This historical novel, set in London leading up to and including WWII, is a celebration of the power of libraries. Through the description of the development of friendship among three women, the author tells a heartening story of resilience, support, and spunkiness. Their different situations -- a deputy librarian, a Jewish refugee, and a beginning student -- provide material for understanding the effects of war and fear and deprivation on women in particular. The library they created for the underground shelters, in order to sustain Londoners during the Blitz bombings will interest bibliophiles and librarians.

The Underground Library follows several women who are experiences different types of challenges during the early days of WWII in London. A librarian, elderly sisters, a Jewish refugee, and a young unwed mother. I love how the author brings to light little known historical events through lovely fictional characters.

Set in London during WWII, The Underground Library follows three young women and their community trying to shelter and survive The Blitz.

Sometimes when I read stories with multiple povs I find myself enjoying one pov more than the others and will want to skip the less desirable chapters. I genuinely enjoyed the stories of Juliet, Sofie and Katie. They all had their own experiences and their friendships made them all intertwine perfectly! I loved this book. 5 stars! '

This story is set in London where three young women - Sofie, Katie, and
Julie - share their stories of their lives as the war has begun. They meet at the Library, which opened in October of 1922, but it isn’t long before the German bombs destroy the roof of the library, and when they are forced to seek shelter underground, they decide to bring the library underground, as well.

This novel is an ode to books, libraries, and librarians, as well as a story that shares the hardships of the times, the toll it took on everyone, as well as the willingness to step outside of their comfort zones and help one another, while also covering some of the issues of the times, and what some people had to endure. Worrying about their loved ones who were soldiers fighting against Germany, especially as the war made communication between them and their families impossible in many cases.

If you're interested, there is a photo online of some of the people who were among those seeking shelter underground:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...


Pub Date: 12 Mar 2024

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books

3.5 stars, rounded down
I always feel like it’s a bit of a crap shoot whether to take on one more WWII fiction. Is there anything left to learn? Will I feel it’s all been done before? But Jennifer Ryan has once again crafted an historical fiction with characters I quickly came to care about. The story is from the perspective of three young women during the London Blitz. Juliet has just accepted the job of deputy librarian at the Bethnal Green Library. Katie is the young receptionist at the library. And Sophie is a German Jew who has managed to get a visa to work as a maid in the neighborhood. Each woman has her own issues beyond the horrors of the Blitz. When the library is bombed, the women band together to save what books they can to the tube station.
Ryan manages to convey the day to day life of London at war - the nights spent in the underground stations, the ambulance corps, the smells and pervasive smoke and dust, the rations and food shortages. She does an equally impressive job with the big moments - bombs crashing into the library and the tube station. I was impressed to learn facts I hadn’t known before, especially concerning the British internment camps on the Isle of Man for foreigners, including European Jews.
At times the book veers into soap opera territory and it was equal parts romance to meaningful historical story. And I felt the ending was a little too “happily ever after”. But yet, the story did draw me in, mainly because of the characters. Based on a true story, albeit with some major changes to the story.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.

It is so enlightening when an author shares a lesser known aspect of history in their work. Jennifer Ryan has done just that in her book. In London during the bombing by the Germans, residents sought shelter in the underground stations. What may not be as well known is that a sort of culture of familiarity and comfort evolved amongst those who sought refuge night after night.
The Underground Library tells the story of a group of women who forge strong bonds of caring and support during this time. Juliet, the assistant librarian from the Bethnal Green Library, brings books into the underground for citizens to read and listen to so they can have some normalcy while gathered together as the bombs fell. After her actual library is destroyed by bombs, she sets up a makeshift library in the underground, with the help of several other women, including Sofie, a Jewish refugee, Katie, a girl with college in her future, and a few more established and supportive women from the community. They all form an unbreakable bond, and help each other through their common and individual joys and challenges during these times. The characters are easy to come to know and care for and the resolutions of their problems are really satisfying. I very much enjoyed this book.

