Book Review: Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobbie Brown

Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobbie Brown (Kathleen McGurl)
Genre: Adult Fiction (Historical Fiction)
Date Published: September 12, 2023
Publisher: William Morrow

The New York Times bestseller from iconic Emmy-nominated actress and producer MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: Nineteen Steps is a captivating novel inspired by the true events of her family's experience during World War II.

Love blooms in the darkest days…

It’s 1942, and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her.

After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, Nellie becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just when Nellie begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, tearing Nellie’s world is torn apart. But just when it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph.

Nineteen Steps is a deeply affecting, mesmerizing page-turner inspired by the author’s family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown’s propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love.

“Inspired by my Nanny Ruth, this book is very personal and close to my heart. I grew up listening to stories about her time living through the war. I’m honored to keep her story alive.”—Millie Bobby Brown

Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobbie Brown is inspired by a true story about Millie's family during WWII. I'm not sure what to think about this story. It's absolutely heartbreaking! That doesn't even need to be said. Am I disappointed that it was written by a ghostwriter? Yes. I was anxious to see if she was as talented at writing as she is acting. I didn't get to see that. This is not a shot at her or ghostwriting. It's just my preference in this particular case. I would have loved to read it in her actual words. 

I was a little disappointed in the story. I liked the characters for the most part, but I felt like I'd heard their stories before. Not the tragedy, obviously. But, the love story situation. There was a brief moment where I was really afraid we were going to have a "Pearl Harbor" like love story. It's written as fiction, so I'm not sure how much or little was actually a true story when it comes to the characters and their personal experiences. So, I'm on the fence overall about this story. I feel like it was a solid three stars that just wasn't entirely for me.

Millie Bobby Brown is a British Emmy Award–winning actress. She has been featured in the TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Nineteen Steps is her first book.

To learn more about Millie Bobbie Brown and her books, visit her on Goodreads, 

Buy this book at: