Waite Clayton's pre-World War II-era story is an emotional and harrowing depiction of the Kindertransports that carried thousands of children out of Nazi-occupied Europe, and of the one brave woman who helped them escape to safety.
The Last Train to London is an illumination of an unsung hero from an actual historical event. Tante Truss, as she is known, is a fierce and brave woman that constantly risks her life to save as many innocent children as she can.
This story is a deep, slow burn with a lot of characters to keep track of and ultimately readers may find themselves disconnected. Written in short chapters and voiced by a number of characters, Waite Clayton frequently loses any momentum which is why the story doesn't gain traction until about two thirds of the way through. The narrators are not omniscient and because there are multiple viewpoints offered, there is a lot of context given to create the much bigger picture that is going on.
What is most moving is that this book is about the profoundness of kindness, and for standing up for what you believe in—for the good and for what's right. This is a timely message as the world needs more empathy, love, and goodness right now.
The Last Train to London is a beautifully written and captivating read.
MEG WAITE CLAYTON is a New York Times bestselling author of The Wednesday Daughters, The Four Ms. Bradwells, The Wednesday Sisters, and The Language of Light. Her books have been published in six languages.
Waite Clayton was born in Washington D.C. and now resides in Palo Alto, California with her family.
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