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Strangers in Time: A World War II Novel

Description:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Calamity of Souls comes David Baldacci’s newest novel, set in London in 1944, about a bereaved bookshop owner and two teenagers scarred by the Second World War, and the healing and hope they find in one another. 

Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is up to no good, but for a very good reason. Without parents, peerage, or merit, he steals what he needs, living day-to-day until he’s old enough to enlist to fight the Germans. After barely surviving the Blitz, Charlie knows there’s no telling when a falling bomb might end his life. 

Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield has just returned to a nearly unrecognizable London. One of millions of children to have been evacuated to the countryside Molly has been away from her home for nearly five years. Her return, however, is not the homecoming she’d hoped for as she’s confronted by a devastating reality: neither of her parents are there. 

Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his bookshop, The Book Keep. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Ignatius forms a kinship with both children, and in each other they rediscover the spirit of family each has lost. 

But Charlie’s escapades in the city have not gone unnoticed, and someone’s been following Molly since she returned to London. And Ignatius is harboring his own secrets, which could have terrible consequences for all of them. 

As bombs continue to bear down on the city, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius learn that while the perils of war rage on, their coming together and trusting one another may be the only way for them to survive. 


Editorial Reviews

Review

“A riveting story of secrets, betrayals, and unlikely friendships during World War II.  An emotional web that keeps spinning—and keeps you guessing—right until the startling finish.”
 ―
Mitch Albom, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Little Liar

"
Oliver Twist meets the Blitz when powerhouse author David Baldacci turns his pen from thrillers to historical fiction. Two brave and capable teenagers find themselves thrown together in the rubble and chaos of WWI-era London: fifteen-year-old Molly, sent away from her Mayfair home to escape the German bombings and returned to find both her parents inexplicably missing; and fourteen-year-old Charlie, an East End orphan barely surviving as a petty thief. Charlie and Molly find shelter with mysterious bookshop owner Mr. Oliver, but he has secrets of his own that will come home to roost with deadly consequences. Baldacci beautifully explores the dark side lurking under the London Blitz's romanticized image—Strangers in Time is a beautiful read that will linger long in the memory."
 ―
Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club

“David Baldacci’s foray into historical fiction is a meticulously precise account of what it was like to live through the Blitz in London—a visceral reminder that war not only levels social classes, but creates the most unlikely and indefatigable bonds between unlikely souls.”―
Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"#1
New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci takes on World War II with the touching Strangers in Time, a character-driven tale of three disparate souls whose paths unexpectedly intertwine during the last year of the Second World War. Baldacci's meticulous research is evident in his deep sense of place and time, and bomb-shattered London comes richly alive on the page under his capable pen. Through his own Wish You Well Foundation, which supports literacy, Baldacci has long celebrated the way books can change lives, and in Strangers in Time, it is indeed a bookshop--the lovingly chaotic The Book Keep--that brings together 13-year-old Charlie, 15-year-old Molly, and recently widowed bookstore owner Ignatius Oliver, all of whom are alone and adrift. As German V-1 and V-2 rockets wreak havoc on the city, the three forge a new family, the existence of which is soon threatened by deadly secrets that simmer beneath the surface. Absorbing and deeply researched, Strangers in Time is a celebration of the books that change us, the families we choose, and the capacity we all have to rise from the ashes and find our way home."―Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

“David Baldacci is one of the best authors alive, and every page of
Strangers in Time shows why. This riveting novel plunges us into wartime London through three unforgettable main characters – a young boy, a teenage girl, and a bookshop owner - who come together to endure the terrifying bombing of a city they love, and at the same time, help each other to unravel the heart-wrenching mysteries of their own families. In Baldacci’s virtuosic hands, Strangers in Time is not only a masterpiece of a historical thriller but also a profound and even poetic exploration of the eternal power of friendship, grace, and love to overcome the harshest cruelty of war, hatred, and evil.”―Lisa Scottoline, #1 bestselling author