This story follows strong young ladies, mature women and kids during a time when war planes descended on London. Trying to find safety meant many began to sleep in the underground tunnels of London’s train system. The theme is historical fiction in a horrific period of time and it did bring me to tears a few times. Yet there was also hope and joy, love and forgiveness, strong female protagonists, even new beginnings and new life. I learned parts of history in an unfamiliar setting and gained new insights. I loved reading about all the women and became completely invested in their fate.
The significant theme that resonated with me was the power of books to get us through even the worst of times. What a privilege it is to read what we choose to and what a tragedy when anyone attempts to deny us that right. The book reminded me of how books let us preserve history, save culture, languages, lose ourselves in romance, fantasy, suspense or self-help. Books have always been part of my life and I’m grateful for them. This was an author I’d not read previously and I’m happy to have discovered her.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “The Underground Library” by Jennifer Ryan, published by Random House, Ballantine Books, expected publication 03/12/2024. These are always my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

3.5 STARS

Juliet Lansdown arrives in war torn London to take up the position of deputy librarian at the Bethnal Green Library. The head librarian is a stodgy old fellow who does not take kindly to Juliet’s ideas for improving their patronage so she must find a work around. Juliet decided to go to London from her country village after her fiancé went missing from the Dunkirk front. Juliet also becomes a volunteer ambulance driver to help the war effort.

Katie Upwood is working at the library during the summer until she goes to university which is a newly won privilege for women of her time with so many men away at war including her boyfriend who turns out to be missing in action. Katie soon realizes that she is in trouble knowing that her family will all but turn her out.

Sofie Bauman is a Jewish refugee who barely escaped Berlin with her life and now works as a maid for a terribly abusive man who constantly threatens her with deportment. Sofie left her family behind and is desperate to discover if her sister and father made it out as well.

All three women come together not only as a support group but to facilitate the library in London’s Underground tube station after the library is bombed during a German air raid. The bombings become almost a nightly occurrence forcing the whole community to relocate below the streets to avoid the deadly destruction. Juliet, Katie, and Sofie have angst filled life issues to deal with as well besides the stress and strain of living in a war zone.

The resilience of people during this difficult time as well as horrific treatment of the Jews by the Nazis is highlighted in the story which is based on true events regarding the bombing of the Bethnal Green Library. The author has done extensive research on those who lived the Blitz Spirit way of life including that of her grandmother. There are parts of the story that are predictable with more happy resolutions than one would expect from a work of this type; however, readers of Ms. Ryan’s other works will likely enjoy this latest addition.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book..I loved the author's previous books especially the Wedding Dress Sewing Circle. This is another historical fiction story set during the time of the London Blitz, a time in history I havent specifically read much about. We have 3 POV of 3 women during this time, all going thru different struggles with family, love, life, war, death, pregnancies. The title comes from the Bethnal Green Library which was moved to the underground bomb shelters to keep the library alive, and how books comforted people during this horrible time in history. I loved the strong female characters and reading their struggles. I never knew the story of this library so I found that fascinating. Be sure to read the author's afterword also as that adds more details and perspective. Definitely recommend this book!

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through NetGalley.
The premise drew me in as this is a period/topic I like to read about. Ryan uses three narrators to tell the story in alternating chapters. These three women represent distinct viewpoints during World War II as they all meet and survive during the Blitz. We first meet Sofie as she is sent from Berlin to escape the Nazi regime. As a young Jewish girl, this may be her only way to survive. Readers make the journey with her and watch her deal with challenges and mature into a young woman as the book unfolds. Next, we meet Juliet, a British young woman who has taken a job as a Deputy Librarian at a London library. She is an example of the young women who have lost someone in the war and who must find their own way. Her family background stands as opposite Sofie's as her parents were cold and uncaring and lived in a rural area. The final narrator is Katie, and she comes from a more upper class environment. All three grow throughout the book but still remain a bit one dimensional by the end.
I'm glad I read the entire book as the story picks up a third of the way through. Once the characters are finally established, the action moves forward. Yes, Ryan takes liberties with history and that is frustrating but the underground scenes still offer readers a view of what it was like to establish a new normal during this time.

Story told from events that threatened every war torn nation and community. Saving the library an important task, yet so difficult if materials are banned, burned and otherwise confiscated.

Three strong women doing more than their best to keep the spirit alive.

I recommend this book when you are looking for a story to touch your heart!

A solid 4 stars for a heartwarming historical fiction book set in WWII London, England. This book is based on a historical incident of a library that was bombed and reborn as an Underground library in the subway tunnel. There are 3 women, Sofie, Katie and Juliet who are the focus of the book. The book is set up with rotating chapters between each woman.
Juliet is the Deputy Bethnal Green librarian.
Sofie is a German Jewish refugee.
Katie is pregnant and single.
#TheUndergroundLibrary #NetGalley
One quote on the power of books: "How they could transcend time and speak to an inner voice."
Thanks to Megan Whalen at Random House for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

World War Two is always a hard sell for me with historical fiction because I have read so many books set during that time so I was cautiously optimistic about this book and while this book was a different view of the war, it still ended up falling a little short for me.

