November 1, 2023
Thompson (The Little Wartime Library) is already a best-selling author in the UK, and her newest U.S. release gets a 75K-copy first printing. The novel focuses on the English island of Jersey, which German forces occupied in 1940 during World War II. Inspired by true events, it is an emotional story of bravery, resistance, and the power of books. Prepub Alert.
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April 19, 2024
On the German occupied island of Jersey in 1943, public librarian Grace La Mottee uses what little power she has to bring a community together and fight back against the Nazi regime. Grace forms the Wartime Book Club, a small escape from the war and daily reminder that they are occupied by the enemy. Grace also discreetly shares banned books and stores them secretly in the library. Bea, Grace's headstrong best friend who works for the post office, also joins in fighting back by stealing mail meant to accuse people of breaking the laws set upon the island by the Germans. Along with camaraderie, bravery, and resistance, Thompson includes romance in the lives of her young protagonists. Love and the bonds of friendship are magnified by the sacrifices that Grace makes to protect those around her. Based on true events, this story is a must-read for librarians and library lovers. It speaks to the power of books, public gathering spaces, and shared interests in times of tumult. Readers who enjoyed Thompson's The Little Wartime Library (2023) will enjoy this one even more.
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