The Underground Library is a phenomenal book that really captured me as a reader. I love historical fiction and the ones set around books are even better. I read through this book so fast and loved every minute of it. Suggesting it as a buddy read so I can reread it over the summer.

This was such a lovely and heartwarming novel. I don’t think there’s a limit to the number of WWII novels I can read, especially when they’re about the heroism of a community of people, women especially. I loved the interwoven storylines of the main characters and the true events that were incorporated into the plot. This was just really enjoyable.

Wow! I was skeptical about another story about a European library during one of the World Wars, but I loved it! I did not know about the Bethnal Green Library or Juliet Lansdown, but I am glad that I do now!

I have decided to get the physical copy of the book and read it at a later point. I will be reviewing this at a later date.

I admit that I have read so many books set in World War II that I am a skeptic whenever a new one comes out. That said, I loved this book. The characters are well drawn and having finished the book, I find myself wishing I were still reading it, because I miss them.
The story gives color to the facts of war. Women join the workforce because the men are off fighting. Romances are condensed, rushed, and focused. The main character, Juliet, is an ambitious young woman from a well-off family who only wish for her to marry well, Juliet loves books though, and is thrilled to find a position at the Bethnal Green Library in London, at the beginning of the Blitz. She is full of ideas, which are not received well by the men in charge. Operating with some subterfuge, Juliet enlists the assistance of woman in the community…all wonderful characters themselves, to implement her ideas.
Then the library is bombed, and thus begins the underground library.
This is a wonderful story for anyone who loves books, libraries, and women with their own mind. While it is reminiscent of The Paris Library, by Janet Charles, (another good book!) this book is different in spirit and the setting of London is unique and endearing. Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House for the review copy. This book releases March 12, 2024.

I know that this is the kind of book derided as "emotional" women's fiction, but I don't even care. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it, from the descriptions of the Blitz to the relationships between the women (and men!). It's such an outstanding example of the women's World War II genre. I think the tone of the book is thoroughly enjoyable and I can think of at least a dozen people to recommend it to--without thinking very hard.

Well researched historical fiction but somewhat a hard to get into start, by the end I was invested. I wish some of the characters were a bit more developed. Overall would read again and recommend to those who devour historical fiction.

"Underground Library" is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of literature, community, and resilience in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel follows the journey of Juliet Lansdown, Katie Upwood, and Sofie Baumann as they navigate personal challenges while striving to preserve the heart of their neighborhood - the Bethnal Green Library.

Jennifer Ryan skillfully crafts a narrative the intertwines the lives of these three dynamic women, each facing their own struggles and seeking solace within the walls of the library. Juliet's determination to revitalize the library despite facing gender biases, Katie's grief and secrets following the loss of her beau, and Sofie's quest for safety and family amidst the chaos of war, create a compelling tapestry of interconnected stories.

As the bombs rain down on London, and tragedy strikes close to home, the library becomes more than just a repository of books. It transforms into a beacon of hope and refuge for the community. The decision to relocate the library to the Underground station showcases the resilience and ingenuity of its caretakers, who refuse to let adversity extinguish knowledge and connection.

Overall, "Underground Library" is captivating from the beginning to end. With its blend of historical intrigue, heartfelt storytelling, and themes of hope and resilience, it leaves a lasting impression on readers long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy for an honest review. #NetGalley #UndergroundLibrary #JenniferRyan

This is a book lover’s book. Based on the real Bethnal Green Library which opened in 1922 and by necessity was moved underground during the London Blitz in WWII providing a place of sanctuary for so many people.
The author has captured the fear and horror of bombs dropping overhead and people scrambling for cover but she has also captured the sense of companionship, friendships and strangers helping one another in times of dire need. Something we could use more of today.
We are introduced to the private lives of many of the people that made use of the underground library, and I can assure you they all have interesting stories to tell. Our main characters Katie, Sofie and Juliet are portrayed very convincingly, but you will be hard pressed not to become involved in the heartbreaks and triumphs of all these people.
If you love books and believe libraries are special this is the book for you:

This beautifully written historic fiction takes place during WWII following 3 young women in London all with very different circumstances. We follow Juliet who was hired on to be deputy librarian she cannot wait to create a reading group and get people interested in the library. Through her we also meet and follow Katie who is a young woman who finds herself pregnant with the father at war and no news from him. We also follow Sofie who was a Jewish immigrant who moved to London on a servant visa and finds herself stuck carrying for a miserly old man. We follow these women as they come together to form a family and care for one another throughout the struggles of the war.
This is my first book by Jennifer Ryan and I really enjoyed it. The writing was entertaining and fast paced for a slice of life historic fiction. The characters in this book were so well fleshed out that I really cared what happened to these characters. The story was based on some truth that the author goes into at the end of the novel and it really made me want to pick up more from this author and time frame. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

For the last few years, I had been burned out on WWII fiction. I read so much of it, that nothing seemed untold to me at this point. Then I read The Underground Library. I loved the story of saving books and how books were an escape during horrible times. Coincidentally, my daughter had just been telling me about something that happened to a train station during this time. This even happened in the book, which surprised me. What are the odds?