I think a lot of people will love this book and it isn’t bad. The story just felt a little more light hearted than I would have wanted. The main characters are extremely likeable and the writing and pace is well done. I know a lot of people I would recommend this book to and I think this is a book that would make a great book club book. It just wasn’t amazing for me.

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan is a historical fiction focused on the entwined lives of three young women during World War III. As the Blitz begins in London, the city is systematically bombed and people must seek safer shelter for themselves and their children, including in the underground subway station. The tale represents friendship, determination, and hope amid tragedy as the three women pull together to protect the literary world from destruction.

I personally thought the premise was stunning and instantly grabbed my attention. The description of the environment and all the people that surrounded the main characters was incredible; however, I had trouble getting into the pace of the story and did not feel very connected to the main characters. I enjoyed the positivity throughout the story, despite being in such a dark time period, but at times it did feel like a little too much and in turn the story ultimately lacked suspense. The Underground Library was not necessarily my cup of tea, but I can see some historical fiction/WW2 genre readers enjoying this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing me with an early copy to read and review.

A lovely historical fiction novel intertwining stories of several women during the Blitz of WW2 in London.

Like most books that cover several points of view, it took me a few chapters to get into the pace and be wrapped up in the story. This is a new author for me and I’m definitely interested in reading more of her work.

This is a story based on true events during WWII. The story follows an Underground library in the subway. The characters were interesting and the story was compelling. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book.

2.5 stars rounded up
I was expecting more from this. The whole story was a little too upbeat and happily-ever-after considering it took place during the London blitz of WWII. There was no suspense and the outcomes of the main characters were entirely predictable. I couldn't connect with any of them.

This is the second book I have read by Jennifer, Ryan, the first being the enjoyable Wedding Dress Sewing Circle, and it did not disappoint. This one centered around three female characters of varied backgrounds: Julie, who becomes a Deputy Librarian in Bethnal Green, London; Sofie, a Berlin Jewish girl who in May 1939 succeeds in getting a work visa as a domestic; and Katie, a young woman about to go to university whose fiance Christopher, is missing in action. The three meet at the Bethnal Library where new librarian Juliet begins a reading group. Other characters, the quirky Ridley sisters, and Marigold quickly join.

As the Nazi nightly bombings begin, Londoners seek shelter for themselves and their children. Though the police attempt to stop it, Londoners resort to the “undergrounds” to shelter and sleep. The initial and later atmosphere there is well-described, complete with “punters,” romantic trysts, and illegal dealings.

After Bethnal Green Library is bombed, Juliet is able to start an Underground Library and reading sessions to entertain children and adults alike: it becomes very popular. Canteens develop, medical facilities, and a sort of community. Sofie tries hard to locate the sister she left behind in Berlin and at one point is sent to the Isle of Man to an internment camp.

There are numerous plot twists, romantic entanglements, and close friendships that develop among the underground library staff and patrons. A much more detailed of WWII London is portrayed than I have ever encountered, and so many details on which refugees could be provided visas. I found it all fascinating.

My thanks to #NetGalley and #Ballantine Books for an advance copy in return for an honest review..

I struggled with this book from the get go. Just something about the writing style didn’t pull me in. I found the characters to be a bit flat and just problematic overall. As the book continues the story is a good one and interesting, but there are some factual errors. While I do think certain liberties can be taken with fiction, other things should not be changed on a whim. I just wasn’t compelled by this story and found it easily forgettable.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

Jennifer Ryan did not disappoint! I have enjoyed several of her books and find endearing characters with each novel. The Underground Library takes place in London during the nightly bombings that the city endured. We are given a varied cast of characters who are mostly women making the best of things. We end up with the best kind of found family along with some reconciliations.

Juliet has moved to London to take on the role of librarian at the Bethnal Green library. She is soon tested when the library is bombed and the decision is made to move the library underground into the train tunnel. The library soon becomes a beacon of hope and community in the space where so many spend time hiding from the bombing. We also meet Katie who comes from a wealthy family. She is chosen to go to college since so many men cannot fill those spots but her plans have to change. Sofie has escaped Nazi Germany as a Jewish teen and her visa is dependent on her having a job. Her employer takes advantage of her with long hours and grueling work. She longs to be reunited with her family. There are additional characters who add to the story and are definitely people I wish I could meet. They all help each other and support each other.

While the library is central to the story we see many aspects of life underground. There are clinics, schools, canteens and some shops. I thought that was quite fascinating and the author does a good job of giving us more information at the end of the book. I love how Jennifer Ryan often gives us a small part of the big picture during the war and helps us see the good in people. Thank you Netgalley for the chance to review this book.