The Secret Society of Librarians
On sale
12th March 2026
Price: £24.99
Genre
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.
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.
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Reviews
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
PRAISE FOR KATE THOMPSON