For here, in this battered and stubbornly beautiful city, where death and destruction fell from the skies night after night, she had finally found a home. Here was the one place in the world where she truly belonged. And that alone, she decided, was reason enough for thanksgiving.
(from Goodnight from London)
I really enjoyed Jennifer Robson’s trilogy set around the Great War (check out my reviews of Somewhere in France, After the War Is Over, and Moonlight Over Paris), so when I saw that her next book was set during World War II, I knew I had to read it — and I was not disappointed! Goodnight from London is the story of American journalist Ruby Sutton, who arrives in London in 1940 to cover human interest stories for Picture Weekly. She left behind a lonely life in New York to pursue her career, and she soon comes into her own with the help of her new friends, editor Kaz, photographer Mary, and the secretive Captain Bennett.
Ruby believes she will bring an outsider’s perspective to her stories, which are being sent back to her New York weekly as “Dispatches from London,” but it’s not long before London feels like a real home to her. She endures the Blitz along with everyone else, finding comfort in Londoners’ ability to “keep on keeping on” even after they’ve lost everything but their lives. Robson follows Ruby over the course of the war as she finds love and friendship and matures as a writer and a person, forcing herself forward even as the war and her past catch up to her and threaten her newfound happiness.
I loved Goodnight from London, especially its plucky heroine, Ruby (who was inspired by Robson’s grandmother), and her determination to make something of herself no matter what. Robson has created a strong supporting cast of characters as well, especially in the sweet but mysterious Bennett and his charming godmother, Vanessa. Robson beautifully sets the scene of London during the Blitz, making readers feel like they are truly accompanying Ruby as she seeks out the good in the midst of so much destruction and is brave enough to move closer to the action in order to understand the importance of sacrifice, not only by the soldiers, doctors, and nurses but the everyday person as well.
Robson is a true storyteller, whose passion for her subject matter shines through in every page of the novel. If I hadn’t been so busy and distracted lately, I likely would’ve devoured this book in one sitting. Goodnight from London is an emotional tale for sure, and while I enjoyed the romantic aspects of the story, I’m glad Robson kept Ruby, her courage and determination, and her wartime experiences at the forefront. Definitely a contender for my Best of 2017 list!
Thanks to TLC Book Tours for inviting me to participate in the blog tour for Goodnight from London. Click here to follow the tour.
Disclosure: I received Goodnight from London from HarperCollins for review.
I really enjoyed this one too!
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I think this is my new favorite of her books!
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I have read quite a few good books in the last couple of years that center on episodes of WWII. This looks like a very good trilogy. I enjoy learning the history.
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This book is separate from the trilogy, but I enjoyed all 4 of her books. Hope you get a chance to read them.
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Lovely review, Anna! I’m glad that you enjoyed this book about WWII. Have a terrific weekend!
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Thanks, Suko!
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This sounds perfect for you!
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It was!
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[…] Friday, June 2nd: Diary of an Eccentric […]
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Thanks for being a part of the tour!
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My pleasure!
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It sounds like I would enjoy it
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I hope you give it a try!
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I like the setting as well.
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I’m sure you would like it!
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I love Jennifer Robson’s books–at least the ones I have read. I hadn’t heard of this one–but now it’s on my wish list. I am so glad you liked it, Anna. Thank you for sharing!
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My pleasure! It’s my favorite of her books, so I really hope you get a chance to read it, and love it as much as I did!
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Anna, I enjoy her books too. Great choice. Cheers
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Glad to hear it!
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I’ve only heard good things about this author…I definitely need to read her books!
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Yes! At the very least, this one.
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