The Secret Society of Librarians

Inspired by a true story, a completely gripping and unforgettable WW2 historical novel
A WW2 book about books, inspired by true stories: Following on from Kate Thompson's much-loved The Little Wartime Library and The Wartime Book Club, another heartbreaking yet heartwarming wartime library-set novel, inspired by real people, real stories, and extensive research.

Two women, torn apart by war. One shared belief in the power of books.

London, 1939. When war breaks out on librarian Joyce Kindred's doorstep and a call for help rings out across the libraries of London, she's determined to act. Joyce knows only the world of books can offer safety and comfort to her neighbourhood - and she will make sure no one is left behind.

Joyce sets up a mobile library scheme, but soon her acts of resistance go beyond sharing books. She shelters a young Jewish refugee, Adela - and it's not long before she discovers Adela has a secret that could turn their world upside down again.

Occupied Poland, 1942. Dorotha knows any chance of her escaping the barbed wire fences and cruelty of the Łódź ghetto dwindles by the day. Reading isn't just an act of defiance: it's the only thing left in her life over which she has any control. And so she shares books under the cover of darkness, creating a secret library away from her captors - that is, until even that last ray of hope is taken from her.

Joyce and Dorotha were once librarians, ordinary women, and best friends. The war has forced them into acts of unimaginable bravery - but will they ever find each other again?

Based on astonishing real events, this absolutely heart-breaking page-turner brings to life the remarkable untold story of two women during WW2. Fans of Anna Stuart, Kristin Hannah and Heather Morris won't be able to stop racing through the pages.

Readers love The Secret Society of Librarians:

'Oh my word. heartwarming. heartbreaking. exceptional. awe-inspiring. will stay with me for a long time.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Wonderful. absolutely heartbreaking. beautiful.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Will stay in my heart for a long time. Exceptional.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Moving. Truly wonderful.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your favourite authors love Kate Thompson:

'One of the very best books I've read in a long time' PETER JAMES

'Engaging' RACHEL HORE

'Both heartwarming and heartbreaking' GILL PAUL

'A poignant masterpiece' MADELINE MARTIN

'A book to be savoured and remembered' GILL THOMPSON

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.