Strangers in Time
By David Baldacci
- Release Date: 2025-04-15
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Description
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Calamity of Souls comes David Baldacci’s newest novel, set in London in 1944, about a bereaved bookshop owner and two teenagers scarred by the Second World War, and the healing and hope they find in one another.
Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is up to no good, but for a very good reason. Without parents, peerage, or merit, he steals what he needs, living day-to-day until he’s old enough to enlist to fight the Germans. After barely surviving the Blitz, Charlie knows there’s no telling when a falling bomb might end his life.
Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield has just returned to a nearly unrecognizable London. One of millions of children to have been evacuated to the countryside Molly has been away from her home for nearly five years. Her return, however, is not the homecoming she’d hoped for as she’s confronted by a devastating reality: neither of her parents are there.
Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his bookshop, The Book Keep. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Ignatius forms a kinship with both children, and in each other they rediscover the spirit of family each has lost.
But Charlie’s escapades in the city have not gone unnoticed, and someone’s been following Molly since she returned to London. And Ignatius is harboring his own secrets, which could have terrible consequences for all of them.
As bombs continue to bear down on the city, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius learn that while the perils of war rage on, their coming together and trusting one another may be the only way for them to survive.
Reviews
Not up to his standard
2By pinehurtsBoring.Hallmark Movie Book
1By K508Not a good Baldacci BookGreat Story of Friendship
4By UserT2Not as quick a read as some of his other books, but the end was staggeringly meaningful about friendship.Great Story!!
5By TDaleTLoved the action and pace of the book and the characters. Amazingly how they found each other and their relationshipEngaging story
5By VonheimLoved the story, the story telling, and read it in two sittings. Highly recommended!Strangers in Time
3By marielitrenThis story and writing are better suited to a young adults audience. It is heartfelt with likable characters, but not much substance in the plot. Although the story line is serious, the simple declarative telling of it feels juvenile. I kept reading, hoping for some depth, which never happened.Good read
5By Stout gradBrought an interesting time to life. Well written and disclosed the fear of the timeVery good
5By Cut woodVery enjoyable getting to know the characters. Interesting and entertaining.Worth reading
5By GhaniJSlow start, but happy too old for WWII. Lived in London, loved memories of London.Strangers In Time
4By EdBurrThe novel is similar to what is taking place in Ukraine and Russia. Innocent civilians suffering from wars.Not Baldaci’s best work
4By KasparftcThe ending was excellent, but there was a ton of material to read to get to the good ending.Strangers in Time
1By cmsdadAbsolutely awful! Well written. It goes nowhere! Def the worst Baldacci book ever…and I have read every single one! Stick to what gotcha here, Mr BStrangers In Time
3By JPB 9871Just fair and nowhere near his best novel. The story is a sad one and far too long. Without question the Second World War was horrific and the bombing of London beyond brutal, but the author’s frequently repetitions descriptions of the horror ironically tend to reduce its poignancy.Great read
5By jake4hugsEnjoyed the characters and their story during the hardest of British times. I used to listen to stories told by my neighbor of the life in London during the bombings and this book commands the same attention to the visceral details of race to shelters, the terror of the exploding bombs and the utter devastation faced by everyone in Britain. Although an unlikely pairing of characters, they each bring depth and emotion to this story of survival in the worst of times.Excellent read that left a mark
5By read and relaxVery enjoyable read. Great storyline, character development, and the backdrop (London during the war). Such a profound period time …Baldacci captures the collective experience and leaves you not only enjoying the read, but reflecting on a generation .A tale of humanity
5By GreetoneMy words are inadequate to describe pain, love, and lives so beautifully described herein.Strangers in Time
5By -------THDefinitely one of his best, and I’ve read them allTime well spent
5By CaseyWeimYet another reason to love David’s works. The words jump off the page painting a not so pretty picture of war times. The message of finding people whom become your lifelong friends is very moving and touches home.Strangers
5By Super ClockBalducci does it again. Keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and never wanting to put the book down
