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An uplifting and inspiring novel based on the true story of a librarian who created an underground shelter during World War II, perfect for readers of The Paris Library or The Last Bookshop in London—now in mass market format.

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.

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"The Little Wartime Library was such an immensely heartwarming read. I laughed and cried through the entire thing, completely enraptured. The characters were so endearing, and the true story behind the underground library is absolutely incredible. People who love books about books must read this gem!"

Madeline Martin, New York Times bestseling author of The Last Bookshop in London
“This is just the story we need right now – a tale of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to keep hope alive, and to give a community adrift in wartime a sense of home. The Bethnal Green underground library might be the beating heart of the book’s subterranean village, but Clara is the soul of this novel. She’s the kind of character you cheer for, cry for, and dream for. Kate Thompson’s passion, meticulous research and brilliant storytelling make The Little Wartime Library an utter delight to read.”
Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author
"This is a delightful story of community in wartime, love and loss, and resilience. Based on a true story,
this uplifting tale is sure to satisfy."
Booklist
"Captivating and remarkable, it reminds us that stories soothe and help us make sense of the chaos in our lives."
The Toronto Star
"A heartwarming story of how friendship and the written word sustain us in the toughest times."
Janet Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library
"Gripping, emotional and uplifting."
Gill Paul, USA Today bestselling author of The Secret Wife
"A captivating tale about the power of libraries and how they connect us . . . [a] fascinating slice of history."
Andie Newton, author of The Girls from the Beach
"Kate has such a talent for bringing history to vivid life. Utterly transporting, vivid and fresh."
Iona Grey, bestselling author of Letters to the Lost
"[A] splendid warm-hearted novel of wartime resilience and romance."
Rachel Hore, bestselling author of A Beautiful Spy

On Sale: May 6, 2025
Page Count: 512 pages
Publisher: Forever
ISBN-13: 9781538724224

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Kate Thompson

About the Author

Kate Thompson was born in London and worked as a journalist for women’s magazines and national newspapers before becoming a novelist. Over the past ten years, Kate has written twelve fiction and nonfiction titles, three of which have made the Sunday Times top ten bestseller list. She now lives in Sunbury with her husband, two sons, and two rescued Lurcher dogs, Ted and Saphhie.

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Kate Thompson

About the Author