This heartwarming historical has all the ingredients for a satisfying read: books about books, found family, an interesting and overlooked sliver of history, a love story, and a satisfying and tidy ending.

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan centers around the lives of three women in London during the WWII Blitz. These women help save the Bethnal Green Library after it is bombed, by moving it to one of the underground stations, where citizens bunk nightly for safety. The three main characters are likable and strong, and the supporting cast provides further depth to the plot. The book gets a little predictable towards the end, but overall, this is a great book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and women's interest novels. Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance e-reader copy of this book.

Enjoyed this ARC from @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse by @jennifer_ryan_author . It is the story of a library that had to go Underground during WWII. It is the story of resilience and the power of community, friendship, and BOOKS.

“Books give us so many things. They give us a world to imagine, a cozy corner to lull us to sleep on a hard cold stone floor. They give us facts and figures to guide us, a knitting pattern or a recipe to help us with the rations, a map of the world or a history of Europe, the poets from the last war, and the news of this war, too. They give us joy, hope, and inspiration.”

The story is told through the eyes of three different young women who all have found themselves at the library - Sofie, Juliet, and Katie. My only criticism of the story would be that each of their storylines worked out almost too easily and predictably. I enjoyed the book very much, but there wasn’t much left to surprise me.

I did, however, learn about another interesting facet of the war and found the story enjoyable and satisfying.

Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book felt really flat to me. There were some interesting scenarios, but I felt like information was being relayed. I didn’t find an enjoyable story.

Also, the book is in need of serious editing. I haven’t gotten one with this many errors yet. A character didn’t read Narnia in 1940. That should have been caught.

“The Underground Library” is such a beautiful story. I loved the different ways the author portrayed the importance and value of libraries and books on an individual level as well as a community level. The underground library provided a source of hope, normalcy, support, information and escape. I was pleased to learn that the book had a basis in true events.

Of course, being set in London during the blitz, there are plenty of sad/tragic moments — buildings and homes being destroyed; civilians being injured or dying, including a major character; families dealing with loved ones in the military being wounded, going missing presumed dead, or captured. One of the major characters, Sofie, is a Jewish refugee who managed to escape Germany but had to leave her family behind, and desperately wants to know if they are safe. The book also deals with prejudice — against foreigners, unwed mothers, the poor, women in “untraditional” roles or leadership roles, etc. However, the sad moments are counterbalanced by the numerous positive moments in the story -- new friendships and romantic relationships; reunions of family members; career progress/success; finding a sense of purpose and worth; resilience in the face of tragedy, etc. The author has created an enjoyable eclectic cast of characters.

Being a librarian and all, the book title captured my attention right away, and I knew I HAD to read it. It was also my first read of Jennifer Ryan's, but it definitely won't be my last. I'm kind of embarrassed to say that I've never been great with history, and this was my first time learning about the London Blitz, which I thought was very interesting. The book has three different viewpoints from characters Katie, Juliet, and Sofie, but they all merge together, so it isn't difficult to follow along and it wasn't confusing. Their unwavering strength, devotion, and determination in the face of adversity was inspiring and heartwarming.. Would recommend to everyone.

This was my first book by Jennifer Ryan, and it probably won't be my last.

The Underground Library tells the story of three women living in London during the Blitz. Juliet, Sofie, and Katie come from different walks of life, but their love of books unites them at the Benthal Green library. As the war rages, the ladies must find ways to chart their own paths and to help those around them find hope and friendship in the face of Nazi terror.

Library is told from the points of view from Juliet, Sofie, and Katie. The women's stories are intertwined, but each has her own specific plotline that sets her apart. Juliet is dealing with a missing (AWOL) fiancé and a potential new flame. Sofie is experiencing the hardships of being a Jewish refugee who doesn't know where her family is, or even if they're alive. And Katie is hiding a secret that threatens to destroy her future and family. The three women are brought together by circumstances and find strength in one another and the other patrons of the Benthal Green Library. Their optimism and determination is heartwarming, especially as more and more things seem to be going against them, and everyone earns the happy ending they deserve.

For a WWII novel, Library feels quite cozy. Yes, there are a number of dark moments that show the devastation and tragedy of war, but everything always works out for the best in the end. It's not unexpected, but I would've liked a little bit more hardship. There are discussions of several heavy topics, including some I've not read about in other WWII books, specifically, the discussion of Jewish refugees being allowed into Britain only as domestic servants and the POW camps to keep potential troublemakers out of the way, However, even these storylines were tied up with a pretty bow, which wasn't unexpected but still a little too tidy.

