An emotional and uplifting novel set in WW2 London about the remarkable power of books to bring hope and light in dark times, inspired by true events, from the USA Today bestselling author.
As the bombs began to fall, the book club kept their hopes alive…
The most emotional, uplifting and captivating story of wartime London and the extraordinary power of books to shine a light and draw people together in the darkest of days, inspired by true events.
London, 1938. Bookseller Gertie Bingham is facing difficult times, having just lost her beloved husband, Harry, and with a lingering sadness at never having been able to have a child of her own. Struggling to face running the bookshop she and Harry opened together, Gertie is preparing to sell up and move away when she is asked if she would be willing to take in a young Jewish refugee from Germany. Gertie is unsure and when sullen teenager Hedy Fischer arrives, Gertie fears she has nothing left to give the troubled girl.
But when the German bombers come and the lights go out over London, Gertie and Hedy realise that joining forces will make them stronger, and that books have the power to bring young and old together and unite a community in need in its darkest hour…
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
The Air Raid Book Club is a wonderfully written historical fiction novel set during World War II in London. It focuses on the main character, Gertie Bingham, owner of the Bingham Bookstore. Gertie is a grieving widow who used to run the bookstore with her late husband. One day, Gertie takes in a young Jewish girl, named Hedy, who was evacuated from Germany and they decide to start an air raid book club. The beautiful relationship that develops between Gertie and Hedy was so heart-warming to read and kept me immersed to the very end. The book was well-researched and filled with loveable characters who help each other grow during terrible times. It is an emotional book filled with themes of hope, loss and purpose. Sharon, VIC, 5 Stars
Oh, how I devoured this book. I was born just after WWII and lived in Battersea, London, which saw a fair amount of bombing. We had a bomb site at the end of our row of houses which were propped up by some very heavy-duty wooden structures. My mum and dad used to talk about the bombing and in fact my mum was bombed out twice. I’ve always had a fascination with war stories. Mum was a great reader and belonged to a book club very much like the one in this book. We even had a bomb shelter in our backyard. I loved the young Jewish woman who was befriended by the bookshop owner; her character moved me to tears. This book will make you laugh and make you cry. It is so well written that I felt as though I knew the people in it. I didn’t want it to end. I felt quite bereft when I’d read the last page. I hope Annie Lyons writes more books in this genre. I will buy every one. Lynda, SA, 5 Stars
Truly a book of hope, love and friendship. Annie Lyon’s vivid description of the bombs (and the names given to the types of them) and the devastation of blitz attacks made me even more in awe of those who lived through them. Normal everyday people. Binghams Books is a lighthouse to all amid the devastation. The books provide a distraction during the endless nights of blackouts. Gertie is a dear and I felt everything she felt: happiness, loss, love and hope. And Hedy was just an inspiring woman. Living so far from Germany, relying on the post and telegrams from her family to get through the war. I loved the relationships formed, the survivor, can-do attitudes. Caroline, QLD, 5 Stars
The Air Raid Book Club written by Annie Lyons is an entertaining tale of love, loss, despair, joy and endearing friendships. Gertie and Hedy are thrust together in a difficult time during WWII. Gertrude Bingham is still trying to come to terms with the death of her dear Harry. Hedy has been sent to England from Germany, to escape the tyranny of Hitler and what is to come in the concentration camps. Gertie and Hedy struggle at first to find common ground, but eventually manage to form a friendship. Their story is heartfelt and will bring a tear to your eye. The characters they meet along the way are colourful, unforgettable and bring much to the story. It is well-written and you get a real understanding of what life would have been like during that period of the war, the bombing raids, hiding in air raid shelters, rations, making do with what you have, and making the most of the here and now. This is well worth reading. Lisa, QLD, 5 Stars
A beautiful read which tells a remarkable story of the resilience of women from all walks of life. The journey of Gertie and Hedy as they get to know one another and face challenges together is truly beautiful. Highly recommend this one! Pamela, SA, 5 Stars
