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Nineteen Steps

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Nineteen Steps

By: Millie Bobby Brown
Narrated by: Millie Bobby Brown
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About this listen

Love blooms in the darkest days…

Discover this heart-wrenching, life-affirming tale of first romance in the face of the tragic events of an often forgotten piece of WW2 history.

'Will make you swoon, laugh, and even cry' Daily Mirror

'A dazzling debut' Woman's Own

'A spellbinding read' Fiona Davis

★★★

London, 1942.

Despite the raging war, spirited 18-year-old Nellie Morris lives a quiet life in the tight-knit East End community of Bethnal Green. Her family and friends all tease that she will marry air raid warden Billy, the boy next door who’s always been sweet on her.

The arrival of Ray, a handsome American airman stationed nearby, causes Nellie to question everything she thought she knew about her future.

Nellie’s new-found happiness is short-lived when a tragic accident occurs during an air raid. Even the closest family can’t escape the devastation of war, and as the secrets and truth about that fateful night become clear, they threaten to tear Nellie – and those dearest to her – apart.

’There is no healing without remembering, and there is no remembering without stories. So thank goodness Brown’s Nanny Ruth, who was a survivor of the crush, told her granddaughter what she remembered…You might open Nineteen Steps for the celebrity name, but stick with it for the history of an under-recognized event of World War II.’ New York Times

©2023 Millie Bobby Brown (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers 20th Century Biographical Fiction Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Biography Tear-jerking Heartfelt Inspiring War

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Critic reviews

‘This novel will make you swoon, laugh, and even cry, because some parts are truly devastating, especially when you remember it's based on true events…It’s thought-provoking and easy to read – one to pop on your cosy autumn TBR pile.’ Daily Mirror

‘Millie Bobby Brown’s debut novel beautifully portrays her grandmother’s experience…[and] shrewdly portrays the difficult history of a tragedy that is often overlooked.’ The i Paper

‘A dazzling debut.’ Woman’s Own

‘A brilliant debut novel inspired by the true events of Millie Bobby Brown’s family history.’ Closer

‘Shines a brilliant light on a dark moment in history. Full of heartbreak and hope, with characters you'll root hard for and will stay in your heart for a long time to come.’ Kristin Harmel

‘A remarkable debut. Her tale of first love, poignant regrets, and the search for the truth makes for a spellbinding read. Enthralling.’ Fiona Davis

‘A sweet, sensitive coming-of-age story. Nineteen Steps is a lovely read for fans everywhere.’ Kate Quinn
All stars
Most relevant  
Wonderfully written. Could listen to it all again. Milly Bobby Brown read it perfectly. I really felt like I was living the story and felt emerged in it. A must read…

Beautiful

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My family are from the East End of London and were there during the war at the same time as Millie Bobby Brown's family, so I approached this audio book with interest. Like Ms. Brown, I had heard many stories of life during the Blitz from members of my family and her book is well researched. My aunt - also a Nellie - would have been the same age as Nellie Morris and had a similar background - I could almost have been listening to her as i listened to Millie narrating her story!

At the start, Ms. Brown's delivery is a little stiff, but her experience as an actress soon wins through and I enjoyed the book very much. On one level, it is a teenage romance told by an author who is little more than a teenager herself, but it is also a moving social and historical narrative describing events that are little known outside the East End. Well done, Millie - you should feel proud of yourself. I look forward to reading your future books.

If there are any film producers out there reading this, get in quickly! This has the potential to make a good screenplay, and Ms. Brown is currently the perfect actress for the lead role!

A very good first novel.

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This is a very well written novel, the story is very gripping and easy to imagine happening. I did find that every event that happened was extremely predictable. A good book nevertheless.

Good story, but very predictable

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I love WWII novels and to hear this account of the Bethnal Green disaster was just unbelievable. The book was funny, it was joyful, it was sad, it was devastating, it brought me to tears. What a beautiful account I went through all the emotions up and down like a rollercoaster. Read this book in 2 days (would have been a day if I didn’t have to work). The fact it is based on Millie’s grandmothers account of the events was crazy. Beautiful heart wrenching story told beautifully by the legend herself bravo Millie 👏

Wow

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loved the story line and spreading the awareness of a real event!
couldn't stop listening to it!

Loved it!

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A brilliant story but boy did I cry my eyes out on numerous occasions! So sad!

Such a sad story

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Absolutely loved this book it felt so real. A lovely written story that you felt you were with the character through her war.

A most moving story

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Very good story and brought back so many memories as I walked those streets hundreds of times and can picture every one. The accents were a bit off putting but still enjoyed the story but was very predictable .

Can imagine it being picked up for a TV film maybe?

Bethnal Green is a very special place

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I love that this was based around real characters and events. I enjoyed the story and while I was able to predict some of the twists and turns it didn't detract from my enjoyment. The only thing I'd change was the narration. I realise that'll sound strange given that the author themselves is narrating but it felt a bit reserved and stilted in places. The story itself reminded me of some of the Mary Jane Staples works but how, with those, the narration had really brought every character to life.

A lovely story full of character

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Interesting story but some of the American English words in sections for a UK English character was a little annoying at times.

Great Story

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