LibraryNinja Book Reviews

published 7/21/26

With The Secret Society of Librarians, Kate Thompson has delivered a masterpiece of historical fiction. Set during the Second World War and inspired by real people and stories, Ms Thompson delves into the world of underground libraries that were prevalent in London, as well as in the Łódź ghetto in Poland. The extraordinary amount of research, time and compassion that has gone into this novel is evident as we follow several London librarians, focusing on Joyce in London and Dorotha in Poland.

Both ladies are enormous fans of Virginia Woolf and work tirelessly to deliver books despite the dire consequences they face. London is bombed nightly during the Blitz, and Dorotha must endure the incomparable horrors of living in one of the largest ghettos in occupied Poland as a Jewish woman. The historical background is rich in detail, sparing none that is too gruesome. Life in Poland and the daily atrocities suffered are still incomprehensible to me, yet I can’t help but fall deeply in love with Joyce and Dorotha. I admire them not only for their idealism and zeal in promoting reading, but also for their sheer determination to outlive the horrors of the time. Every chapter is fraught with peril, and this book instantly transports the reader to 1939, which is the hallmark of a great author.

It’s a beautifully rich story of librarians, the keepers of the books and is remarkably resonate in the times we live now. Both the forward and the endnotes are a vast treasure of knowledge and I’m profoundly grateful for Kate Thompson’s writing and talent.

I’m deeply grateful to Kate Thompson and Forever (Grand Central) for allowing me the opportunity to read this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#bibliophile #grandcentral #libraryninja📚