The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons is a historical fiction novel that celebrates the power of books and friendship during World War II. How can books and book clubs help people cope with the horrors of war? How can friendship and kindness overcome grief and loss? These are some of the questions that the book explores through the lives of Gertie Bingham, a widowed bookstore owner, and Hedy, a Jewish refugee girl, who form an unlikely bond in London.
The book follows Gertie’s journey from being a lonely and depressed widow who is ready to give up on her bookstore and her life to being a hopeful and happy woman who embraces new experiences and new people. Along the way, she meets Hedy, a fifteen-year-old girl who escapes from Nazi Germany and stays with Gertie as part of the Kindertransport programme. Together, they discover the joy and comfort of books and reading, and they join a book club that consists of other colourful and quirky characters who share their love of literature. However, their lives are not easy, as they have to face the challenges and dangers of living in a war-torn country, such as air raids, bombings, rationing, and prejudice.
The book is a heartwarming and charming read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, especially those who love books and book clubs. The author creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere with her vivid descriptions of the bookstore, the book club, and the tea parties. The characters are endearing and realistic, each with their own personality and backstory. The book also explores the themes of grief, loss, courage, and resilience as the characters face the challenges and dangers of living in a war-torn country. The book is easy to read and engaging. The book quotes at the beginning of each chapter are a nice touch and add to the bookish feel of the story. The book also has some emotional moments that will tug at your heartstrings and make you tear up.
The book club discussions are also not very prominent or detailed, despite being part of the title. The ending is a bit too neat and convenient, and it could have been more satisfying. The book also includes references to classic and contemporary authors and books, such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway, and Virginia Woolf, and quotes from famous books, such as Pride and Prejudice, A Tale of Two Cities, Murder on the Orient Express, The Sun Also Rises, and A Room of One’s Own. However, these references and quotes are not very well integrated or explained, and they seem to be added for the sake of being bookish rather than for the sake of enhancing the story or the characters.
The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons is a delightful and uplifting read that will make you smile, cry, and appreciate the simple joys of life. It is a story of kindness, friendship, and hope in the face of adversity. It is a book that made me feel nostalgic, hopeful, and inspired. It is a book that made me appreciate the value of books and reading, especially in times of crisis and uncertainty. It is a book that made me curious to learn more about the history and culture of World War II, especially in England and Germany. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially those who love books and book clubs. It is a book that will warm your heart and soul.
With thanks to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.
About this book:
The Air Raid Book Club – Exclusive Books
I loved the book, this is my second time reading it!