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Review: Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson

Review: Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson

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.

Reading this book gave me an unending earworm for the song “Wouldn’t it be Loverly” from My Fair Lady . This is a bit odd in multiple directions – the Broadway musical didn’t premiere until 11 years after the end of World War II, and the setting for the musical, Edwardian London, occurs 30+ years before the start of World War II.

But the book was definitely “loverly”. Or at least lovely. It reminded me of all the reasons why I love Jennifer Robson’s work.

book review goodnight from london

And for readers hoping to start afresh with this marvelous author, Goodnight from London does not follow the other books directly, as they loosely did with each other. Except, again, in so far as WW2 was a fairly direct consequence of WW1.

Instead, Goodnight from London follows the adventures of young American journalist Ruby Sutton, a self-made woman if there ever was one. After a brief but illustrious stint at an American weekly magazine, Ruby receives an unexpected offer that she can’t resist. Everyone knows that war is coming, and the U.S. is hoping to stay well clear of the mess in Europe.

But England will be right in the thick of it, and one of the London weekly papers is looking for a young, female, American reporter who is willing to come to London and write the war. For Ruby it’s a dream job, she’ll get to be where the action is, and she’ll get to learn her craft while having something important to write about. She has no ties in America, no family, almost no life outside her work, so she’s the perfect writer to send to London.

And in the thick of the Blitz, she finds everything she didn’t know she was looking for. Not just the chance to write important stories, but also the opportunity to find a family, a sense of belonging and home, and finally, love.

But more than anything else, Goodnight from London is the story of an intrepid young journalist who finds herself in the middle of the great story of her times, and runs with it. Sometimes she’s down but never out. She never gives up, she never gives in and she never surrenders.. And she always gets the story.

Even, at last, her own.

Escape Rating A- : One of the things that I love about this author’s work is the way that she puts her intrepid heroines in fascinating, real-life circumstances and dangers, and then lets them work. The story here is Ruby’s reporting of the war, both on the homefront and eventually on the front lines. It’s also about her involvement in the real life of London during the war, living through the Blitz, losing all her possessions and becoming part of the fabric of life, while London becomes part of her.

We see her work, we experience her triumphs and her tragedies, we feel her setbacks. But the story is about her experience. While this is a historical novel, it is not historical romance, although Ruby does find love in the end.

It feels like the point of the book is the work, and the happy ever after is her reward. The romance is not the point of the story, and it shouldn’t be. The world was in dire straits. Although life went on, her work was too important to put on hold in the hopes that her prince might come. Or however one wants to put that.

This is a story where it felt more realistic that her career came first, and it is one of the few historic periods where that is realistically true.

It helps a lot that Ruby is a very likable protagonist. She’s both self-made and self-motivated. She’s doing her best (and occasionally her worst) to put her past behind her. The secret almost costs her everything, and that was the one part of the story that didn’t live up to how much I loved the rest. Other readers may feel differently.

But that one “bobble” was not enough to dim my enjoyment of the book. I loved the way that Ruby’s personal story interwove with the history that we know. We got to see World War II London and especially the Blitz through her eyes, and the perspective brought this reader right into her world and to the story.

As I read Goodnight from London , it reminded me a bit of The Race for Paris by Meg Clayton, which is also about female World War II correspondents. I liked The Race for Paris but the soap opera of the protagonists’ trainwreck love triangle took a bit out of the story. Goodnight from London is much, much better.

Goodnight from London is, as I said at the beginning, a very lovely book. Read it and you’ll see.

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2 thoughts on “ Review: Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson ”

The fact that the work is the most important thing in this story is so appealing to me. Like you say, the world was in dire straits. Work like Ruby’s was incredibly important, and that is what I as I reader want to see in a book.

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Goodnight from London

Written by Jennifer Robson Review by Caroline Wilson

Goodnight from London is the latest from Jennifer Robson, author of Moonlight Over Paris, Somewhere in France, and After the War Is Over . It’s the early days of World War II, and American journalist Ruby Sutton is seconded to London magazine Picture Weekly . She is on her own in the vast metropolis of London, but quickly acclimates and grows to love the city with the help of her new coworkers and her friend Captain Bennett. On her own since childhood, Ruby has learned to rely only on herself, but as the Blitzkrieg hits London, she tastes the triumphs and tragedies of friendship and love.

