of: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Read this if you like:
⭕️ libraries and book love
⭕️ WWII historical fiction with a side of romance
⭕️ tough female characters
Thanks to Forever and #netgalley for a copy of this book!
favouritepages's review against another edition
5.0
Historical fiction is a go-to genre for me. The Little Wartime Library was very different from a lot of the historical fiction I have read. It is set in London, during WWII, and follows the lives of those living in London during the war.
The book tells the story of the little library that operated in an unfinished tube tunnel in the East End of London. This tube tunnel was home to a great many people who needed a safe place to stay after the bombing started. An entire community was formed in this tube tunnel.
The themes in this book were of love, loss, resilience, and bravery. This book speaks to something I have felt for my entire life. Reading can transport you to a different place and time. Reading is relaxing, reading is entertaining, reading is educational and informational. Reading is essential to nourish our minds and soles.
The Little Wartime Library played a huge part in the lives of those it serviced. It gave people a place to go to connect with others. It gave people an escape from the horrors they witnessed and the grief they experienced. It gave children access to stories that could transport them to other worlds, where they could be princes or princesses, or adventurers. It opened up worlds of possibilities to them.
This fictional telling of the story of this little Wartime Library and its female librarians was fantastic. For those who love libraries, reading and historical fiction, I can not recommend it enough. It was just so beautiful.
Thank you, @NetGalley and @readforeverpub, for the advanced digital copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The book tells the story of the little library that operated in an unfinished tube tunnel in the East End of London. This tube tunnel was home to a great many people who needed a safe place to stay after the bombing started. An entire community was formed in this tube tunnel.
The themes in this book were of love, loss, resilience, and bravery. This book speaks to something I have felt for my entire life. Reading can transport you to a different place and time. Reading is relaxing, reading is entertaining, reading is educational and informational. Reading is essential to nourish our minds and soles.
The Little Wartime Library played a huge part in the lives of those it serviced. It gave people a place to go to connect with others. It gave people an escape from the horrors they witnessed and the grief they experienced. It gave children access to stories that could transport them to other worlds, where they could be princes or princesses, or adventurers. It opened up worlds of possibilities to them.
This fictional telling of the story of this little Wartime Library and its female librarians was fantastic. For those who love libraries, reading and historical fiction, I can not recommend it enough. It was just so beautiful.
Thank you, @NetGalley and @readforeverpub, for the advanced digital copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
spaceforcewife21's review against another edition
1.0
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.
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.
lib_hn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ladybreww_reads's review against another edition
5.0
This book is brilliant, witty, and beautifully written. I absolutely loved the two main characters. This is a story about strong women standing their ground to keep their underground library open during times of war and turmoil. The characters experience all of the hardships of war, and stick together to create an incredible community of love and learning. Books are so important - and I enjoyed how the author showed how books helped all of these children and women cope with the daily hardships and fear and loss resulting from the war.
There was some humor woven in between the difficult topics - in particular when a bunch of wives started leaving their husbands based on a seductive feminist book the library started carrying. The subplot of women helping each other learn about women's issues by secretly passing books through the system was fantastic.
I don't typically enjoy World War 2 stories, but I genuinely enjoyed the subject matter of this book. It was such a unique take on this time period, and I love that it is based on a true story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, women's fiction, and books about books.
Thank you to netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
There was some humor woven in between the difficult topics - in particular when a bunch of wives started leaving their husbands based on a seductive feminist book the library started carrying. The subplot of women helping each other learn about women's issues by secretly passing books through the system was fantastic.
I don't typically enjoy World War 2 stories, but I genuinely enjoyed the subject matter of this book. It was such a unique take on this time period, and I love that it is based on a true story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, women's fiction, and books about books.
Thank you to netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
lostboylit's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
kayleejp92's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars
———————————
This book was cute, yes. BUT- I found myself wanting so much more from it! There was so much potential for some really action packed war/medical hero scenes, maybe a little bit of backstory on the German occupation, a little (or a lot of) spice maybe?! But, we always just got the bare minimum when it came to setting the scene. Also, as a history teacher I was able to engage, but there were several historical references that I feel like we’re not explained well and will make a reader completely lost if they didn’t know the historical background already.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book. It was cute and I did like it! I was just a bit bored and didn’t love it. It took me much longer than my average reading pace to get through it for that very reason
———————————
This book was cute, yes. BUT- I found myself wanting so much more from it! There was so much potential for some really action packed war/medical hero scenes, maybe a little bit of backstory on the German occupation, a little (or a lot of) spice maybe?! But, we always just got the bare minimum when it came to setting the scene. Also, as a history teacher I was able to engage, but there were several historical references that I feel like we’re not explained well and will make a reader completely lost if they didn’t know the historical background already.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book. It was cute and I did like it! I was just a bit bored and didn’t love it. It took me much longer than my average reading pace to get through it for that very reason
traveldanie's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.75
maggiementions's review against another edition
5.0
Clara is head librarian at London’s only underground library in the midst of World War II. After he husband dies the library is all the young widower has left. With the help of her best friend and assistant librarian Ruby, the library has become a refuge for many in the underground community. Even with so much support Clara is constantly having to fight sexism, gender norms, unhappy husbands and unexpected attacks. If you are needing a book with the message to keep going and not give up hope, this is the book for you. This book deals with issues of mental and physical abuse, rape, and alcoholism so it does not shy away from the reality of war. But it also has many bright and happy moments, balancing the sad and frustrating moments with happiness and joy. This is a must read for any historical fiction fan!