Nineteen Steps
A Novel
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4.1 • 65 Ratings
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
The New York Times bestseller from iconic Emmy-nominated actress and producer MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: Nineteen Steps -- soon to be a feature film on Netflix!
"My inner history-loving teenage geek clapped her hands in ecstasy at the thought of a historical novel penned by Enola Holmes, and she wasn't disappointed!”—Kate Quinn
Love blooms in the darkest days…
It’s 1942, and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her.
After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, she becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just as she begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, tearing her world apart. But when it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph.
Nineteen Steps is a deeply affecting, mesmerizing page-turner inspired by the author’s family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown’s propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love.
“Inspired by my Nanny Ruth, this book is very personal and close to my heart. I grew up listening to stories about her time living through the war. I’m honored to keep her story alive.”—Millie Bobby Brown
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This debut novel by Enola Holmes and Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown is an absorbing historical drama inspired by her own grandmother’s story. During World War II, all-too-frequent German bombing raids often force 18-year-old Nellie Morris and her neighbors into an unfinished Tube station that serves as an ad-hoc air-raid shelter. When Nellie meets a charming American airman, her life expands into new horizons…until a tragedy upends her dreams. Brown tells Nellie’s tale in striking, confident prose, crafting an indomitable but vulnerable heroine. Nineteen Steps is a heartwarming tale full of all the hope, fear, and determination of an unforgettable moment in history.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Stranger Things star Brown sets her emotionally layered debut in 1942 East London, where 18-year-old protagonist Nellie works as an assistant to the mayor of Bethnal Green and struggles to keep her tight-knit family and friends safe during nighttime bombing raids by the Nazis. Through her municipal work, Nellie possesses secret knowledge that the 19 steps at the entrance of a nearby Underground station (one that serves as an air raid shelter) would pose a series of safety hazards if met with a large crowd (lack of handrails, proper lighting, cement reinforcement, and more). When a panic at the station prompts a devastating accident, the catastrophe proves intensely personal for Nellie. The memorable cast comprises Nellie's parents and siblings, her best friends (one of whom holds romantic feelings for her), and a dashing love interest—an American pilot named Ray. Brown's narrative, which is based on real events, effectively balances the danger and deprivations of war in a city under siege with the joys of family, friends, and romance. This highly charged historical romance offers intimate insight into WWII London and the challenges of overcoming loss.
Customer Reviews
Loved!
I actually LOVED this book. I passed by it too many times because I listened to everyone else’s opinion. I’m so glad I finally picked it up! It’s a sweet, sweet story.
Disappointed
For me it was more romance than anything historical. Had it been advertised as a period piece romance, readers who enjoy that genre might have raved about it.
Great book!
Millie Bobbie Brown isn’t just a great actress but also a gifted writer! Hoping for more books. It’s special to know it’s based on her grandmothers story. Great quick read 👍🏼👍🏼