The Secret Society of Librarians
Inspired by a true story, a completely gripping and unforgettable WW2 historical novel
by Kate Thompson
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Pub Date 12 Mar 2026 | Archive Date 12 Mar 2026
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Description
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
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781399746373 |
| PRICE | £22.00 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 320 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 19 members
Featured Reviews
Elaine S, Reviewer
What a thought provoking read!
The Secret Society of Librarians carried each of its members through the war, whether by meeting up, writing letters or writing to them in diaries. It’s a fascinating factual account of events portrayed with interesting characters.
In London we have Joyce who has Ruth working alongside her and sharing accommodation (of sorts) including her mother Rebecca.
In Poland it’s Dorotha who apart from suffering unimaginably from the hardships placed in her way by the Nazis, still finds time and strength to secretly lend books. Recommend it.
A very brief overview as I don’t want to spoil the read. I’d definitely give ten ⭐️ if I could.
I learnt so much from reading this book and it will stay with me long afterwards.
What great characters my favourite was Dorotha who kept going, least favourite was the war itself. I was fascinated by the shower van. The ghetto itself was an education, how anyone came out of it was amazing. The individual stories at the end were interesting too. Due to people’s reluctance to talk about those times I don’t think we really appreciate the lasting effects it had on them. Lovely that Clara got a mention. Purchased Room of One’s Own before I’d got to the end.
Trudie B, Reviewer
I always enjoy Kate's books as they are so well written and this was no exception. Based on a true story this centres on 2 librarians, Joyce in London who sets up a mobile library and Dorotha in Poland who creates a secret library. Beautifully written and a wonderful story.
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