I can’t deny that I’m a huge fan of Kate Thompson’s brilliantly brought-to-life books but I think The Little Wartime Library is probably her best yet.

It’s 1944 and Clara Button is a war widow needing something worthwhile to do with her life. She knows what it’s like to suffer loss and isn’t ready to sit at home caring for her mother-in-law. Clara goes against her mother and mother-in-law’s wishes by spending her days running the small underground library in the disused Bethnal Green tube station. They see what she does as unseemly but Clara is determined to help those around her and bringing the joy of reading and an escape to the war-weary of the East End is exactly what she believes the locals need. Together with her friend and assistant Ruby, a larger than life woman whose cheery, beautifully made up exterior hides a troubled family life and heartache that binds her to the East End, they care for the displaced people of all ages helping them to see some light in their dark, frightening world.

When Clara comes across two sisters from Jersey, she is determined to befriend them and help them in any way she can. As hard as it is for those from the East end she’s certain that it must be even more terrifying for two young women who aren’t even from London. Not all people want Clara and Ruby’s help though and some are even determined to make their lives as difficult as possible. Everyone around them has difficulties they’re battling to survive and when Clara meets a kind but mysterious Samaritan she has a whole new struggle on her hands.

I loved every word of this book. Kate Thompson’s research is, as always, impeccable. She brings the East End’s characters and war-weary to life in a way that never fails to enchant me. I’m envious of readers who have yet to experience The Little Wartime Library. Definitely a five-star read that I can’t recommend highly enough.

The Little Wartime Library will be published by Hodder and Stoughton in e-book, audio, and hardback on 17 February 2022 but you can pre-order here.