Inspired by the memoirs of her own grandmother, Robson once again excels at portraying a country at war. Ruby is a likeable if somewhat vanilla protagonist; she is easy to root for and sympathize with as the secrets of her childhood slowly unravel throughout the story. Robson’s novels are also well-researched without getting bogged down with extraneous details; the plot moves quickly even though it is fairly mundane in parts. The horrors suffered by Londoners during the many months of the Blitzkrieg are movingly portrayed. The addition of Ruby’s slow-blossoming relationship with Captain Bennett brings hope to an otherwise dismal landscape, and will appeal to romantics while not turning off those who are seeking mainstream historical fiction.

As the historical fiction market is flooded with World War II novels, readers can pick and choose amongst the worthy entries. Goodnight from London is well worth the read.

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Goodnight from london by jennifer robson.

by Redheadedgirl · Aug 19, 2017 at 6:11 pm · Leave a comment

Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson

Goodnight from London

by Jennifer Robson

Goodnight From London tells the story of Ruby Sutton, a journalist who is sent to London at the dawn of World War II to cover the war from the perspective of a young American woman. Once there, she endures the deprivations of war on the home front, the Blitz, sees the changes and horrors that the war causes in Britain, meets a man, falls in love, and all that good stuff.

Honestly, while this was a good read while I was reading it, in the end I found it curiously unsatisfying, and I spent about four days thinking about why.  First is that Ruby Sutton is a boring heroine. She has one big secret in her background, and a bunch of adversity she needed to fight through to get to her place in the world as a journalist. But once she got that job, everyone falls over themselves to help her, except for one and a half people. There  is very little that even mildly complicates her life.

Hell, she gets bombed out of her flat during the Blitz, and ends up safe and sound with rich friends, so other than, “well, my passport got blown up, that kinda sucks,” it barely causes a hiccup. Even when her Big Secret comes out, the complications get quietly washed away. And these are MAJOR complications! They should have had actual repercussions, and not have been neatly disposed of in half a chapter.

The romance is mostly conflictless: he’s got a weird job during the war so he’s in and out of London, but there’s barely any tension. The whole book is “Ruby wants to do something, people help her in doing that thing, Ruby worries that she’s not worthy of their help, people fall over themselves to assure her that she’s adored, rinse, repeat.”

The best parts of this book where the stories that Ruby went out to report on, like a field hospital in France, or the aftermath of the bombing of Coventry. Those parts were great. But all the interpersonal non-drama was a HUGE drag.

– Redheadedgirl

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.

Historical: European , Literary Fiction

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book review goodnight from london

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.

book review goodnight from london

Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson

  • Publication Date: May 2, 2017
  • Genres: Fiction , Historical Fiction
  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
  • ISBN-10: 0062389858
  • ISBN-13: 9780062389855

book review goodnight from london

Maggie Boyd

book review goodnight from london

Review: Goodnight from London

goodnight-from-london

I have been obsessively following along with Booksparks’ Summer Reading Challenge (#SRC17) and for participating in one of their weekly contests, I won a book! The book was Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson .

I was excited about this one because I really enjoy historical fiction novels, especially those about WWII.

This novel is based on experiences of the author, Jennifer Robson’s, own grandmother. 

The story started in 1940, when a young American journalist, Ruby Sutton, was asked to move over to London and cover the war, reporting for Picture Weekly .

When the bombing blitz happened, Ruby lost everything. With the help of her new coworkers and complete strangers, she got back on her feet and made a name for herself in London and in America.

I admire this woman. She was brave and curious. She chose to live in a dangerous place and tell the stories of those who had lost their home, their family, their pets.

There was a bit of a love story in this one, though, I found it awkward that it wasn’t really made clear between the two until near the end of the story. It could have used a little more tension and emotion.

If you’re in the mood for a lighter historical fiction story, I’d recommend this one.

Another thing to note is in the back of the book, there are a ton of resources. Robson shares what may have helped her learn more about the war. Great for history buffs looking for more books to add to your TBR list!

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I'm a northern Minnesota gal who loves long runs along Lake Superior followed by a large light roast and a stack of books. I'm in digital marketing by day, blogger by night. Always dreaming up my next adventure—whether that's in a book or across the globe.

