Goodnight From London
A Novel
Book - 2017 | First edition
From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Robson--author of Moonlight Over Paris and Somewhere in France--comes a lush historical novel that tells the fascinating story of Ruby Sutton, an ambitious American journalist who moves to London in 1940 to report on the Second World War, and to start a new life an ocean away from her past.
In the summer of 1940, ambitious young American journalist Ruby Sutton gets her big break: the chance to report on the European war as a staff writer for Picture Weekly newsmagazine in London. She jumps at the chance, for it's an opportunity not only to prove herself, but also to start fresh in a city and country that know nothing of her humble origins. But life in besieged Britain tests Ruby in ways she never imagined.
Although most of Ruby's new colleagues welcome her, a few resent her presence, not only as an American but also as a woman. She is just beginning to find her feet, to feel at home in a country that is so familiar yet so foreign, when the bombs begin to fall.
As the nightly horror of the Blitz stretches unbroken into weeks and months, Ruby must set aside her determination to remain an objective observer. When she loses everything but her life, and must depend upon the kindness of strangers, she learns for the first time the depth and measure of true friendship--and what it is to love a man who is burdened by secrets that aren't his to share.
Goodnight from London, inspired in part by the wartime experiences of the author's own grandmother, is a captivating, heartfelt, and historically immersive story that readers are sure to embrace.


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Add a CommentGoodnight from London by Jennifer Robson (author of The Gown) features Ruby, a young American who accepts an opportunity to write for a British magazine during WWII. Readers meet her coworkers and friends, experience The Blitz and other historical events, and encounter a few iconic figures including Eleanor Roosevelt.
This was Robson's first WWII novel following a WWI trilogy, and it felt well researched without reading like a textbook. My copy had a glossary in the back which would've been helpful if I'd known it was there as I read. Ruby was inspired by the author's grandmother - such a lovely way to honor a family member.
I thought this book moved very slowly. It was my least favourite of the Jennifer Robson novels.
I admired her main character, Ruby and her determination to be the best she could be. Especially considering her hardships in her early life. I think Jennifer Robson is a gifted novelist. I find her books to be well researched and her characters true to the time period in which the story takes place.
This story breezes along bringing you into the blitz of WW2 in London. The historical info is great, the struggles of a reporter who was brought up in an orphanage and lost what little she had in a bombing, a little romance, how people struggled through the blitz on a day to day basis is all wrapped in a heartfelt manner. I love this author.
Loved this book!
A very enjoyable read. Gently told history with a bit of romance.
This was a wonderful story of a woman trying to make a name for herself as a journalist during WWII.
An excellent read for anyone that is a fan of WWII historical fiction.
Wonderful story, I loved it!
Excellent read. Could not put it down and was moved by the tenacity of the British people during the Blitz. Strong main character. Very much like the writer of this novel.
Pretty romantic story set in London during the Blitz and after. Highly predictable, simple characters, sentimental story. Had a hard time finishing as I kept falling asleep.