The Underground Library proves you didn't have to be on the front lines to suffer the horrors of war (or even be in Nazi strongholds like Germany or Poland). When a bomb destroys the Bethnal Green library deputy librarian Juliet moves stacks of books to the London underground tube stations where residents sought refuge during raids. The tunnels are the heart of the novel- where friendships are forged, love is found, lives take unexpected turns- and is the true embodiment of the "Blitz Spirit." Based on actual events, The Underground Library is filled with characters overflowing in strength and resolve, especially Juliet, who fights not just the Nazi's, but the patriarchal system that doesn't "allow" women in high ranking library positions. There are many novels with graphic descriptions of the atrocities done by Hitler's Regime- The Underground Library is not heavy on these but instead focuses on the ordinary citizens who came together to not just survive but thrive, as buildings literally collapsed around them. It is a triumph of a novel about the triumph of good in the face of unspeakable evil.

What a wonderful read! The author expertly weaves the horrible conditions of the London blitzes into a heartwarming novel about a diverse community of friends and family with one common goal - togetherness in the name of the Bethel Green Underground Library. The reader follows the different characters from those shocked by what is happening above the ground - sirens, raids, destruction, relationships - to their transformation of love, friendship, protection of one another in the underground tunnels of the city. This is also a story of the power of women who look out for their community but also bring the library (and the school) to life making it a haven of escape from the war.

I highly recommend!

This book was so enlightening! Never knew about the underground library. The telling of this story made you feel like you were there. Courageous people who I knew nothing about until this wonderful book

Centered in WWII, this is the story about how books connect us and save us in many ways. This is a three perspective story about a librarian in London, a left behind young lady that just sent her boyfriend off to fight, and a young Jewish refugee that is struggling to survive in London during the Blitz. Each character has struggles that are faced and where books play an integral role in overcoming those struggles. A beautifully written novel with much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

“the underground library” is a historical novel set during the beginning of ww2 in london, and follows the lives of 3 young women who first cross paths in the bethnal green library.

first i need to say that i honestly have no idea why i requested this book on netgalley… i’m not a huge fan of historical chick lit, so who knows why this one caught my fancy. well it did and i read it! there’s not much i can say in favor of this book. i’m sure the grisly details of the war were accurate, but it seemed like other details were given much less scrutiny. i mean, one of the characters mentions “the chronicles of narnia,” the first of which came out in 1950. for those of you who can’t keep up, that is actually AFTER ww2! it’s small details like these that put a bit of a sour taste in my mouth while reading.

i also found that the characters, their ordeals, and their conversations with others, were incredibly one-dimensional and unconvincing. to be clear, i am NOT saying i believe that the things they went through were one-dimensional and unconvincing — what i mean is, the writing lacked depth and heart. i didn’t particularly care about the story and honestly, around the 30% mark, i started skimming. there were some heartwarming scenes, and i appreciated the scenes that had less to do with the characters and more to do with descriptions of living conditions in london at the time. for these reasons i will give this book a 2/5 instead of 1/5. but it was close!

I give this 5*. If you loved the popular series Downton Abbey and/or Call the Midwife, I highly suggest this book. Each chapter in the book follows three main female characters, Sofie who becomes a maid to an extremely harsh man, Juliet who becomes a deputy librarian and fights hard to keep the library open, and Katie who also works as a librarian. Based on the true happenings of Germany bombing London, people took shelter in underground stations. I really enjoyed the historical findings in the book also each girls story was wrapped up neatly in the end and I love that. I definitely will continue to read Jennifer Ryan's book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Ryan and Ballantine Books for allowing me this arc e-version in exchange for an honest review.

This is story tells the tale of the 3 tenacious women brought together by a library in Bethnal Green, London during the WWII era. Determined to save the library, the culture and the spirit despite the constant air raids, Juliet sets out to move it all underground, as the tube stations are used as bomb shelters.

This story is based on true events and weaves in some heartfelt and extraordinary side stories and characters. I was very pleasantly surprised by the romance subplots and found it all incredibly uplifting in such a book tackling such heavy topics. I loved the characters and the development of each. This book is packed full of historical knowledge as well as important life lessons. I truly enjoyed this book

It is always hit or miss taking on a WWII novel as to whether or not there is something new to learn, so I was really glad to finish The Underground Library and find that there was, yet again, more to learn about this time period. The story centers around three women during the London Blitz: A librarian, receptionist, and maid for the library. Based on a true story, albeit with some major changes to the story, it discusses when people began using the underground train stations as shelters, creating an underground community that included a library, and the three women from different backgrounds who made it happen. The author does a great job transporting the reader to the time period, and presenting the main character's dilemmas and outcomes. This is a book I think book clubs will enjoy.

