The Heart Of The Community
The Library Girls Of The East End by Patricia McBride is the start of a fabulous new historical series set during World War II.
Everyone does their bit for the war effort. The library has a new female boss to join the other two female workers. It is a new era with fresh ideas. The library becomes the heart of the community. No longer a dusty space, it is light and bright, serving the locals with books, health and a safe space during air raids.
All three women have lives that can be challenging. We see a wayward brother, a victim of a vicious attack and rape from years ago and a poison-tongued grandmother. Each women tries to leave their troubles at home until they feel comfortable sharing about their lives.
We see how the tongue can wound. “Her mother’s harsh voice was always whispering in her ear that she was useless, ugly, unlovable.” The tongue-lashing came to a mother when she was young, and is now being directed towards her daughter until enough is enough.
There are the black shirts in the area. We witness a verbal lashing directed towards a young Jewish girl. People stand idly by, saying nothing. Only one takes a stand to help the innocent.
Diphtheria is a killer. There is a new vaccine but ignorance threatens its effectiveness.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Library Girls Of The East End. The library is more than just a building. It is the heart of the community offering care and support to all.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
The Library Girls of the East End
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.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/LibraryGirlsSocials
Author Bio –
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.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciamcbrideauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricia.mcbride.writer/
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/PatriciaMcbridenews