“David Baldacci has the audacity to cross boundaries and genres with
Strangers in Time, and he does so with aplomb. A rare and terrific exploration of human resilience and courage in the most dire of times, Baldacci drops the reader straight into the shattered remains of London near the end of World War II. Three wildly different but completely wonderful heroes gradually end up forging a friendship that survives on grit, hope, and sacrifice. The plot twists, the details haunt, and the characters feel as real as your heartbeat. I stayed up all night to finish it. A phenomenal read!”―Shana Abé, New York Times bestselling author

"
Strangers in Time's main character, Charlie Matters, is aptly named—this is a beautiful book about the things that really matter in life. David Baldacci deftly shows the reader that when you think you have no one left and the world is quite literally falling down around you, strangers can emerge from the gloom, everlasting bonds can be formed, and you can start to piece your world back together. With an ensemble of endearing and inventive characters, a quirky bookshop and a vivid rendering of wartime London, Strangers In Time is both atmospheric and warm-hearted. Ultimately it shows us that, with hope and friendship, humans can survive anything."―Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan

"A totally engrossing novel about war, friendship and the resilience of youth. A book that will stay with you."―
Ann Cleeves, New York Times bestselling author

"If Dickens had written a novel set in the WW2 London Blitz, he could not have bettered this. Captivating, tender, brutal and brilliant."―
Peter James, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author

"The author does a terrific job of transporting the reader back in time to a tumultuous period of living in London, and readers will practically smell the smoke and feel surrounded by rubble from the shattered buildings. Another great tale from a grandmaster storyteller."―
firstCLUE

“Hope, excitement, and tragedy will keep rapt readers reaching for their tissues.”―
Kirkus

“Baldacci’s strong character work highlights the trio’s courage and tenacity, as do the wrenching depictions of London’s wartime devastation. It’s a touching tale of a found family.”―
Publishers Weekly

About the Author

DAVID BALDACCI is an award-winning global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over forty-five languages and in more than eighty countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at WishYouWellFoundation.org.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting WWII read

K.C. · October 14, 2025

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book but WOW. Chalk it up to the author who is a very gifted writer.. This is a very different WWII human interest story of 3 lives finding each other, at just the right time, confronting hardships together, showing resilience of the human spirit and sharing the burden of calamities during a horrendous time in history, which lessened their pain because they had each other. This is also told from the perspective of living in London during the bombing raids. The descriptive writing is phenomenal with your senses being confronted with the whistling and whining of the falling bombs, the burning magnesium clusters, the vibrations of the masses of airplanes overhead, the ack ack ack of guns, sirens wailing, air wardens running, etc etc...you have a first row seat. I also loved the short chapters! And I learned a lot from reading this book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Personal And Poignant

P.V. · October 12, 2025

The poignant, human experiences of WWII London are captured expertly by Baldacci. The storyline has a few twists and turns which create a nice level of tension. As characters are removed, it’s a little awkward. Overall a great read.

5.0 out of 5 stars War is Not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things

C.C. · May 22, 2025

This wonderful, poignant, heartbreaking, uplifting book is very different from most David Baldacci's books of recent decades. But if you remember Wish You Well from the 90s, or John Grisham's Painted House or The Book Thief, you would love this story. As always, Baldacci is a master at narration through the eyes of both children and adults, this time, set against the last year of WWII in London. Molly, a girl from a privileged background who has recently returned in search of her lost parents, teams up with street urchin/orphan Charlie, a boy straight out of Dickens' workhouses. Both of them live by their wits and good deeds, such as Molly volunteering as a nurses' aide, as their ration coupons dwindle down. Neither her posh home in Chelsea, nor his in the East End slums, withstands the Nazi bombings, and they most certainly would have perished if they had not been taken in by a kindly book shop owner, Ignatius Oliver. Then, the tale takes a turn due to mysterious visitors in the dark of night, passing documents to Ignatius. The children find an unusual typewriter-like machine and hollowed out books in his secret study, making them wonder if he is a German spy or an agent at Bletchley Park. The action meanders to Cornwall and a gothic-sytle sanitorium for the insane, to which it turns out, two of the three main characters have tragic connections. Like Dickens, there are street gangs of children, kindly and mean-spirited neighbors, helpless "coppers," and blustering military officers, all of which is set against some of the most horrific and relentless bombing of the war. Having recently read Erik Larson's The Splendid & the Vile, which covers similar material from adults' POV and nonfiction, I must say, Baldacci has created a beautiful work of fiction that rings true to the historical events of the time. Like the tree books mentioned above, this would be a fantastic movie, in part, because Baldacci's style lets you vividly visualize various scenarios, and because the main characters are so memorable. Horror and hope, despair and faith, loyalty and betrayal, love and hate are all justaposed masterfully in this remarkable book. I hope you put it on your summer reading list. p.s. my title is from poster artist Lorraine Schneider, 1967.

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-Wrenching, Heartwarming Story (Flawed but still wonderful)

T.M. · October 24, 2025

In spite of the characters lacking depth, it was fun, enjoyable, and engaging. I truly loved this book. Yes, Molly is a one-dimensional character who only says the right thing all the time, but if you can read past all that it is quite an amazing story. I found myself literally shedding tears at the description of all the misery and chaos from the relentless bombing of London's civilians. I recommend this book which is wonderful, even with all its flaws.

3.0 out of 5 stars Where is Austen, or Eliot, or Dickens when you really need them?

A.W. · July 29, 2025

This contains poignant descriptions of London during the blitz. It evokes a horror and also a bravery that's otherwise hard to imagine. That concludes my admiration for what is a pretty bad book and an absolute horror from Baldacci, whose last couple of books have been below his standards. I'm wondering if he wrote this in its entirety, or used some writing help as many major authors have. The characters are stereotypical and paper-thin: the abandoned street urchin, the young girl wise beyond her years, the possibility of a spy (who clearly was not), and on and on. By the end, in a hurry to wrap up, details come together that are ridiculous: an army officer sends some troops during a war to service a private citizen's car not driven for years, which only needed some liquids and the tires pumped up to take an extended trip. This is simply not a well-crafted book, and a huge disappointment from someone of this author's abilities.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Captivating Story

M. · August 16, 2025

When I purchased this book, I was under the impression that it would be another thriller along the same lines of David Baldacci's previous novels. I was surprised to not see familiar characters, but I was not disappointed in the least. This book drew me in and made me want to do nothing but read it until I finished. The characters are lovely and complex, but not to the point where the reader is confused. The descriptions of wartime London were amazing and distressing simultaneously. The characters seemed like the reader's good friends in no time at all and you will want only the best for them. Conflicts are prevalent throughout the book, but never to the point where I wanted to put the book down and walk away. Once more, David Baldacci has gifted us with a fine read and a cautionary tale about the perils of war.

4.0 out of 5 stars A quick, easy read

B. · July 19, 2025

Very good characters and some nice storytelling, but there's not much mystery here. Just good, nothing more.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!

T. · November 3, 2025

This is an AWESOME book . . . One of David Baldacci's best! It will make you smile, laugh . . . and cry. Yes, it is a World War II novel, but it is much more than that. It's about children struggling to survive the bombing of London, the loss of their families, and how they overcome. A movie should be made based on this story.

Very Disappointing - especially given the price

M.P. · June 1, 2025

This was, to my mind, a childrens' book in that the language was simplistic and, dare I say it, puerile.There were numerous attempts to describe the horrors hurled at London, but none of them showed real insight.The ending was mawkish and trite.Don't buy it.You will be disappointed.

Lesenswert!

T.C. · October 3, 2025

Ein ganz anderer als wir ihn kennen - aber vielleicht sogar besser...

ABSOLUTELY UNPUTDOWNABLE!

J.J. · November 10, 2025

There arent enough stars to describe how good this book is! It isnt very often that you get so involved in the story that you dont want it to end & this is the best book Ive read in a long time. It is well written, full of content, a great story with lovable, relatable characters. A truly fantastic read. Thank you David Baldacci xxx

Great novel

G.A.P. · August 29, 2025

Just what I would have expected and wanted from Baldachi - a very entertaining novel

Great read

N.H. · October 16, 2025

Enjoyed the historical background as well as the yarn - they were hard to times that tested the human spirit

Strangers in Time: A World War II Novel

Product ID: U1538742055
Condition: New

4.4

(24,384 ratings)

AED8298

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Hardcover
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

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Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

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Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

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More from this brand

Similar items from “World War II & Holocaust”

Strangers in Time: A World War II Novel

Product ID: U1538742055
Condition: New

4.4

(24,384 ratings)
Strangers in Time: A World War II Novel-0
Type: Hardcover

AED8298

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Calamity of Souls comes David Baldacci’s newest novel, set in London in 1944, about a bereaved bookshop owner and two teenagers scarred by the Second World War, and the healing and hope they find in one another. 

Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is up to no good, but for a very good reason. Without parents, peerage, or merit, he steals what he needs, living day-to-day until he’s old enough to enlist to fight the Germans. After barely surviving the Blitz, Charlie knows there’s no telling when a falling bomb might end his life. 

Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield has just returned to a nearly unrecognizable London. One of millions of children to have been evacuated to the countryside Molly has been away from her home for nearly five years. Her return, however, is not the homecoming she’d hoped for as she’s confronted by a devastating reality: neither of her parents are there. 

Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his bookshop, The Book Keep. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Ignatius forms a kinship with both children, and in each other they rediscover the spirit of family each has lost. 

But Charlie’s escapades in the city have not gone unnoticed, and someone’s been following Molly since she returned to London. And Ignatius is harboring his own secrets, which could have terrible consequences for all of them. 

As bombs continue to bear down on the city, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius learn that while the perils of war rage on, their coming together and trusting one another may be the only way for them to survive. 


Editorial Reviews

Review

“A riveting story of secrets, betrayals, and unlikely friendships during World War II.  An emotional web that keeps spinning—and keeps you guessing—right until the startling finish.”
 ―
Mitch Albom, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Little Liar

"
Oliver Twist meets the Blitz when powerhouse author David Baldacci turns his pen from thrillers to historical fiction. Two brave and capable teenagers find themselves thrown together in the rubble and chaos of WWI-era London: fifteen-year-old Molly, sent away from her Mayfair home to escape the German bombings and returned to find both her parents inexplicably missing; and fourteen-year-old Charlie, an East End orphan barely surviving as a petty thief. Charlie and Molly find shelter with mysterious bookshop owner Mr. Oliver, but he has secrets of his own that will come home to roost with deadly consequences. Baldacci beautifully explores the dark side lurking under the London Blitz's romanticized image—Strangers in Time is a beautiful read that will linger long in the memory."
 ―
Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club

“David Baldacci’s foray into historical fiction is a meticulously precise account of what it was like to live through the Blitz in London—a visceral reminder that war not only levels social classes, but creates the most unlikely and indefatigable bonds between unlikely souls.”―
Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"#1
New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci takes on World War II with the touching Strangers in Time, a character-driven tale of three disparate souls whose paths unexpectedly intertwine during the last year of the Second World War. Baldacci's meticulous research is evident in his deep sense of place and time, and bomb-shattered London comes richly alive on the page under his capable pen. Through his own Wish You Well Foundation, which supports literacy, Baldacci has long celebrated the way books can change lives, and in Strangers in Time, it is indeed a bookshop--the lovingly chaotic The Book Keep--that brings together 13-year-old Charlie, 15-year-old Molly, and recently widowed bookstore owner Ignatius Oliver, all of whom are alone and adrift. As German V-1 and V-2 rockets wreak havoc on the city, the three forge a new family, the existence of which is soon threatened by deadly secrets that simmer beneath the surface. Absorbing and deeply researched, Strangers in Time is a celebration of the books that change us, the families we choose, and the capacity we all have to rise from the ashes and find our way home."―Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

“David Baldacci is one of the best authors alive, and every page of
Strangers in Time shows why. This riveting novel plunges us into wartime London through three unforgettable main characters – a young boy, a teenage girl, and a bookshop owner - who come together to endure the terrifying bombing of a city they love, and at the same time, help each other to unravel the heart-wrenching mysteries of their own families. In Baldacci’s virtuosic hands, Strangers in Time is not only a masterpiece of a historical thriller but also a profound and even poetic exploration of the eternal power of friendship, grace, and love to overcome the harshest cruelty of war, hatred, and evil.”―Lisa Scottoline, #1 bestselling author

