Millie Bobby Brown's debut novel, 'Nineteen Steps' |
Millie Bobby Brown, known for her acting prowess in Netflix's Stranger Things and Enola Holmes, is set to make her debut as an author with her novel, "Nineteen Steps," The book is scheduled to be published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins, on September 12, 2023. The novel is inspired by true events in Brown's own family history and is a story of love, loss, and secrets, set against the backdrop of World War II.
Nineteen Steps follows the story of an amazing, courageous 18-year-old woman called Nellie Morris, who lives with her family in Bethnal Green, in London’s East End. In 1942, during the height of World War II, London is continuously under threat of enemy attack. In the Bethnal Green neighborhood, Nellie Morris feels fortunate to come out of the underground shelters unscathed every day, with her family by her side. Despite the ongoing war, Nellie tries to maintain some sense of normalcy through her job as an assistant to the mayor and spending nights at her favorite local pub with her best friend. However, everything changes when Nellie meets Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, and becomes intrigued by the possibility of a larger world beyond her daily routine.
As Nellie embraces her newfound life with Ray, a tragic incident during an air raid devastates her world. As the truth about that fateful night comes to light, Nellie must find a way to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. But just when all seems lost, Nellie learns that love and happiness can still conquer even the most difficult of situations.
The book draws inspiration from Brown's grandmother Ruth, who managed to survive the Bethnal Green Tube Disaster, The incident was the most disastrous for civilians during World War II, and it caused the most deaths. Brown expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to preserve her grandmother's experience, stating that she had grown up hearing stories about her life during the war and felt privileged to carry on her legacy.
According to Liz Stein, Executive Editor at HarperCollins Publishers, "Nineteen Steps" portrays the strength and courage found in family, friendship, and community, making it a heart-warming and heart-breaking novel about female resilience and the human spirit. Stein was moved by the haunting true tragedy at the core of the novel and enchanted by the unforgettable portrait of love during wartime.
Brown, who started her career at the young age of 9, has quickly risen to fame with her impressive acting skills. With Nineteen Steps, she ventures into the world of literature and joins a group of famous authors who are also celebrities. Fans of Brown and lovers of historical fiction alike can look forward to the release of Nineteen Steps this fall.