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book review goodnight from london

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. ( From HarperCollins )

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book review goodnight from london

Book Review: Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson

Goodnight from London  isn't a book I would have picked up on my own accord, however, participating in Booksparks' Summer R...

book review goodnight from london

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Jennifer Robson

Goodnight from London: A Novel Hardcover – May 2 2017

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.

  • Print length 400 pages
  • Language English
  • Publisher William Morrow
  • Publication date May 2 2017
  • Dimensions 15.88 x 3.18 x 23.5 cm
  • ISBN-10 0062675575
  • ISBN-13 978-0062675576
  • See all details

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The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding

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From the back cover.

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. 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 tries 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.

About the Author

Jennifer Robson is the USA Today and #1 Toronto Globe & Mail bestselling author of Somewhere in France, After the War is Over and Moonlight Over Paris. She holds a doctorate from Saint Antony’s College, University of Oxford. She lives in Toronto with her husband and young children.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow (May 2 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062675575
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062675576
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 544 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.88 x 3.18 x 23.5 cm
  • #14,732 in Family Saga
  • #75,019 in Historical Fiction (Books)

About the author

Jennifer robson.

An academic by background, a former editor by profession, and a lifelong history nerd, I’m the author of seven novels set during and after the two world wars: Somewhere in France, After the War is Over, Moonlight Over Paris, Goodnight from London, The Gown, Our Darkest Night, and Coronation Year. I was also a contributor to the acclaimed anthology Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War.

I live in Toronto, Canada, with my husband and children, and share my home office with Bonnie the sheepdog and her feline companions Mika, Rachel and Obi.

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Goodnight from London

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.

“Enriched with authentic period detail, GOODNIGHT FROM LONDON is a fascinating, compelling tale of a determined young journalist in World War II London who not only observes but experiences firsthand the harrowing effects of the Blitz — and discovers love when she least expects it.”

—Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Fates and Traitors and Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

“GOODNIGHT FROM LONDON is another masterpiece by Jennifer Robson.”

—Joy Callaway, author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society

““GOODNIGHT FROM LONDON captures both the despair and the triumphant spirit of war-torn London through the eyes of Ruby Sutton, an American journalist, with precision and wit. Robson’s novel is an ode to the heroes of WWII, a touching love story, and a marvel.” — Fiona Davis, author of The Dollhouse ”

—Fiona Davis, author of The Dollhouse

“Jennifer Robson’s GOODNIGHT FROM LONDON is a beautifully written 'you are there!' novel. I was pulled right into the characters’ struggles, victories and catastrophes in World War II England and France. Every time we say ‘good book!’ I’ll be thinking of this inspiring story.”

—Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of The Royal Nanny

book review goodnight from london

Goodnight from London: A Novel

book review goodnight from london

$ 15.99

London in 1940 is far from safe, but it is a hotbed of news. Young staff writer Ruby Sutton is sent from her American-based weekly news magazine to the embattled city to send back glimpses of life in Britain and to write for a British weekly news magazine.

Over the course of the war Ruby’s entire life changes. Shortly after Ruby arrives in London with little more than a suitcase and a fresh start, the Blitz will claim all her worldly possessions. But the war will give her resolve, confidence, and friends who become family.

Told through snapshots of the war itself, Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson pulls the reader through the Blitz, the American entrance into the war, D-Day, and on to V-E Day. As a journalist, Ruby’s writings give the reader a different perspective of the trials of World War II as she crosses paths with everyday people and even the First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt. But as the uncertainty of war surrounds Ruby and her friends, she will also be forced to face personal tragedy and danger. Inspired by the author’s grandmother, Ms. Robson invites the reader to explore World War II from a new perspective.

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Goodnight from London: A Novel

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Jennifer Robson

Goodnight from London: A Novel Paperback – 15 Jun. 2017

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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.

  • Print length 400 pages
  • Language English
  • Publisher William Morrow Paperbacks
  • Publication date 15 Jun. 2017
  • Dimensions 13.49 x 2.29 x 20.32 cm
  • ISBN-10 0062389858
  • ISBN-13 978-0062389855
  • See all details

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“Goodnight from London is another masterpiece by Jennifer Robson.” — Joy Callaway, author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society

“Goodnight from London captures both the despair and the triumphant spirit of war-torn London through the eyes of Ruby Sutton, an American journalist, with precision and wit. Robson’s novel is an ode to the heroes of WWII, a touching love story, and a marvel.” — Fiona Davis, author of THE DOLLHOUSE

