Two women, torn apart by war. One shared belief in the power of books…
London, 1939. When war breaks out on librarian Joyce Kindred‘s doorstep and a call for help rings out across the libraries of London, she’s determined to act. Joyce knows only the world of books can offer safety and comfort to her neighbourhood – and she will make sure no one is left behind.
Joyce sets up a mobile library scheme, but soon her acts of resistance go beyond sharing books. She shelters a young Jewish refugee, Adela – and it’s not long before she discovers Adela has a secret that could turn their world upside down again…
Occupied Poland, 1942. Dorotha knows any chance of her escaping the barbed wire fences and cruelty of the Łódź ghetto dwindles by the day. Reading isn’t just an act of defiance: it’s the only thing left in her life over which she has any control. And so she shares books under the cover of darkness, creating a secret library away from her captors – that is, until even that last ray of hope is taken from her…
Joyce and Dorotha were once librarians, ordinary women, and best friends. The war has forced them into acts of unimaginable bravery – but will they ever find each other again?
Based on astonishing real events, this absolutely heart-breaking page-turner brings to life the remarkable untold story of two women during WW2. Fans of Anna Stuart, Kristin Hannah and Heather Morris won’t be able to stop racing through the pages.
Readers love The Secret Society of Librarians:
‘Oh my word… heartwarming… heartbreaking… exceptional… awe-inspiring… will stay with me for a long time.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wonderful… absolutely heartbreaking… beautiful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Will stay in my heart for a long time… Exceptional.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Moving… Truly wonderful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Your favourite authors love Kate Thompson:
‘One of the very best books I’ve read in a long time’ PETER JAMES
‘Engaging’ RACHEL HORE
‘Both heartwarming and heartbreaking’ GILL PAUL
‘A poignant masterpiece’ MADELINE MARTIN
‘A book to be savoured and remembered’ GILL THOMPSON
London, 1939. When war breaks out on librarian Joyce Kindred‘s doorstep and a call for help rings out across the libraries of London, she’s determined to act. Joyce knows only the world of books can offer safety and comfort to her neighbourhood – and she will make sure no one is left behind.
Joyce sets up a mobile library scheme, but soon her acts of resistance go beyond sharing books. She shelters a young Jewish refugee, Adela – and it’s not long before she discovers Adela has a secret that could turn their world upside down again…
Occupied Poland, 1942. Dorotha knows any chance of her escaping the barbed wire fences and cruelty of the Łódź ghetto dwindles by the day. Reading isn’t just an act of defiance: it’s the only thing left in her life over which she has any control. And so she shares books under the cover of darkness, creating a secret library away from her captors – that is, until even that last ray of hope is taken from her…
Joyce and Dorotha were once librarians, ordinary women, and best friends. The war has forced them into acts of unimaginable bravery – but will they ever find each other again?
Based on astonishing real events, this absolutely heart-breaking page-turner brings to life the remarkable untold story of two women during WW2. Fans of Anna Stuart, Kristin Hannah and Heather Morris won’t be able to stop racing through the pages.
Readers love The Secret Society of Librarians:
‘Oh my word… heartwarming… heartbreaking… exceptional… awe-inspiring… will stay with me for a long time.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wonderful… absolutely heartbreaking… beautiful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Will stay in my heart for a long time… Exceptional.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Moving… Truly wonderful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Your favourite authors love Kate Thompson:
‘One of the very best books I’ve read in a long time’ PETER JAMES
‘Engaging’ RACHEL HORE
‘Both heartwarming and heartbreaking’ GILL PAUL
‘A poignant masterpiece’ MADELINE MARTIN
‘A book to be savoured and remembered’ GILL THOMPSON
Reviews
A captivating tale about the power of libraries and how they connect us . . . Meticulously researched, readers will be entranced by this fascinating slice of history
A heartwarming story of how friendship and the written word sustain us in the toughest times. Based on a little-known true story, Kate Thompson's meticulous research and love of libraries shine through. Perfect for fans of Dear Mrs. Bird.
Books help win the day in this splendid warm-hearted novel of wartime resilience and romance, based on a true story
Remarkable . . . Heartbreaking and inspiring, this brilliantly researched book also captures the essence of the story through its evocative words and thoughtfully written characters
Libraries create writers! And here's a book as wrapped up in libraries as it could be . . .
An ode to books, libraries and the resilience of women. Uplifting and heartwarming. The strength of the human spirit shines through
My best book of the year. 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
Warm and uplifting historical fiction, all made to feel so real because of the historical details seamlessly woven into the story
PRAISE FOR KATE THOMPSON
Kate Thompson is a virtuoso storyteller about women in wartime, with an acute ear for authentic dialogue and an eye for the tiny details that bring scenes to vivid life . . . a moving, immersive and unforgettable novel: a definite must-read.
Readers will be on tenterhooks . . . History fans will feast on the author's note and revel in the real-life testimonies at the end of the book. Anyone who loves books, libraries, and history will appreciate this powerful novel.
Kate Thompson conveys the power of books and librarianship
I finished TSSL last night, in tears. It's such an incredible, moving book, I loved it so much . . . will stay with me forever. After I read the chapter in which everyone is told to give up their children I went and knelt next to my sleeping 8yo and just ached. There are obviously no words, but I learnt so much and could go on and on about all the things I loved. Really, I just want to say thank you for such a beautiful, nuanced and important read.
