Nineteen Steps

The Sunday Times bestselling debut novel from global star Millie Bobby Brown

Love blooms in the darkest days…

London, 1942.

Despite the raging war, spirited 18-year-old Nellie Morris lives a quiet life in the tight-knit East End community of Bethnal Green. Her family and friends all tease that she will marry air raid warden Billy, the boy next door who’s always been sweet on her.

The arrival of Ray, a handsome American airman stationed nearby, causes Nellie to question everything she thought she knew about her future.

Nellie’s new-found happiness is short-lived when a tragic accident occurs during an air raid. Even the closest family can’t escape the devastation of war, and as the secrets and truth about that fateful night become clear, they threaten to tear Nellie – and those dearest to her – apart.

’There is no healing without remembering, and there is no remembering without stories. So thank goodness Brown’s Nanny Ruth, who was a survivor of the crush, told her granddaughter what she remembered. . .You might open Nineteen Steps for the celebrity name, but stick with it for the history of an under-recognized event of World War II.’ New York Times

Reviews

Inspired by the true events of her family history, Millie Bobby Brown’s dazzling debut novel is a moving tale of longing, loss and secrets, and the lengths that we will go to fight for love.

’There is no healing without remembering, and there is no remembering without stories. So thank goodness Brown’s Nanny Ruth, who was a survivor of the crush, told her granddaughter what she remembered. . .You might open Nineteen Steps for the celebrity name, but stick with it for the history of an under-recognized event of World War II.’ New York Times

‘This novel will make you swoon, laugh, and even cry, because some parts are truly devastating, especially when you remember it's based on true events. . .It’s thought-provoking and easy to read – one to pop on your cosy autumn TBR pile.’ Daily Mirror

‘Millie Bobby Brown’s debut novel beautifully portrays her grandmother’s experience. . .[and] shrewdly portrays the difficult history of a tragedy that is often overlooked.’ The i Paper

‘A dazzling debut.’ Woman’s Own

‘A brilliant debut novel inspired by the true events of Millie Bobby Brown’s family history.’ Closer

About the author

Millie Bobby Brown is an actress and producer best known for playing Eleven in the Netflix hit series Stranger Things.

On the big screen, Brown has starred in Godzilla: King of the Monsters and its sequel Godzilla vs. Kong. She also starred in and produced the popular Netflix mystery film franchise Enola Holmes and its 2022 sequel Enola Holmes 2.

In 2019, Brown launched her own vegan and cruelty free makeup and skincare line, florence by mills. The brand received the “Launch of the Year” honour at Women’s Wear Daily’s Beauty Inc Awards.

In November 2018, UNICEF named Brown the organization’s newest Goodwill Ambassador. Earlier that year, Brown was also named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.