Strangers in Time
A World War II Novel
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4.3 • 475 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher 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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Prolific thriller writer David Baldacci changes it up for this novel, penning a warmly sentimental ensemble drama set in World War II London. Molly was evacuated to the countryside before the war started, but now, at 15, she’s back in her nearly empty home. Street-smart orphan Charlie scrapes by for himself and his grandmother. And Ignatius Oliver mourns his late wife as he tries to keep his small bookshop afloat. Together, amidst the chaos of the German bombing raids, these three strangers form a found family and lean on each other to survive. Baldacci works some mysteries into his story (Where are Molly’s wealthy parents? Who is this furtive person Mr. Oliver is having clandestine meetings with?), but his focus is on the emotional bonds that form between these unlikely new friends. Fans of World War II home-front tales will love this unexpected treat.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Thriller writer Baldacci (To Die For) turns to historical fiction with the arresting story of an unlikely trio who come together in 1944 after their lives were transformed by the London Blitz. Charlie Matters, an orphaned, street-smart 13-year-old, lives with his grandmother and uses his wits to survive. After Charlie steals money and a book from widower Ignatius Oliver's bookshop, he returns everything out of guilt and Oliver befriends him. Molly Wakefield, 15, returns to London after a yearslong evacuation in the countryside to discover that both her parents are missing. She meets Charlie on the street and asks him to guide her to the government office where she believes her father works, but he's nowhere to be found. Later, while looking for Charlie, Molly meets Oliver, who's impressed by her maturity and kindness. After Charlie's grandmother dies and Molly's home is destroyed by another round of German bombings, Oliver takes in the two teenagers. As the three weather more assaults on the city, the author illustrates the horrors of war and the utter helplessness of citizens in the face of such daunting challenges. Though the novel is marred by an unnecessary and far-fetched plot twist near the end, 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. Agents: Aaron Priest and Mitch Hoffman, Aaron M. Priest Literary.
Customer Reviews
Time well spent
Yet another reason to love David’s works. The words jump off the page painting a not so pretty picture of war times. The message of finding people whom become your lifelong friends is very moving and touches home.
Strangers
Balducci does it again. Keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and never wanting to put the book down
Retired Doc
Very different from this author. But I found very enjoyable and well written.