“Jennifer Robson’s Goodnight from London is a beautifully written “you are there!” novel. I was pulled right into the characters’ struggles, victories and catastrophes in World War II England and France. Every time we say ‘good book!’ I’ll be thinking of this inspiring story.” — Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of The Royal Nanny

“Enriched with authentic period detail, Goodnight from London is a fascinating, compelling tale of a determined young journalist in World War II London who not only observes but experiences firsthand the harrowing effects of the Blitz-and discovers love when she least expects it.” — Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Fates and Traitors and Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

“Historical fiction fans are in for a real treat with Goodnight from London. Jennifer Robson has created a remarkable heroine in Ruby Sutton, a young American journalist who arrives in London and finds her voice as well as a family and love during the heartbreak and devastation of the Blitz. This is a vivid, atmospheric portrait of the survival of love amidst the survival of war. This is my favorite of Robson’s books and I’ve loved them all!” — Renee Rosen, author of Windy City Blues

“… Robson manages the familiar elements skillfully, relying on a sharply detailed evocation of the Blitz through the fresh eyes of a young American and on characters who defy their types with just the right splash of individuality.” — Booklist

“Dedicated fans of World War II fiction will be surprised by new details about life during the Blitz that Robson presents here. Readers seeking history and romance will find plenty of both here.” — Library Journal

“This novel has everything that I want in a good historical fiction book... This is my favorite book by this author so far and I look forward to whatever she writes in the future.” — Girl Who Reads.com

From the Back Cover

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. 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 tries 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.

About the Author

Jennifer Robson is the Globe & Mail and Toronto Star number-one bestselling author of six novels, among them The Gown and Somewhere in France . She holds a doctorate in British history from the University of Oxford and lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and children.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow Paperbacks (15 Jun. 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062389858
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062389855
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.49 x 2.29 x 20.32 cm
  • 15,543 in War Story Fiction
  • 17,836 in Family Sagas
  • 42,574 in Adventure Stories & Action

About the author

Jennifer robson.

An academic by background, a former editor by profession, and a lifelong history nerd, I’m the author of seven novels set during and after the two world wars: Somewhere in France, After the War is Over, Moonlight Over Paris, Goodnight from London, The Gown, Our Darkest Night, and Coronation Year. I was also a contributor to the acclaimed anthology Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War.

I live in Toronto, Canada, with my husband and children, and share my home office with Bonnie the sheepdog and her feline companions Mika, Rachel and Obi.

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Nashville Book Review

Goodnight from London: A Novel

book review goodnight from london

$ 15.99

London in 1940 is far from safe, but it is a hotbed of news. Young staff writer Ruby Sutton is sent from her American-based weekly news magazine to the embattled city to send back glimpses of life in Britain and to write for a British weekly news magazine.

Over the course of the war Ruby’s entire life changes. Shortly after Ruby arrives in London with little more than a suitcase and a fresh start, the Blitz will claim all her worldly possessions. But the war will give her resolve, confidence, and friends who become family.

Told through snapshots of the war itself, Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson pulls the reader through the Blitz, the American entrance into the war, D-Day, and on to V-E Day. As a journalist, Ruby’s writings give the reader a different perspective of the trials of World War II as she crosses paths with everyday people and even the First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt. But as the uncertainty of war surrounds Ruby and her friends, she will also be forced to face personal tragedy and danger. Inspired by the author’s grandmother, Ms. Robson invites the reader to explore World War II from a new perspective.

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COMMENTS

  1. Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson

    7,505 ratings878 reviews. 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 ...

  2. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Goodnight from London: A Novel

    She meets a young British military man, Bennett, and their slowly developing love story, over a period of several years, adds another element to the story which I found engaging. The other characters in the book are varied, interesting and well-developed. I loved the book, and learned a lot about WW11 in the process of reading it.

  3. Review: Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson

    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. My Review: Reading this book gave me an unending earworm for the song "Wouldn't it be Loverly" from My Fair Lady. This is a bit odd in ...

  4. Goodnight from London

    Goodnight from London. Written by Jennifer Robson Review by Caroline Wilson. Goodnight from London is the latest from Jennifer Robson, author of Moonlight Over Paris, Somewhere in France, and After the War Is Over.It's the early days of World War II, and American journalist Ruby Sutton is seconded to London magazine Picture Weekly.She is on her own in the vast metropolis of London, but ...

