The Secret Society of Librarians by Kate Thompson

Oh… the power of reading! This book is an absolute gem and a heart-breaking journey into life, death, reading and friendship. The ‘Secret Society’ is a group of determined librarians who attempt to rise above patriarchal governance and hardship and maintain their aim to promote reading in every circumstance, despite war, poverty and oppression. With Dorotha sharing a brief written account of her role within Lodz in a Polish ghetto to keep reading and books alive amongst the Jewish occupants (and staying alive without enough food and warmth), and Joyce sharing her experiences providing a mobile library service during The Blitz in London, there are so many times when only the escape of a ‘story’ provides hope. With the written encouragement of their own inspiration - Virginia Woolf, they set out to prevent ignorance and hopelessness from ruling in a world addressing evil. The sadness of the Jewish experience is confronting, and yet the story should always be heard, and the experience of life during the Blitz has its own heartaches. Surprisingly, love still finds a way even in the face of the horrors of war, but there are also painful stories of loss and grief. 

This historical fiction gem is based on some meticulous research and interviews by Kate Thompson and anyone who esteems reading will love her powerful story. It swaps narrative focus between Dorotha in Poland and Joyce in London but also includes other character’s storylines. Dorotha’s refugee sister has a sad twist in her ‘rescue’ as a victim of abuse in England, and there is also a strong hint of trauma that remains even after the war is over. Libraries that survive despite attack and librarians that display incredible fortitude make this a book for bibliophiles as well as those that love historical fiction. This is a book for adults, but younger readers aged 15+ who want an insight into the history of antisemitism and war impacts will also value this book. This is a book that reminds us of the power of insight through literature.

Themes: War history - United Kingdom, World War II – Poland, Reading, Libraries, Librarians, World War 2 - Jewish experience, Polish Jews.

Carolyn Hull