Nineteen steps

In actress Millie Bobby Brown's captivating literary debut, Nineteen Steps tells an epic story of desire, loss, and secrets inspired by the author's family and based on true events during World War II.

London, 1942. While World War II continues in full swing across continental Europe, the English capital lives under the constant threat of aerial bombardment from Nazi Germany. Yet, in the Bethnal Green neighborhood, every time she emerges unharmed from the underground shelter with her beloved family, Nellie Morris considers herself a lucky girl.

After three years of war, the 18-year-old is grateful to maintain certain aspects of normality in her routine: her family, her job as the mayor's assistant, and nights at the pub with her best friends. However, she wants much more than living in a small London district. And that's why, after bumping into Ray, an American airman stationed at a base in a nearby city, her desire to see the world grows even stronger.

But just as Nellie begins to experience a new and exciting life with Ray, a terrible accident occurs one night during an air raid, with catastrophic consequences. However, when it seems all hope is lost, she discovers that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph.

Nineteen Steps is a moving and enchanting book inspired by the author's family. In this epic story of desire, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown's literary debut introduces us to an unforgettable and courageous young woman who boldly portrays the power of love.

"There is no healing without remembrance, and there is no remembrance without stories. So thank you, Ruth, grandmother of Millie Bobby Brown, who survived the crush, for telling your granddaughter her story... You may open the pages of Nineteen Steps because of the celebrity author, but you'll keep reading because of the story of a little-remembered event from World War II." — The New York Times

“Millie doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war in her coming-of-age story, exploring love, loss, and courage in a bold and moving way.” — Entertainment Weekly

"A courageous portrait of Nellie, her family, and her friends as they struggle to survive and find happiness in a world of madness. Millie Bobby Brown's grandmother would no doubt be proud." — Associated Press