The Secret Society of Librarians

Paperback Published on: 27/08/2026
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Published 27/08/2026
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Published 27/08/2026
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Synopsis

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

Publisher information

  • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
  • ISBN: 9781399746410
  • Number of pages: 464
  • Dimensions: 198 x 129 mm
  • Languages: English

Customer Reviews

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The Secret Society of Librarians
Brilliant read
I enjoyed this book in the librarian series.In this one we meet Joyce whose library is bombed so thinks the only way to get books to the people of London ... READ MORE
Elaine Briggs
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
The Secret Society of Librarians
Good read
I always enjoys novels by Kate Thompson and the new book 'The secret Society of Librarians 'is no exception. This is based in London in 1939 and as you wou... READ MORE
Lisa Carlile
The Secret Society of Librarians
A thought provoking read
Joyce is a librarian in London and is helping to bring books to many people who cannot visit the proper libraries. With the air raids happening relentless... READ MORE
Norfolk Book Lover
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
The Secret Society of Librarians
The Power of Books
Kate Thompson’s novel centres on a group of librarians separated by the Second World War who form a secret society, united by a shared commitment to gettin... READ MORE
Lucy EH
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
The Secret Society of Librarians
Inspired by real and brave librarians and a five star read by Kate Thompson.
London, 1939. Joyce Kindred and her group of fellow librarian who studied together and they created The Society of Secret Library and meet once a year gath... READ MORE
Karren's Reading Nook
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
The Secret Society of Librarians
Such a great read - absolutely brilliant
Oh my word what a heartwarming and at the same time heartbreaking in equal measure book. I have read the previous two books about libraries and libraria... READ MORE
Angela Brown
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.