  5. Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson

    Goodnight from London. by Jennifer Robson. Goodnight From London tells the story of Ruby Sutton, a journalist who is sent to London at the dawn of World War II to cover the war from the perspective of a young American woman. Once there, she endures the deprivations of war on the home front, the Blitz, sees the changes and horrors that the war causes in Britain, meets a man, falls in love, and ...

  6. Goodnight from London: A Novel

    Goodnight from London: A Novel. Paperback - May 2, 2017. 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 ...

  7. Goodnight from London

    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. Goodnight from London. by Jennifer Robson. Publication Date: May 2, 2017. Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction.

  8. Amazon.com: Goodnight from London: A Novel: 9780062670625: Robson

    The Amazon Book Review Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now. Frequently bought together. This item: Goodnight from London: A Novel . $24.00 $ 24. 00. ... Good Night from London was not only a well written, feel good love story, it was well researched and a very informative description of that period in ...

  9. Goodnight from London: A Novel

    Goodnight from London. : Jennifer Robson. HarperCollins, May 2, 2017 - Fiction - 400 pages. 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 ...

  10. Goodnight from London: A Novel : Robson, Jennifer: Amazon.ca: Books

    Goodnight from London - by Jennifer Robson Reviewed by Gail M. Murray Best-selling author, Jennifer Robson's latest offering, Goodnight from London, set in 1940's Britain during the Blitz, pays homage to her grandmother, journalist Nikki Moir. Nikki inspired the character of budding reporter, Ruby Sutton.

  11. Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson : All About Romance

    Goodnight from London is a women's fiction novel with strong romantic elements set in one of the most interesting periods of recent history. AAR staffers Maggie, Shannon and Keira were all eager to read it and are enthusiastic about sharing their thoughts regarding the book. MB: ... Review Date : May 6, 2017.

  12. Review: Goodnight from London

    I have been obsessively following along with Booksparks' Summer Reading Challenge (#SRC17) and for participating in one of their weekly contests, I won a book! The book was Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson. I was excited about this one because I really enjoy historical fiction novels, especially those about WWII. This novel is based

  13. Goodnight from London

    Jennifer Robson's historical novel Goodnight from London is a captivating and heartfelt story inspired in part by the wartime experiences of the author's own grandmother.

  14. Goodnight from London: A Novel|Paperback

    Editorial Reviews. Goodnight from London is another masterpiece by Jennifer Robson." — Joy Callaway, author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society "Goodnight from London captures both the despair and the triumphant spirit of war-torn London through the eyes of Ruby Sutton, an American journalist, with precision and wit.

  15. Book Review: Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson

    When I think of historical fiction, I think of something older women would read - not something I would read, however, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Goodnight from London. Brief synopsis :The novel is set during five years of World War II (1940-1945). Ruby is in her early-20s and is a staff writer for a weekly magazine in New ...

  16. Goodnight from London: A Novel Hardcover

    Paperback. $19.99 18 Used from $10.57 1 New from $19.99. Audio CD. $51.08 1 New from $51.08. 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 ...

  17. Goodnight from London

    Goodnight from London. 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.

  18. Goodnight from London: A Novel

    Told through snapshots of the war itself, Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson pulls the reader through the Blitz, the American entrance into the war, D-Day, and on to V-E Day. As a journalist, Ruby's writings give the reader a different perspective of the trials of World War II as she crosses paths with everyday people and even the First ...

  19. Goodnight from London: A Novel

    The Amazon Book Review Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now. Frequently bought together. This item: Goodnight from London: A Novel . $21.17 $ 21. 17. ... Good Night from London was not only a well written, feel good love story, it was well researched and a very informative description of that period in ...

  20. Goodnight from London: A Novel

    Goodnight from London: A Novel. Paperback - 15 Jun. 2017. 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 ...

  21. Goodnight from London: A Novel Kindle Edition

    Audio CD. $22.02 3 New from $22.02. 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 ...

  22. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Goodnight from London: A Novel

    Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Goodnight from London: A Novel at Amazon.com. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users.

  23. Goodnight from London: A Novel

    Told through snapshots of the war itself, Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson pulls the reader through the Blitz, the American entrance into the war, D-Day, and on to V-E Day. As a journalist, Ruby's writings give the reader a different perspective of the trials of World War II as she crosses paths with everyday people and even the First ...