Loved The Air Raid Book Club and devoured it within 48 hours. If not for two young boys, I would have finished it in one sitting. There have been many books written about the London Blitz but Annie manages to captivate audiences with her colourful characters and storyline. Gertie and Hedy make a great team after a rocky start and I love the view of the times from the eyes of the German children taken to the UK for sanctuary. And for lovers of books, the idea of a bomb shelter used as a book club is genius. I can thoroughly recommend this book. Karyn, WA, 5 Stars
I am a sucker for a book about books, book clubs, libraries or booksellers, so I just had to read this latest novel by Annie Lyons set in London during World War II that tells the story of a strong and determined community of people brought together by their love of literature and each other. Reading this story, I could just feel the anguish of those who loved and lost during the war, and gained a different insight into the history of bookselling and publishing that I had not known before. The characters are loveable and spirited, the storyline is comforting and engaging. I loved how the characters found ‘family’ in their Air Raid Book Club and because I’m a book nerd I loved the references to famous authors and classics, many of them on my TBR pile right now. Reading this novel felt like a warm hug for my soul and one I intend on sharing with others as often as I can. Leanne, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow. What a wonderful book. Loved it from page one right through to the end. It’s a book I was immersed in and I lived the journey of all the characters from start to finish. The references to books and the quotes at the start of each chapter were very poignant. The characters all brought their own personalities and quirkiness to the story. Gertie and Hedy, although both main characters in this story, were really only a part of the picture, as all the characters had something to bring to this glorious book. A captivating story about people, community, war and loss. It’s so real, you can just imagine how these people felt and how each one dealt with the blows and struggles brought on by this awful and ugly war. A well-written and researched book that flows so well you never feel lost or confused. The setting and the bookshop, the air raid shelters and Hemmingway, the dog, make it so real you can picture it in your mind. This is a book everyone should read. It is happy, sad, emotional, heart-warming and one of the best books I have read this year! Donna, TAS, 5 Stars
Anyone who loves the comfort of a wonderful bookstore will find The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons absolutely welcoming. On the brink of WWII, Gertie, who is grieving the loss of her husband, has the notion to retire from her much-loved bookshop. However, in a decision to take in a child from Germany named Hedy, everything changes. WWII begins, air-raid shelters are being built, and both Gertie and Hedy are becoming accustomed to their new friendship. Hedy is suffering from being absent from her family and Gertie occasionally has doubts about taking care of Hedy. What really brings everyone together is the air-raid book club. Regular customers and locals from the community all band together to help each other and find solace and comfort in the book club. Despite being set in a ravaging war, the novel portrays a warmth from all the friendships and shows the true meaning of togetherness. I really enjoyed this book, because of its lovable characters such as Gertie, being kind, caring and resilient. I loved how every chapter had a quote from a well-known novel too. It was like stepping into an old bookstore, finding yourself a nook, and burying yourself in a much-loved book. Julie, VIC, 5 Stars
This is one of those special stories that leaves a mark on your heart and fills your cup. A historical fiction novel about the importance of books and reading for the soul and bringing people together. So well-researched, I felt myself transported back in time to London during the war. You felt the fear of air raids but also the connections and the way people came together to help each other out and keep their spirits up with dances and revues. I loved the interesting mix of characters in this one. In particular the main protagonist Gertie – she was a strong woman, cheeky, not afraid to take on authority and stand up for what she believes in. It was lovely to see her friendship grow with Hedy and find her spark for life and reading again. I really felt like part of the family and had a book hangover for days after reading it. A must-read for any book lover. Kirsten, ACT, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so captivating and the characters were believable. Being middle-aged, it was nice to have a main character in that age group. I loved that each chapter started with a quote from a book. Books, bookshops and book clubs were central to the story – and who wouldn’t like a story about these things? There was sadness and heartache. There was happiness and joy. There were chapters closing and new beginnings. Gertie, a childless widow, takes in a teenage Jewish German girl just before WWII. They learn to grow together and to love each other. They are surrounded by a community of people who are individually very different but together uphold and support each other. A truly delightful read. Denise, SA, 5 Stars