I'm thankful I decided to read this book. Jennifer Ryan gave me a story I didn't know and characters to love. This WII fiction is a story worth reading.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book takes place during the London Blitz. A terrifying time for the city as bombs were dropped on civilians. This story follows 3 women during that time with different paths all of which thread into each other to form an underground library in the railway tubes they shelter in every night.
“ she grasped the true and immense power of books, how they could transcend time and speak to an inner voice”

I enjoyed this story and reading of the resilience of women and how important it is to find friendship during difficult times.
This story had heartbreak and loss but it also had love found and friendships for a lifetime.

The storylines are a bit too cleanly wrapped up for a WW2 novel, but it did keep me interested through the end. An easy read if you’re just looking for a quick distraction. Not much depth.

"The Underground Library" by Jennifer Ryan not only celebrates the resilience of women during WWII but also highlights the magic of libraries and books. Amidst the turmoil of war, death and destruction, the library becomes a sanctuary, offering solace and escape to its patrons capturing the Blitz spirit. Ryan skillfully intertwines the power of literature with the strength of female bonds, creating a narrative that is both enchanting and empowering. While the pacing may falter at times, the overarching themes of hope and human connection shine through, making this a captivating read for fans of historical fiction.

The narrative is full of likable and memorable charters, some of my favourites are, Juliet, Katie, Sofie, Mrs. Ottley, Sebastian, Marigold, Mac, and sister's Dorothy and Irene Ridley. Reading provided comfort, an escape and brought people and the community together. Five stars from me, I highly recommend The Underground Library and the author's previous book The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming World War II story of three women in different circumstances whose paths cross in London during the Blitz. I loved the bookish setting as they all meet working at a library and the story of how books and stories bring people together and give hope during difficult times.

I love how Ryan does such a good job using the war as a backdrop and setting for the story, but much like some of her other books, the real story is about powerful women and female friendship. The stories of how people came together and found ways to find joy and lift morale in the underground during bombings actually reminded me a lot of the early days of Covid and the ways people found fun and creative ways to life each other’s spirits while socially distancing. While the circumstances were completely different, the human experience was relatable.

I really enjoyed this book and will definitely keep reading more from this author. I definitely recommend to fans of historical fiction and stories about female friendship.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. *

I've been eager to read this book for a while, but my work and school have kept me from doing so. The Underground Library is the first book I've read by Jennifer Ryan, though I've heard of the author before. The title and cover caught my attention since I love stories about books. I was intrigued by the title and couldn't wait to explore its story. After only a few pages, I knew I would love this story. I read it every chance I got. Even when I wasn’t reading it, I thought about it and wondered what would happen next.

I enjoyed reading the story from three different perspectives, which allowed me to get to know each character better. I loved every character and could not choose a favorite. However, I loved Juliet, and I think that of all the characters in the book, she had the most character development. Juliet had done so much for the library, especially after the bombing. I love that the library was created as a shelter for people to escape the war. Juliet wasn't the only impactful character. I also loved Sofie, Katie, Mrs. Ottley, Sebastian, Mac, Dorothy, and Irene. I still think about the story occasionally; I can't get enough of it.

The vivid descriptions and emotions in this book transported me into its world. The book had a few slow parts, mostly at the beginning when the characters were being introduced, but it picked up quickly. I loved the plot and characters and would highly recommend it to any historical fiction fans.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for generously providing me with the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of "The Underground Library" by Jennifer Ryan.

"The Underground Library" presents a unique twist on the conventional World War II historical fiction. It is a story of a library compelled to relocate to the London Underground amidst the bombings of the Blitz. There are three protagonists: a librarian who moves from the peaceful countryside to work as a Deputy librarian, a local Londoner employed at the library, and a Jewish refugee fleeing the horrors of Germany and working in the surrounding neighborhood.

Each character navigates their own unique trials and fate brings them together with the library as the backdrop. Through their struggles, they forge bonds of friendship. I loved many of the side characters the author includes as well.

The story is well told and fast paced. The conclusion offers a satisfying (and likely unrealistic) resolution.

Title: The Underground Library
Author: Jennifer Ryan
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

When new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn't the bustling hub she's expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to the task of running it, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her?

Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she's only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help.

Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her abominably. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe.

When a slew of bombs destroy the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the city's residents shelter nightly, determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their community. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever?

This was a lovely read! I love World War II historical fiction, strong female characters, and books, so this hit a lot of high notes for me. I loved Juliet and Sofie’s points-of-view, although Juliet was a bit too gullible for me. Sofie was such a strong person, and I loved her journey. Katie’s naïveté was…a lot. I can’t imagine feeling so powerless and helpless, though, and it was lovely to see her grow.

Jennifer Ryan grew up in England. The Underground Library is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Random House/Ballantine in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 4/3.)

A wonderful uplifting story of three women from different backgrounds that find themselves in London, England during the Blitz of 1940. Each one comes with their own baggage, but navigates the difficulties of the time with dedication and aplomb. Based on the true story of the Bethnal Green underground station, it is a story of trials and tribulations, but shows the dedication of the human spirit. Each character grows immensely. But it is also what happens when a library is moved underground and what a community’ can do in the face of adversity. The author does a suburb job of character development. The book flows quickly. A not to be missed read.