The Underground Library was an easy reading book. The story, takes place during the Nazi Blitz, tells about three women who were able to escape to London during the war. Juliet, Sophie and Kate find they have to make new lives during the bombings where they end up working together. The Bethnal Library is the center of the story as the bombings in London bring the community together in the underground tubes where the community escapes during the nightly bombings.

Jennifer Ryan tells her aspect based on a true story with some twists and turns. I am not a WW reader basically, but found this interesting as I always like to learn about peoples lives and times in different parts of the world.

I would recommend this book if you like historical readings. Thank you to NetGalley for the kindle edition to review this advanced copy.

I’m so glad I got a chance to read this book. This is my second red from this author and I loved it as much as the first. I’ve read a den watched a LOT of WW2 historical fiction and this is the first time I’ve heard about a particular location. No spoilers! So that’s a win in my book. I’m a sucker for a happy ending. This one felt almost unbelievable considering the subject matter. However, it didn’t bother me a bit. Sometimes you just need everything to work out ok.

I learned so much about life in the Underground during the Blitz. Ryan based her book on many factual events and created an historical read while also developing so many strong female characters in the novel. In addition, we have romance, family drama, and the importance of friendship. I think many readers will find this a thought- provoking book since it attests to the power of reading- what it can do for us. Regardless of bombings, floods, and nay-sayers, Juliet perseveres to make books accessible, and they bring comfort and a sense of normalcy to people whose world has been upended.

Thank you to NetGallery and Random House/Ballantine for an advanced digital copy in exchange for sharing my honest opinions.

Generally speaking, WWII Historical Fiction can do no wrong in my book. The Underground Library benefits from taking place in London which simply offers a different perspective than all the stories I've read that take place in Germany or France. I feel silly that I went into things not realizing this was the story of a *literal* underground library, as in... a story about a library in the Underground! I loved the additional author notes on the history and it led me to an internet research deep dive which is precisely why I love historical fiction so much. If I had to criticize (without posting spoilers) I was not satisfied by how everything tied up in the end. We get solid conclusions to everyone's story but they lack authenticity, given the hardships of the time. Regardless, it was well worth the read!

I found "The Underground Library" to be a compelling piece of historical fiction. The author's meticulous research shines through in the narrative, which authentically portrays the realities of life during World War II in London, England. The focus on the underground library in Bethnal Green, forced to relocate to a tube station due to bombings, highlights the resilience and unity of the community during wartime. The story beautifully captures the challenges faced by women who stepped up to take on new roles and responsibilities in the absence of men fighting in the war, showcasing their strength and determination.

I recommend reading the author's note at the end of the book, which provides valuable insights into the origins of the story and the historical accuracy woven into the narrative. This book is a poignant exploration of wartime struggles and the power of community support amidst adversity. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced e-reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful WW2 story set in England. A story of 3 strong women during a very difficult time working to help others. The Author's writing was beautiful in the way each of the women's stories were told. In the 1940's difficult subjects were touched and told with such poise and strength. Will definitely be reading more by Jennifer Ryan. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

Jennifer Ryan is an auto - read author for me! Her novels pull me in strait away and keep my attention until the ending. I love WWII historical fiction, books about books / libraries and women main characters so The Underground Library was an all around win for me!

I’ve wanted to read a Jennifer Ryan novel since I added her debut The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir (and her subsequent books) to my TBR shelves. I’m happy The Underground Library was her first book I read.

This World War II story set in London during the Blitz is told from the points of view of three young women working in London’s East End:

- Juliet, a librarian newly transferred to London and the Bethnal Green Library
- Katie, a library employee who plans to attend university in the fall
- Sofie, a Jewish refugee who fled Germany alone

Through them, Ms. Ryan describes everyday life before and during the midnight bombing raids when thousands of citizens sheltered in an underground train station. After the library was badly damaged, the books and shelves were relocated to the shelter as an important resource for its nightly residents. None of the women’s lives unfold as they expect, and society’s conventions of the time impact their options and choices.

The plot has a relatively large cast of characters that I was able to track since most were well formed and memorable, even the “villains.” I appreciated the themes of intergenerational friendship and found family, two of my favorites. The variety in the main characters’ backgrounds provided a three-dimensional perspective of this time in history.

I was first introduced to the actual history of the Bethnal Green Library in the underground tube station by reading the 2023 novel The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson. Each author has her own storytelling style, but I found they complimented each other to give a full picture of this wartime phenomenon.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the advanced review copy of this book. I enjoy Ms. Ryan’s writing style and am eager to read her backlist titles.

A beautiful novel about the somewhat unlikely friendship that develops between Juliet, Katie, and Sofie. Chapters are focused on one of them. Each of them is in a different and to varying degrees difficult situation when they find themselves united by the Bethnal Green Library when they all meet in London. Sofie has immigrated from Germany, and Juliet and Katie both have fiances who went to fight in the war. All of them either have terrible bosses or a father telling them what to do.
When the Blitz bombings start, they all end up sheltering in the underground station. The library is bombed, and then what is left moves to the station as well. The women, along with others from the neighborhood, create community and welcome distractions through readings, book club, and other programs.
The women go through many of the horrors of war, and the real fears, but they are able to be hopeful because of their friendships and community. While the book is set in a serious and difficult time, I found it hopeful and ultimately positive.

Based on true events during World War II, air raids started hitting Bethnal Green, residents began fleeing to the train tunnels, underground. The library’s new deputy librarian, Juliet, started bringing books to tunnels to share with others to pass the time. But one night, their library was bombed and much of it was destroyed. Saving what she could, Juliet moved shelves of books to a tunnel and started The Underground Library. With the help of Sofie, a Jewish refugee from Berlin, and Katie, a library employee, Juliet tries to revive the library and the community that comes with and supports it.

The story alternates between Juliet, Katie, and Sofie’s perspectives and follow their individual stories of breaking social norms, navigating relationships, and new friendships.

This wasn’t my normal genre but I loved the strong women and heartwarming friendships they make within their library community. I didn’t realize until the very end that it is based on true events. The details throughout the entire book are vivid and I could easily see it play out as a movie. The time and research the author put into writing the book is palpable.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This book has all the good things: A book about a library. About people who love books. Saving books during the London Blitz. People who come together around this makeshift underground library and form a community despite the dangers of war. Of course I wanted to read this one! And it checked all the boxes – heartwarming, friendships, historical fiction, books and book lovers, a bit of romance, and based on actual events.

Many of the characters were endearing, engaging, and resourceful. Main plot, sub plots, and all threads tied up happily at the end. A satisfying, well-researched read that left me more knowledgeable about this time period and wartime in London. And I appreciated how the characters expressed their love of books throughout the novel.

I enjoyed and agreed with so many comments of the characters expressing their thoughts about books and libraries and their importance in their lives. Here are a few quotes:
“To Juliet, a library was more than just a repository for books. It was a spiritual and intellectual adventure, a place to delve into the rich treasure trove of life.” She explains to a friend: “To me books are like old friends, telling us great truths, holding our hands through the difficulties, showing us light and joy at the end of every tunnel. Sometimes all I need is to see my battered copy of Pride and Prejudice to know that the characters are there inside me, warming my spirit, telling me to live life on my own terms, comforting me that everything will be all right in the end. Books are the only thing that keep me going, a kind of home inside my heart.”

I loved the way author Jennifer Ryan was able to show how the books, and the underground library, had created a community during this extremely stressful and dangerous time. Friendships and romances were formed, families were reunited, and people developed courage and strength – all from the books and the library.

After I began reading “The Underground Library” I noticed this novel’s premise of Bethnal Green Library being bombed and relocating to the nearby underground tube station was the same as "The Little Wartime Library" by Kate Thompson but with a different fictional deputy librarian and a new cast of readers and volunteers. They’re each great novels, different enough that they complement one another, and you’ll be glad you read them both!

I loved this feel-good story! Another book in the crowded field of WWII fiction but this book was engaging from the first page. A library in London in 1940 is bombed and the deputy director, a woman named Juliet, takes charge and moves it to the underground where families retreat every evening during the bombing. The library becomes a lifeline and source of hope for these families, but even more so for the women who are responsible for running the library. One by one, their stories unfold, each facing their own hardship during this difficult time in history. Along the way, they find solace in their new library friends who help them along their journey. This book is like a warm hug -- I loved it!