The Air Raid Book Club

A Novel

By: Annie Lyons

Narrated by: Jilly Bond

Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett comes a heartwarming story of found family, love, and making connections through books set against the bombing of London during WWII.

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.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Annie Lyons (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Heartbreaking and heartwarming, all at once 

This really is a beautiful, well written story. The characters are rich and unique. They offer so much dimension to this story. The book grabs your heart, and takes you along a ride, the ups and downs of those making their way through very hard times, in both the tribulations and the triumphs. Expect both laughter and tears, but most of all it’ll have you seeking out your favorite bookshop in no time.

Beautiful love story

Loved the story line, the characters. Simply beautiful. I cried and laughed at many parts and just enjoyed listening to this story.

A Wonderful Life Affirming Book

I have looked forward for months to the release of this book and have been richly rewarded for the patient wait. I did not think Annie Lyons could trump the story telling triumph of The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett but I was wrong. Once again the reader is introduced to a cast of quirky, diverse and richly human characters who again remind us that it is our relationships that matter the most. The story of Gertie and Hedy is unforgettable as they repetitively save each other. The Air Raid Book Club community shows an inspiring spirit of resilience and determination in the face of an existential threat. As a piece of historical fiction this book is a nuanced Holocaust remembrance and a tribute to members of The Greatest Generation. I cannot think of a better book to require entering students at American colleges and universities to read. Jilly Bond is a skilled narrator and her accents bring all the characters to life. I now plan to order a hard copy edition so I can enjoy this book in print.

Heartrending

An exploration of the very best we can be in the midst of horror. How I wish it did not apply to the times we live. Alas it does on so many levels.

An amazing Author brought to life amazing characters. Thanks to my Book Club’s Oct ‘23 Hostess for choosing.

An Amazing Author brought to life amazing characters. Have never read a book that touched every emotion as this did. Born in Oldham, Lancs, England in ‘45 the life of my parents during their late teens while falling in love, marrying then my birth in ‘45 became reality. Many thanks to my Book Club Hostess for her choice. Anxious to discuss over our Oct 19th Dinner and Wine. Thanks also to and incredible author.
A “Must” for all Book Clubs and individuals who read…. JN

Saved by the Books

I loved the interpersonal relationships. The historical references were enlightening, giving insight to what those in England had to endure.

Loved this book!

Annie Lions writes beautiful stories and this book is another winner. I just loved the characters and their stories. The horror and sadness of WWII is the backdrop of this book and the love that arises from it. A wonderful book. The narrator was excellent and truly made the story come alive.

Gteat story; superior narration

This book was a fantastic story. What made it phenomenal was Jilly Bond's narration. She gave every character, no matter how small, a personality. It was so easy to picture the characters, based on Jilly's narration. I enjoyed her immensely and will be looking for more books narrated by her.

Endearing characters in a horrendous time

Loved the characters and their quirkiness and kindness amidst the horrors of war. Never underestimate one person’s ability to change a piece of this world. It’s never too late.

Excellent

This is a wonderful story. I cried a .lot. The narrator is great and the author is awesome! Thank you so much for giving this book to us.