"People without books are like houses without windows"

I could say so much about this book and even that wouldn't be enough to describe how this book made me feel and what wonderful meaning this story carries.

This book is based on true events from the Second World War and is about a wonderful underground community in a subway shaft in London and a library that has given so many people endless comfort in difficult times. We are guided through the story by fictional characters like Clara and Ruby, who work in the library and are so much more than just librarians for those people, they are also social workers, teachers, doctors, heroines but above all friends. The two protagonists are such strong and impressive personalities who also have their own burdens to bear and that makes them so authentic and approachable. I have grown very fond of them.

The supporting characters who find refuge in this library are also so tangible and their stories all touched me deeply. I especially took the children, who are also affectionately called "tunnel rats", to my heart and this book often moved me to tears and tore me apart inside.

Of course, some of the characters also drove me mad because they are dripping with misogyny and unfortunately that was also quite authentic because women had even less say at that time and were only seen as weak and irrational.

This book is a declaration of love for books and libraries and their importance in times of crisis and I can only recommend it.