Stephanie Sullivan: Review - The Air Raid Book Club

TITLE: The Air Raid Book Club

RATING: ★★★★

RELEASE DATE: July 11th, 2023

Summary (from Goodreads): London, 1938: The bookstore just doesn’t feel the same to Gertie Bingham ever since the death of her beloved husband Harry. Bingham Books was a dream they shared together, and without Harry, Gertie wonders if it’s time to take her faithful old lab, Hemingway, and retire to the seaside. But fate has other plans for Gertie.

In Germany, Hitler is on the rise, and Jewish families are making the heart-wrenching decision to send their children away from the growing turmoil. After a nudge from her dear friend Charles, Gertie decides to take in one of these refugees, a headstrong teenage girl named Hedy. Willful and fearless, Hedy reminds Gertie of herself at the same age, and shows her that she can’t give up just yet. With the terrible threat of war on the horizon, the world needs people like Gertie Bingham and her bookshop.

When the Blitz begins and bombs whistle overhead, Gertie and Hedy come up with the idea to start an air raid book club. Together with neighbors and bookstore customers, they hold lively discussions of everything from Winnie the Pooh to Wuthering Heights. After all, a good book can do wonders to bolster people’s spirits, even in the most trying times. But even the best book can only provide a temporary escape, and as the tragic reality of the war hits home, the book club faces unimaginable losses. They will need all the strength of their stories and the bonds they’ve formed to see them through to brighter days.

REVIEW: After a month of chaos and real-life messes - and no time to read at all - I was so excited to finally get a break so I could read The Air Raid Book Club. First off, I love stories that feature bookshops, libraries, etc. as a crucial part of the plot, and I immediately fell in love with Bingham Books. Secondly, I’ve always enjoyed historical books that take place during World War II. I don’t often read historical fiction, but when I do I tend to reach for something during that era. I adored all of the characters, especially Gertie and Hedy. It was so endearing to witness the way their relationship evolved over time and how they held fast to each other through their struggles. The only complaint I have with this book is Gertie and Charles not getting a happily ever after. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, but I cheered for them throughout the whole story, and I was extremely disappointed when the author took the route she did. Also, I understand this book is meant to be an uplifting read - and it is - but there were moments when it felt TOO optimistic and forced, especially with the horrors of war going on during that time. Overall, though, The Air Raid Book Club is a very good story, especially if you love books about books. One of my favorite parts are the book quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Such a great addition!

(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)