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A review by hannahmariebrankley
Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobby Brown
5.0
Let’s address the elephant in the room first, this book is ghostwritten by Kathleen McGurl.
When I saw this advertised I always saw Kathleen’s name alongside Millie’s as an author. But I can understand why many people don’t like books that use ghostwriters or don’t want to buy books with just the one name on the cover. But it wasn’t a secret.
Kathleen McGurl is an author in her own right and chose to take on this job. I was appalled by reviews I saw on this book, from people who never even opened the cover.
I loved this book, so much so, I managed to complete it in a day.
Set in Bethnal Green, London 1942, we meet 18-year-old Nellie Morris who has dreams of travelling the world. But she is always teased about marrying the boy next door, Billy, who is sweet on her. Then she meets American airman, Ray and falls head over heels for him. As their relationship develops, tragedy strikes during an air raid at the Bethnal Green Tube Station. A real-life event which you can read about online. Nellie couldn’t escape the devastation of war. Her life then takes the most unexpected turn…
This book is not only based on a real-life event but true events from Millie’s family history. Reading this made me realise how much did occur here in the UK during the war, that we didn’t learn about in school. Beautifully written, I cried reading this book. It will sound strange to say, but having the family connection element, just makes it a lot less textbook. I felt I learned more about the home war efforts through Millie’s ancestors than I did in school. 4.5 stars.
When I saw this advertised I always saw Kathleen’s name alongside Millie’s as an author. But I can understand why many people don’t like books that use ghostwriters or don’t want to buy books with just the one name on the cover. But it wasn’t a secret.
Kathleen McGurl is an author in her own right and chose to take on this job. I was appalled by reviews I saw on this book, from people who never even opened the cover.
I loved this book, so much so, I managed to complete it in a day.
Set in Bethnal Green, London 1942, we meet 18-year-old Nellie Morris who has dreams of travelling the world. But she is always teased about marrying the boy next door, Billy, who is sweet on her. Then she meets American airman, Ray and falls head over heels for him. As their relationship develops, tragedy strikes during an air raid at the Bethnal Green Tube Station. A real-life event which you can read about online. Nellie couldn’t escape the devastation of war. Her life then takes the most unexpected turn…
This book is not only based on a real-life event but true events from Millie’s family history. Reading this made me realise how much did occur here in the UK during the war, that we didn’t learn about in school. Beautifully written, I cried reading this book. It will sound strange to say, but having the family connection element, just makes it a lot less textbook. I felt I learned more about the home war efforts through Millie’s ancestors than I did in school. 4.5 stars.