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The Little Wartime Library

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The Little Wartime Library

By: Kate Thompson
Narrated by: Sarah Durham
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About this listen

London, 1944.

Clara Button is no ordinary librarian. While the world remains at war, in East London, Clara has created the country's only underground library, built over the railway tracks in the disused Bethnal Green tube station. Down here, a whole community thrives: with hundreds of bunk beds, a café and a theatre offering shelter from the bombs that fall above.

Along with her glamorous best friend and assistant librarian, 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 seems it may come at the price of keeping those closest to them alive.

Based on true events, The Little Wartime Library is an inspiring and heart-wrenching story of life on the home front, and of the strength of courage required to fight for what you believe in.

©2022 Kate Thompson (P)2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited 20th Century Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt War England

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All stars
Most relevant  
Literally full of wonder. I couldn’t put it down. A beautiful story woven around an amazing true story of the Second World War. A heartwarming affirmation of the power of books and reading to transform lives even in the most appalling circumstances. The reader was perfect. Thoroughly recommend.

Wonderful!

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As a retired Librarian, I was hooked from the start
It expressed everything I believe so staunchly that books and reading are good for you especially children but everyone to some extent
I read all the time and I’m lost without a book but like the author so sad to see the demise of public libraries
Our local library in Heswall has had hours cut drastically so that I can never be sure when it’s open
All councillors should read this book

Lauding Libraries

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What an amazing book… I laughed, I cried but I also felt immense pride for these women who lived during a scary time.
Their courage in not only dealing with daily life in war torn London but also Clara Button fighting for the rights of women and children in an age where some men thought “women should know their place”

Riveting from start to finish

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A book that had brought anger, laughter and tears. The characters become real and are interwoven so well together.
The history of the Library service has been thoroughly researched which is reflected throughout the story.

The underground Library.

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if you love books libraries people's lives history and the London spirit during ww2 with love and tragedy then this is the book for you. loved it couldn't put it down. based on real libraries well researched. Great book

fabulous

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I loved this book about the library during the war, it’s very realistic you feel you were there.

Wartime library

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A very personal recollection of Librayians during the War. Lots of personal descriptions of people facing bombings and loss of family members too.

Reading History of the time in The UK during World War 2.

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What a wonderful read,beautifully read, all engrossing,,history time a
Capsule very well crafted could not stop listening, definitely worth the read

Love readiing

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loved it ,found it very enlghtening,I give it five stars and easily recommend it

enjoy

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Great storyline based on truth. I had no idea about the Bethnal Green underground library. The narrator was excellent, she did the voices so well, ver clever. I was hooked from start to finish.

Loved it.

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