Set in London in 1938. Gertie Bingham owns a bookshop, and then the War starts. She wants to help but is unsure how. A good friend suggests she takes in a rescued Jewish Girl that they are trying to save by the train loads out of Germany. And so arrives 15-year-old Hedy Fischer. Annie Lyons has written a fantastic book – love, loss, families, the devastation of war, community spirit and much-needed happiness, which is often found in the unlikeliest of places. Annette, NSW, 5 Stars
From the stunning cover to the final page, I inhaled this heart-warming and uplifting story. Exploring the power of books, love and community during times of grief and hardship, The Air Raid Book Club is set on the outskirts of London during WWII and the first days of ‘Kindertransport’, a British scheme to rescue Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Germany. From the grieving but determined Gertie to the strength of young heartbroken Hedy, the colourful cast of characters weave their way into hearts to the sound of sirens and bombs, and their love of books and discovery of new stories carries the reader along with them as they weather heartbreak and joy. A beautiful story that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Leearna, VIC, 5 Stars
The cover of this book is eye-catching, and the title grabs any avid book reader straight away. The Air Raid Book Club is set in London at the beginning of WW2. Gertie owns a bookshop that she ran with her late husband. He passed away two years before the story starts. Unfortunately, Gertie has lost her interest in the shop and the original Book Club. She is preparing to sell and move to the seaside where she believes she will see out her days, until Gertie’s lifelong friend Charles asks her to take a Jewish child refugee. Not having any children of her own, she is unsure she has anything to offer a child but agrees, and she meets Hedy, a 15yo girl who was sent to London by her parents to keep her safe. As the war intensifies, air raid shelters need to be built and the Air Raid Book Club is born. This is a beautifully written story of how relationships build, are repaired and new ones are found during wartime. This book was inspired by true events. Annie Lyons shows how the magic of books can keep hope alive in the darkest of times. Karen, VIC, 5 Stars
After suffering the loss of her husband Harry to illness, Gertie is finding it difficult to go on with life, let alone continue on with the bookshop that she and Harry had lovingly built up. Her long-time friend Charles suggests she take in a Jewish refugee evacuated from war-torn Germany. Whilst at first hesitant, she eventually agrees, which becomes a turning point in her life when she takes in 15-year-old Hedy. After a tumultuous beginning where Hedy struggles to cope with being forced from her family and adapting to her new country, and Gertie comes to terms with once again sharing her home and life, the pair eventually form a beautiful bond. Gertie slowly evolves into the mother she was never fortunate enough to be. When bombing begins in London, they begin the Air Raid Book Club in Gertie’s bunker, where they focus on discussing books instead of the catastrophic events happening above them. Between them, they build a community that not only survives but thrives during the devastation of war. A lovely cast of characters you will really enjoy getting to know. I wholeheartedly recommend this book! Sue, VIC, 5 Stars
The Air Raid Book Club was a joy to read. Set in London during World War Two, Gertie Bingham, a bookshop owner, takes in an adolescent Jewish Refugee (Hedy) from Germany. Through years of air raids and the horrors of war, friendship, community and books prove to be the best tonic. This book depicts the worst and best of humanity in a charming way and I thoroughly recommend it, particularly to those who enjoy historical fiction. Claire, VIC, 5 Stars
The story follows Gertie and Hedy and travels through the second world war, bringing to life the inconceivable devastation felt by many. Two courageous and strong women are connected through books and life’s changes. The story captivates you to the end. Natalie, QLD, 5 Stars
