The Little Wartime Library: Book Review
World War II fiction holds a special place in my heart—and takes up a good chunk of space on my bookshelves. It’s easily my favorite subgenre of historical fiction and my go-to for comfort reads (yes, even the tearjerkers!). So when I come across a WWII novel that truly resonates with me, I have to shout about it—and that’s exactly how I feel about The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson. This novel has everything I love in historical fiction: heart, resilience, rich characters, and a setting that pulls you in from the very first page. If you’re a fan of histfic, this one absolutely belongs on your must-read list.
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Quick Look
- homefront WWII fiction
- dual POV, single timeline
- closed-door romance
- found family & themes of belonging
- grief/loss, suicide & physical abuse triggers
Published February 21, 2023
Thanks to @readforeverpub and @netgalley for the gifted copy of this wonderful new book!
Publisher's Synopsis
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.
My Review
Oh my, how I loved The Little Wartime Library, y’all. It is so good—truly one of those books that sneaks into your heart and refuses to leave. If you’re new here, let me fill you in: I’m a sucker for a World War II novel. And this one, my friend, has everything I love about wartime fiction—and then some. There’s romance. There’s conflict, danger, and fear. There’s even humor woven in at just the right moments. I didn’t want it to end.
Kate Thompson does a phenomenal job bringing Clara and Ruby to life, and from the very first chapter, I felt like I was right there with them—beneath the streets of London, fighting to preserve something beautiful in the midst of chaos. Their determination to protect the underground library and empower the women in their community is both moving and inspiring. As the story unfolds and we meet more of the women around them, I found myself rooting for each and every one. The cast of characters—this motley crew of East Enders living and working in the subway shelter—is vibrant, memorable, and full of charm. The spirit of the East End leaps off the page, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested.
Beyond the character development and emotional resonance, this novel offers a fascinating slice of real history. I had no idea the Bethnal Green Library was destroyed during the Blitz—or that an underground library and shelter sprang up in its place. Just imagine living in the tunnels of a subway system for years—and building a library there! That’s the kind of detail I read historical fiction for. The Little Wartime Library doesn’t just tell a story—it sheds light on a powerful, little-known piece of history. And it does so with heart, elegance, and hope.
This is historical fiction at its best: rich in character, steeped in truth, and impossible to forget.
My Rating
The Little Wartime Library is a moving, unforgettable story about resilience, community, and the power of words to sustain us—even in the darkest of times. With rich historical detail and characters that feel like friends, this novel is a must-read for any historical fiction lover. If you haven’t already added it to your TBR, consider this your sign. You won’t regret spending time in the underground with Clara, Ruby, and the incredible women who refused to let hope be bombed out.
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