Millie Bobby Brown

I will admit to reading this because the author's name caught my attention, but I did know about the Bethnal Green tube station disaster and was also intrigued by the storyline. On a side note, there are some pretty scathing and superficial reviews for Millie Bobby Brown's debut novel on Goodreads, based solely on the fact that she used a ghostwriter, which I think is heartily unfair, especially from those who haven't even read the book. Millie is an actress who wanted to tell the stories that her grandmother related to her about the East End in the Second World War, but needed a writer to help her - so what? She credits and acknowledges Kathleen McGurl, but the whole point of a ghostwriter is that the named author gets the credit and the publicity. The hate is bizarre.

Onto the story, based on a real wartime tragedy, which I found easy to read and understandably emotional in places. Nellie Morris lives at home in the East End with her parents and younger siblings. She works at the town hall as the Mayoress' assistant and spends time with next door neighbours Barbara and Billy, who is sweet on Nellie but is scared to ask her out. The Blitz is over but the bombing continues and the family's nearest shelter is Bethnal Green tube station, but the entrance is an accident waiting to happen, with steep stairs - the nineteen steps of the title - and no handrail. Before the fateful evening of 3 March 1943, Nellie is happy and in love with a dashing American pilot called Ray, but then the inevitable occurs and her family life and dreams for the future are shattered.

I dithered about whether to give three or fours stars, and settled on the mid-grade but not because of what the author did or didn't write. I'm just not a fan of family sagas or romances and the story could be pitched as both. The plot is predictable and the characters are all disturbingly wholesome - apart from Billy, who is just disturbing (to paraphrase the lyrics, 'Billy, don't be a stalker, you'll never make her your wife') - but I was carried along at an easy Sunday pace and yes, the tube station chapters and the aftermath are heartbreaking. Whoever was behind the lion's share of the writing did a great job.… (altro)

This was an interesting book. There are some difficult circumstances that are heartbreaking. But, there's also some joyful times! The story is unique. The symbolism of the 19 steps is crucial to the plot.

I enjoyed the characters! They are relatable and easy to like! Nellie is a passionate person. She loves her family tenaciously. I can't decide who I like better: Billy or Ray. I think I like Billy more because he's selfless. He thinks of others, he's a protector, and he's compassionate.

Personal note- I can't imagine what people went through during this difficult time in history. This book happily ends on a positive note! I hope to read more books by MBB.… (altro)