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The Secret Society of Librarians

Inspired by a true story, a completely gripping and unforgettable WW2 historical novel
By Kate Thompson
Series: The Wartime Librarians
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Brief Description
For librarian Joyce Haddington, the pages of her favourite novels have always felt more compelling than her own life. But when war breaks out on her doorstep and a call for help rings out across the libraries of London, she knows she must act. Taking matters... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Releases 25th August 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "The Secret Society of Librarians" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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A WW2 book about books, inspired by true stories: Following on from Kate Thompson's much-loved The Little Wartime Library and The Wartime Book Club, another heartbreaking yet heartwarming wartime library-set novel, inspired by real people, real stories, and extensive research.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

For librarian Joyce Haddington, the pages of her favourite novels have always felt more compelling than her own life. But when war breaks out on her doorstep and a call for help rings out across the libraries of London, she knows she must act.

Taking matters into her own hands, Joyce invites a young Jewish girl to stay with her and goes underground to begin her plans of resistance. Soon, emboldened by her friends in the Secret Society of Librarians, she pioneers a mobile library scheme to share the power of books in the darkest days of the war.

But Joyce's library cannot protect everyone. Far away in Lodz, Poland, her best friend Dorotha has fallen out of touch. Nobody can reach her - and Joyce is beginning to fear the worst...

Based on astonishing real events, this moving page-turner brings to life the remarkable untold story of two women during the war, and reinforces the power of knowledge and books in times of darkness.

Series: The Wartime Librarians

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399746410

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 August 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder Paperback

Illustration: N/A

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 464

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Historical Fiction Kate Thompson Pre-order Books Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Series: The Wartime Librarians

About the Author

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.

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