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Nineteen Steps

A Novel

Audiobook
3 of 6 copies available
3 of 6 copies available

Emmy-nominated actress and producer MILLIE BOBBY BROWN's debut novel, Nineteen Steps, is a moving tale of love, longing, and loss, inspired by the true events of her family's experience during World War II.

""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 London remains under constant threat of enemy attack as the second world war rages on. In the Bethnal Green neighborhood, Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her.

Three years into the war, she's grateful to hold onto remnants of normalcy—her job as assisting the mayor and nights spent at the local pub with her best friend. But after a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, Nellie becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world.

Just when Nellie begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, and the consequences are catastrophic. As the truth about that night is revealed, Nellie's world is torn apart. 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

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    • Publisher's Weekly

      October 9, 2023
      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. Agent: Alyssa Reuben, WME.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Millie Bobby Brown masterfully presents a story inspired by her grandmother's experiences in England during WWII. Listeners meet Nellie Morris as the war rages around her. Brown skillfully changes her delivery as the story demands. She's at her best introducing precious 7-year-old Flora and neighbor Billy, whose love for Nellie is heartbreaking and life-affirming. Evocative descriptions of sheltering in London Underground stations during the bombings offer listeners a graphic view of what the locals endured nightly for months. As everyone pulls together to survive, their fury at the situation is palpable. The story comes full circle as elderly Nellie attends the fiftieth anniversary of the war and experiences a moving encounter. Audio enhances this very personal and powerful depiction. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

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  • English

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