This is a beautiful, emotional novel set during WWII. The story commences with the opening of Bingham Books in Beachwood and follows the residents of the town during the war. The relationships and stories of the residents are wonderfully written, displaying love and care within their community and beyond during the emotions of the war. Each chapter has a quote from an author which I thought was a lovely touch and enjoyed. The book left me thinking about compassion and human spirit. Julie, QLD, 5 Stars
What a delight to have read and be able to review this wonderful book. Annie Lyons has painted a picture of life in England during the Second World War in such a way that we, the readers, can perfectly imagine the smell of new books and the comfort that they provide. The main character Gertie has endured the loss of loved ones but despite this, takes on a young German girl who is persecuted as a Jew in Germany and has been sent to safety in England by her mother. When the bombs begin to drop, the air raid shelter at the back of Gertie’s bookshop becomes the venue for the Air Raid Shelter Bookclub. Friendships are formed, and Gertie’s loss slowly becomes a joy for her as she learns to navigate her new life and find peace and contentment. An easy read but a joy to behold. Di, NSW, 5 Stars
A truly beautiful story set amongst the horrors of war, which brings out the best within the community, everyone helping to make life better, full of laughter, love and sadness. It was really amazing to see how a book club can engage the community and bring out the best in everyone. Sally, VIC, 5 Stars
This is the first book I have read by Annie Lyons and I really enjoyed it. The story is set just before Britain declares war on Germany and deals with a 60-year-old widow called Gertie, who owns a bookshop, and a 15-year-old German Jewish refugee whom she welcomes into her home. The book deals with the relationship between the two of them and also with the friendships they form with other people in their town. It is lovely to see how these friendships develop, and the indomitable spirit of these people as they face tragedies and triumphs during the war. At the heart of these friendships is the love of books they all share as the bombs drop around them and they are safe in an air raid shelter. I would highly recommend this book to all literature lovers but have a box of tissues handy! Rhonda, VIC, 5 Stars
Bookshop owner Gertie Bingham and her husband Harry had a bibliophilic romance in London. But Harry’s been dead for two years now, another war is looming and Gertie aches to escape the painful reality of life alone. Then an old mutual friend tells her he’s off to Germany to rescue Jewish children facing certain death, and he’s asking all his friends to take one into their home and care for them. Reluctantly, Gertie agrees and welcomes sullen Hedy Fischer, 15, from Munich. They’re like two lonely strangers, clinging to the same life raft, as German bombers begin to pound London. Inspired by true events, this is a wonderful read, a story more intoxicating than French champagne. I particularly enjoyed author Annie Lyons’ choice of surnames for some characters, including librarian Miss Snipp, Piddock the butcher, local gossip Miss Crow, Tweedy the baker and midwife Nelly Crabb. Don, SA, 5 Stars
Such a warm and heartfelt read. The Air Raid Book Club piqued my interest, as I love reading books about book clubs. Set in WWII in London, the story follows the ups and downs of life through the eyes of Gertie Bingham. As you read through the pages, you are reminded of the strength of the human spirit and its ability to forgive, care and love in the face of despair, tragedy and prejudice. It was a subtle reminder that the power of a good story celebrated together can sometimes be all you need to carry on. Would recommend this book to those who love a simple but thought-provoking read. Suzie, WA, 4 Stars
Centred around Gertie, the owner of a local bookshop, this book provides the reader with a heartwarming story featuring love, loss, heartbreak and the importance of friends and family. The underlying theme is around books and the importance of books, whether it’s for escapism or to bring friends and the community together. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Kathryn, VIC, 4 Stars
1938. Gertie Bingham, owner of Bingham Books, is contemplating her future. Since the death of her husband two years earlier, Gertie no longer finds joy in the store and is considering selling up and retiring to the seaside. Having had no children of her own, Gertie is surprised to be asked to take in a Jewish refugee escaping from Nazi Germany. Initially reluctant, Gertie changes her mind and 15-year-old Hedy Fischer enters her life. Hedy has limited English and is dreadfully homesick, but through Gertie’s perseverance, their combined love of books and the terror of The Blitz, a strong relationship is formed. The characters grew as I read this book and felt like old friends by the time I finished. A wonderfully written novel for lovers of Historical fiction. Anne, ACT, 4 Stars
