I always enjoy a good old-fashioned story, particularly if it’s set around the Second World War. The Library Girls of the East End was no exception. It’s full of (mostly) wonderful characters, from all walks of life, ranging from the very posh and well-off to the cockney people from the depths of the East End. You know the ones I mean, the people who have to work for a living, who don’t have any airs and graces and actually appreciate everything they’ve earned for themselves.
Cordelia has managed to snag a dream job for her and despite being one of the ‘posh-uns’, she actually wants to get her hands dirty and muck-in. She sets about putting her mark on Silver Town Library and increasing the amount of borrowers it gets. She has a task on her hands as she changes everything that has come before whilst keeping her staff happy and all with bombs dropping on their heads!
An easy read that’ll while away an afternoon or two as the days become much colder. So snuggle up in front of the fire with a cup of ‘Rosie-lee’ and join Cordelia, Mavis and Jane at Silver Town Library.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Library Girls of the East End by Patricia McBride.
About the Book
1940, London
When Cordelia accepts the post of head librarian in Silver Town Library, her mother is more than a little disapproving. The East End has high levels of poverty and illiteracy, and her mother says it’s no place for a woman of her status.
But Cordelia is determined to make a difference in these times of strife, and along with her colleagues, Jane and Mavis, she begins to help the local community, making sure everyone knows what the library can offer them.
And maybe even a romance will blossom, giving Cordelia the strength to make it through the chaos and destruction that constantly threatens their livelihood.
Against a background of war, air raids and rationing, it becomes clear the library is more than a building filled with books - it is the beating heart of a community refusing to be torn apart.
Patricia McBride is the author of the very popular Lily Baker historical saga series. She is now writing a new WW2 series for Boldwood, based in the East End of London during the Blitz, the first title of which, The Library Girls of the East End, will be published in November 2023.
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