The Secret Society of Librarians: Inspired by a true story, a completely gripping and unforgettable WW2...

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Kate Thompson

The Secret Society of Librarians

Name: The Secret Society of Librarians
Price: 65 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9781399746373

Inspired by a true story, a completely gripping and unforgettable WW2 historical novel

Kate Thompson

$65

Hardback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Hodder & Stoughton
12 March 2026

Second World War fiction; Sagas; Historical fiction

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 Lodz 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?

By: Kate Thompson
Imprint: Hodder & Stoughton
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 240mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781399746373
ISBN 10: 1399746375
Pages: 464
Publication Date: 12 March 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Kate Thompson is a journalist and Sunday Times bestselling writer. As well as being passionate about capturing lost voices and untold social histories, Kate's also a library campaigner. Her 100 libraries project celebrates the richness and complexity of librarians' work and the vital role of libraries in our communities. Alongside her journalism and writing, Kate is also a podcaster and has her own podcast, From the Library with Love.

Reviews for The Secret Society of Librarians: Inspired by a true story, a completely gripping and unforgettable WW2 historical novel

PRAISE FOR KATE THOMPSON A captivating tale about the power of libraries and how they connect us . . . Meticulously researched, readers will be entranced by this fascinating slice of history A heartwarming story of how friendship and the written word sustain us in the toughest times. Based on a little-known true story, Kate Thompson's meticulous research and love of libraries shine through. Perfect for fans of Dear Mrs. Bird. Books help win the day in this splendid warm-hearted novel of wartime resilience and romance, based on a true story Remarkable . . . Heartbreaking and inspiring, this brilliantly researched book also captures the essence of the story through its evocative words and thoughtfully written characters Libraries create writers! And here's a book as wrapped up in libraries as it could be . . . An ode to books, libraries and the resilience of women. Uplifting and heartwarming. The strength of the human spirit shines through My best book of the year. I loved the feeling this book gave me. The fact that this community, this love of books realty did exist and really did make a difference, was a wonderful thing to discover Warm and uplifting historical fiction, all made to feel so real because of the historical details seamlessly woven into the story