This was a really uplifting historical novel set in wartime London. The story revolves around Gertie and her bookstore, Bingham Books. Since her husband, Harry died, Gertie’s passion for the store has waned. It is only after taking in a Jewish teenager, Hedy, who is fleeing the growing crisis in Germany, that Gertie rediscovers the power books hold in uniting people, providing hope and inspiration during the dark times they are all facing. The heartwarming story is a book about books, determination and found family. I definitely shed a few tears reading this and when a book can make you cry, you know it’s a good one! Lee, VIC, 4 Stars
The Air Raid Book Club is the latest release from writer Annie Lyons. Known for her contemporary fiction, the historical fiction novel is a departure in genre for the British author. Transported to London before and during World War II, Lyons takes her readers into the home of ordinary citizen, Gertie Gingham. A bookseller with a passion for reading, the innovative woman is Lyons’s opportunity to pay tribute to the power of books and the connections they bring forth. As a childless widow still coming to terms with the loss of her husband, Harry, books bring Gertie solace in her her darkest hours. Yet the worst is still to come. Hot on the heels of the Great War, there is rumblings of another war that casts a shadow over the nation. When Gertie is asked to take in Jewish Hedy Fischer, a fifteen-year-old refugee, Gertie reluctantly opens her heart to the girl. Over time, the two form a bond, creating an unexpected community that will flourish in the most unexpected of places. The Air Raid Book Club is a timely reminder of the importance of love and friendship in extraordinary times. Nicole, WA, 4 Stars
A beautiful, heartfelt story set in London during World War II that focuses on the unlikely yet endearing friendship between Gertie Bingham and Hedy Fischer. Gertie is the lonely, widowed owner of Bingham Books who provides a home for headstrong teenage Jewish refugee Hedy who was sent away by her family at the outbreak of the war. Gertie and Hedy forge an unbreakable bond in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of war, as they navigate their own fears and loss. Annie Lyon’s descriptions of London during this time were masterfully visualised. The sense of fear and dread evoked during the blitz attacks was so realistically vivid. This was the perfect contrast to the safe haven of the bookstore. For me, the bookstore was the third key character in this novel –its cozy corners, well-worn books, and the sense of tranquility amidst the turmoil. It serves as a sanctuary for Gertie, Hedy and other members of the book club, where they can momentarily escape the harsh realities of war and immerse themselves in the world of literature. I personally don’t typically gravitate towards war stories, yet I was captivated from the first pages to the last. Annie Lyons tells a beautiful story about the power of camaraderie and finding solace in one another during times of hardship. This was a lovely, uplifting story about hope, love and finding a home in the unlikeliest of times. Vivienne, VIC, 4 Stars
I found it very slow to start and was ready to give up, but persevered. The storyline did improve with the many different characters involved, some funny incidents, some quite emotional, and of course knowing the history behind the story made it quite sad to read some of the outcomes. But I think Annie Lyons captured the characters beautifully. I’m sure it will appeal to a lot of readers. Betty, NSW, 4 Stars
The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons is the book to read when you feel like you just need a big, warm hug. The relationship of Gertie and Hedy is at the heart of the story, with the ever-present danger of the war and the London bombings providing the backdrop for a bittersweet drama. Playing on nostalgia, the story thankfully resists becoming overly sentimental. The final chapters are just lovely, leading to a perfectly satisfying conclusion. The story is ripe for adaptation into a movie or TV series, and I would thoroughly enjoy seeing the characters come to life. Bonny, QLD, 3 Stars
Not my usual style or genre, but definitely an uplifting and classy read. If you like historical war-time fiction and obsess over literature/libraries, you’ll get a lot out of this. Christina, WA, 3 Stars
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