“David Baldacci has the audacity to cross boundaries and genres with
Strangers in Time, and he does so with aplomb. A rare and terrific exploration of human resilience and courage in the most dire of times, Baldacci drops the reader straight into the shattered remains of London near the end of World War II. Three wildly different but completely wonderful heroes gradually end up forging a friendship that survives on grit, hope, and sacrifice. The plot twists, the details haunt, and the characters feel as real as your heartbeat. I stayed up all night to finish it. A phenomenal read!”―Shana Abé, New York Times bestselling author

"
Strangers in Time's main character, Charlie Matters, is aptly named—this is a beautiful book about the things that really matter in life. David Baldacci deftly shows the reader that when you think you have no one left and the world is quite literally falling down around you, strangers can emerge from the gloom, everlasting bonds can be formed, and you can start to piece your world back together. With an ensemble of endearing and inventive characters, a quirky bookshop and a vivid rendering of wartime London, Strangers In Time is both atmospheric and warm-hearted. Ultimately it shows us that, with hope and friendship, humans can survive anything."―Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan

"A totally engrossing novel about war, friendship and the resilience of youth. A book that will stay with you."―
Ann Cleeves, New York Times bestselling author

"If Dickens had written a novel set in the WW2 London Blitz, he could not have bettered this. Captivating, tender, brutal and brilliant."―
Peter James, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author

"The author does a terrific job of transporting the reader back in time to a tumultuous period of living in London, and readers will practically smell the smoke and feel surrounded by rubble from the shattered buildings. Another great tale from a grandmaster storyteller."―
firstCLUE

“Hope, excitement, and tragedy will keep rapt readers reaching for their tissues.”―
Kirkus

“Baldacci’s strong character work highlights the trio’s courage and tenacity, as do the wrenching depictions of London’s wartime devastation. It’s a touching tale of a found family.”―
Publishers Weekly

About the Author

DAVID BALDACCI is an award-winning global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over forty-five languages and in more than eighty countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at WishYouWellFoundation.org.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting WWII read

K.C. · October 14, 2025

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book but WOW. Chalk it up to the author who is a very gifted writer.. This is a very different WWII human interest story of 3 lives finding each other, at just the right time, confronting hardships together, showing resilience of the human spirit and sharing the burden of calamities during a horrendous time in history, which lessened their pain because they had each other. This is also told from the perspective of living in London during the bombing raids. The descriptive writing is phenomenal with your senses being confronted with the whistling and whining of the falling bombs, the burning magnesium clusters, the vibrations of the masses of airplanes overhead, the ack ack ack of guns, sirens wailing, air wardens running, etc etc...you have a first row seat. I also loved the short chapters! And I learned a lot from reading this book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Personal And Poignant

P.V. · October 12, 2025

The poignant, human experiences of WWII London are captured expertly by Baldacci. The storyline has a few twists and turns which create a nice level of tension. As characters are removed, it’s a little awkward. Overall a great read.

5.0 out of 5 stars War is Not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things

C.C. · May 22, 2025

This wonderful, poignant, heartbreaking, uplifting book is very different from most David Baldacci's books of recent decades. But if you remember Wish You Well from the 90s, or John Grisham's Painted House or The Book Thief, you would love this story. As always, Baldacci is a master at narration through the eyes of both children and adults, this time, set against the last year of WWII in London. Molly, a girl from a privileged background who has recently returned in search of her lost parents, teams up with street urchin/orphan Charlie, a boy straight out of Dickens' workhouses. Both of them live by their wits and good deeds, such as Molly volunteering as a nurses' aide, as their ration coupons dwindle down. Neither her posh home in Chelsea, nor his in the East End slums, withstands the Nazi bombings, and they most certainly would have perished if they had not been taken in by a kindly book shop owner, Ignatius Oliver. Then, the tale takes a turn due to mysterious visitors in the dark of night, passing documents to Ignatius. The children find an unusual typewriter-like machine and hollowed out books in his secret study, making them wonder if he is a German spy or an agent at Bletchley Park. The action meanders to Cornwall and a gothic-sytle sanitorium for the insane, to which it turns out, two of the three main characters have tragic connections. Like Dickens, there are street gangs of children, kindly and mean-spirited neighbors, helpless "coppers," and blustering military officers, all of which is set against some of the most horrific and relentless bombing of the war. Having recently read Erik Larson's The Splendid & the Vile, which covers similar material from adults' POV and nonfiction, I must say, Baldacci has created a beautiful work of fiction that rings true to the historical events of the time. Like the tree books mentioned above, this would be a fantastic movie, in part, because Baldacci's style lets you vividly visualize various scenarios, and because the main characters are so memorable. Horror and hope, despair and faith, loyalty and betrayal, love and hate are all justaposed masterfully in this remarkable book. I hope you put it on your summer reading list. p.s. my title is from poster artist Lorraine Schneider, 1967.

