The Child at the Window
A powerful novel of love and sacrifice, inspired by true wartime events
by Gill Thompson
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Pub Date 23 Apr 2026 | Archive Date 30 Apr 2026
Headline | Headline Review
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Description
Inspired by the true story of two sisters who helped Jewish people escape fascist Germany, a powerful, compelling novel of love, courage and sacrifice.
'I adored it... A truly heartrending, stirring, important novel, perfect for anyone who enjoys a cracking good tale' LOUISE MORRISH
'An emotional rollercoaster with unforgettable scenes... A powerful novel of love, loss and healing' SUZANNE GOLDRING
Her hands tremble as she tightens her grip on the letter, taking in the familiar script that is scratched into the fading parchment. For more than thirty years, she has carried this testimony - these secrets - with her. It's time her story was told.
1937. As fascism rises across Europe and the threat turns to very real danger for their Jewish friends in Berlin, sisters Josephine and Constance smuggle out possessions to help to finance their friends' new lives as refugees in London - if they make it out. Then, one day, they're asked to rescue something much more precious: a little girl. Her mother, Ilse, has been imprisoned for her journalism and her father, Daniel, knows he must do all he can to protect their child - even if that means letting her go...
1939. When war breaks out, the sisters are tortured by thoughts of those they couldn't save and commit to doing all they can on the Home Front - Jo, at the Ministry of Information, where she becomes part of a network of intelligence workers, and Constance as an air raid warden during the Blitz. Meanwhile in Germany, Ilse is moved to Ravensbrück, where she bands together with other women in the camp to expose the atrocities they face every day. But can Ilse find a way to connect with her daughter?
Praise for Gill Thompson's writing:
'Heartrending. Riveting. Definitely on my list of Ten Best Books of the year' SHARON MAAS
'A stunning tale about courage, and sacrifice that will keep you enthralled' ANDIE NEWTON
'Really brought a lump to my throat. It has stayed with me since finishing it' SUZANNE GOLDRING
'A heartrending story that spans the world' DINEY COSTELOE
'A heartrending story' JANE CORRY
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781035431991 |
| PRICE | £10.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 400 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 17 members
Featured Reviews
Louise M, Librarian
I adored Gill Thompson's new book, The Child at the Window. It's a story that spans the whole of the Second World War, told from four different perspectives. Thompson expertly shines a light on a little known aspect of the war - how it was partly won due to the efforts of writers and journalists and the government's own propaganda machine. I learned so much whilst reading this novel. The characters - Jo, her sister Con, Daniel and his wife Isle - all had very different experiences of the war, and it was interesting to see things from the German Jewish perspective. This is a truly heartrending, stirring, important novel, perfect for anyone who enjoys a cracking good tale.
Fiona M, Reviewer
I really enjoyed this book part of what made it so good was the fact it didn't turn out like I thought it was going. It made me cry in parts as well.
I really liked the story being told from different people but it was done it a easy way to follow which I liked.
Real life details being added to the book also gave it a extra special read as I like history
Suzanne G, Book Trade Professional
Gill Thompson’s latest novel is an emotional roller coaster spanning before, during and after WW2. She has an extraordinary ability to convey the feelings of both adults and children convincingly and does so with unforgettable scenes in Germany, the UK and Auschwitz, including a heartwrenching death march. Thompson’s thorough research gives the novel great insights into the lives of the principal characters in this powerful novel of love, loss and healing.
Susan B, Reviewer
This is based on a true story in WWII about two sisters. It’s heartbreaking. Well researched and I could feel their hurt and fear. Highly recommended.
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