Nineteen Steps

In the midst of World War II, 18-year-old Nellie Morris lives a peaceful life in Bethnal Green, London. Her life is turned upside down when she meets Ray, an American airman stationed nearby. However, their happiness is short-lived when a tragic accident occurs during an air raid. This novel explores the devastating effects of war and the importance of remembering and storytelling in the healing process.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

bestselling author Paula Hawkins brings her signature psychological suspense to this unforgettable story of love,loss,and survival.
London, 1942. Amidst the backdrop of World War II, spirited 18-year-old Nellie Morris leads a peaceful life in the vibrant East End community of Bethnal Green. Despite constant teasing from her family and friends about her potential marriage to air raid warden Billy, the boy next door who has harbored a sweet affection for her, Nellie remains content with her simple existence. However, the arrival of Ray, a handsome American airman stationed nearby, sets off a chain of events that challenges Nellie's preconceived notions about her future.

Nellie's newfound happiness is abruptly cut short when a tragic accident occurs during an air raid. The devastation wrought by war extends even to the closest family, leaving them grappling with the consequences of that fateful night. As the truth about what transpired unravels, it threatens to tear Nellie and those dear to her apart.

In the face of such adversity, there is no healing without remembering, and there is no remembering without stories. It is through the narration of Nanny Ruth, a survivor of the crush, that Nellie learns the details of that tragic night. Nanny Ruth's recollections provide a crucial lens through which Nellie can begin to piece together her own memories and understand the profound impact of the war on her life and the lives of those around her.

"Nineteen Steps" may initially draw attention due to its celebrity name, but it is the historical significance of the event that truly makes it unforgettable. Author Paula Hawkins, known for her bestselling psychological suspense novels, brings her signature style to this poignant tale of love, loss, and survival. Through the eyes of Nellie and her family, Hawkins paints a vivid portrait of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

"Nineteen Steps" is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to shed light on the forgotten chapters of history. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by individuals and communities during times of war and the importance of never forgetting the lessons learned from such tragic events. As readers immerse themselves in this captivating novel, they are transported back to a time of immense uncertainty and danger, yet also witness the indomitable human spirit's unwavering ability to persevere and find hope in the darkest of times.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008530266