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-Wrenching, Heartwarming Story (Flawed but still wonderful)

T.M. · October 24, 2025

In spite of the characters lacking depth, it was fun, enjoyable, and engaging. I truly loved this book. Yes, Molly is a one-dimensional character who only says the right thing all the time, but if you can read past all that it is quite an amazing story. I found myself literally shedding tears at the description of all the misery and chaos from the relentless bombing of London's civilians. I recommend this book which is wonderful, even with all its flaws.

3.0 out of 5 stars Where is Austen, or Eliot, or Dickens when you really need them?

A.W. · July 29, 2025

This contains poignant descriptions of London during the blitz. It evokes a horror and also a bravery that's otherwise hard to imagine. That concludes my admiration for what is a pretty bad book and an absolute horror from Baldacci, whose last couple of books have been below his standards. I'm wondering if he wrote this in its entirety, or used some writing help as many major authors have. The characters are stereotypical and paper-thin: the abandoned street urchin, the young girl wise beyond her years, the possibility of a spy (who clearly was not), and on and on. By the end, in a hurry to wrap up, details come together that are ridiculous: an army officer sends some troops during a war to service a private citizen's car not driven for years, which only needed some liquids and the tires pumped up to take an extended trip. This is simply not a well-crafted book, and a huge disappointment from someone of this author's abilities.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Captivating Story

M. · August 16, 2025

When I purchased this book, I was under the impression that it would be another thriller along the same lines of David Baldacci's previous novels. I was surprised to not see familiar characters, but I was not disappointed in the least. This book drew me in and made me want to do nothing but read it until I finished. The characters are lovely and complex, but not to the point where the reader is confused. The descriptions of wartime London were amazing and distressing simultaneously. The characters seemed like the reader's good friends in no time at all and you will want only the best for them. Conflicts are prevalent throughout the book, but never to the point where I wanted to put the book down and walk away. Once more, David Baldacci has gifted us with a fine read and a cautionary tale about the perils of war.

4.0 out of 5 stars A quick, easy read

B. · July 19, 2025

Very good characters and some nice storytelling, but there's not much mystery here. Just good, nothing more.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!

T. · November 3, 2025

This is an AWESOME book . . . One of David Baldacci's best! It will make you smile, laugh . . . and cry. Yes, it is a World War II novel, but it is much more than that. It's about children struggling to survive the bombing of London, the loss of their families, and how they overcome. A movie should be made based on this story.

Very Disappointing - especially given the price

M.P. · June 1, 2025

This was, to my mind, a childrens' book in that the language was simplistic and, dare I say it, puerile.There were numerous attempts to describe the horrors hurled at London, but none of them showed real insight.The ending was mawkish and trite.Don't buy it.You will be disappointed.

Lesenswert!

T.C. · October 3, 2025

Ein ganz anderer als wir ihn kennen - aber vielleicht sogar besser...

ABSOLUTELY UNPUTDOWNABLE!

J.J. · November 10, 2025

There arent enough stars to describe how good this book is! It isnt very often that you get so involved in the story that you dont want it to end & this is the best book Ive read in a long time. It is well written, full of content, a great story with lovable, relatable characters. A truly fantastic read. Thank you David Baldacci xxx

Great novel

G.A.P. · August 29, 2025

Just what I would have expected and wanted from Baldachi - a very entertaining novel

Great read

N.H. · October 16, 2025

Enjoyed the historical background as well as the yarn - they were hard to times that tested the human spirit

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