Ultimately, Library was a pleasant read with likeable characters and some heavier topics that provided happy endings amidst the London Blitz.

Very much enjoyed this book and the story it brought forth. It is a unique take on the WWII experience in London that centers around multi-generational women who forge a bond based on books.

I have been a fan of this authors since reading Chilbury Ladies' Choir and this is another winner. The characters are believable and they make human decisions; things don't always work out perfectly which lends to authenticity.

I learned about the Isle of Man being a holding place for Jewish refugees, something I had not previously been aware of.

I am grateful to have read a NetGalley ARC and look forward to more from Jennifer Ryan.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this opportunity!

Amazing novel! 3 women with fighter spirits, the dark academia libraries, beautiful storytelling.
What else can one want ?
Highly recommend it!

Set in London during the Blitz, “The Underground Library” follows the lives of three women grappling with finding their purpose and place in the world in tumultuous times. Sofie is a Jewish refugee from Germany. She’s without family, has a cruel employer, and feels so alone in a new city. Katie is a local girl working in the library until she starts university in the fall, missing her fiancé who was lost in combat. Juliet has relocated to London from the countryside to serve as a deputy librarian. A product of unloving parents, Juliet has attached herself to a passionate writer who has gone missing in action on the front.

With personal tragedies besetting each woman and the Germans’ aerial attack increasingly sending Londoners underground for shelter, the three strangers will learn to lean on each other and bond over books to restore some form of normalcy to their lives. With the library bombed, Juliet and Katie move the books underground. The book clubs, story hours, and borrowing system bring a sense of escape, hope, and camaraderie to those hiding from the attacks. But will all the women be able to overcome their obstacles? Or will war claim what little they have left?

I’m a big historical fiction fan, and this book was right up there with works by other great authors of the genre (Kate Quinn, Pan Jenoff Heather Morris, and Lauren Willig to name a few). The way the women supported themselves, did whatever they could to help one another, and took charge of their futures was so satisfying to read about. While fictional, these types of stories encapsulate an important time of change in the way women moved in the world. With the men away at the front, women were able to prove themselves capable of so much more than taking care of house and home if they so chose. A terrible time for humanity, WWII-based stories are such a great source of evidence of the human spirit, the indomitability of hope, and the power of love over hate.

Its amazing after all the world war 2 historical fiction that I have read that I can still read one and learn something, but The Underground Library did it for me again. Based on the real underground library in London during the war this novel tells the story of three very different women and how their connection to the library bring each other together and becomes an important part of their life journey.

Jennifer Ryan does a great job weaving life lessons into her story as well as bookish moments, reminding us to find the courage in ourselves to try new things and not worry how they are going to turn out, to keep plugging along, and to rely on our friends. The underground library becomes a place not just about books, but about people, and how books can bring them together, help mend hearts and explore different cultures and help people to grow and understand each other. Her characters are real and well written and I was very invested in what was going to happen to them. Like many of her other books, despite the theme, the book is uplifting and if you have enjoyed the authors other novels I think you will enjoy this one as well.

Thank you to Net galley and the publisher for this e galley in return for an unbiased review.

I am hooked on historical fiction about libraries and books, so this was a quick pick for me. I have read Kate Thompson's book The Little Wartime Library that also tells the Bethnel Green story and found it to be much more enjoyable. I did enjoy this author's characters and found their ancillary stories for more interesting than the main narrative. I like this author, but did not feel like this was one of her better efforts.

I have yet to rate a book by Jennifer Ryan at anything but 5 stars. This book doesn't change that pattern. Like her other books, this one is set in England during WWII. The Underground Library follows Juliet as she moves from her village into London. Unable to live with her parents anymore--they suck the joy right out of her--she is elated to go to London for a position as Deputy Librarian. Along with Katie, who works at the library and becomes Juliet's ally, she dreams of making improvements to the library. She believes that a library should be available to everyone. No simple feat when the Head Librarian is not only on the cusp of retirement, but also set in his ways. When the library is bombed, Juliet and her new friends begin to realize their dream of providing books to everyone. Some of the characters from her last novels show up in this book and I love the excitement it creates in me when I recognize someone. Good to know my old friends are still around! Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the digital ARC. This review is my very own opinion. Truly a heartwarming book as everyone rally's around the library.

The Underground Library was a very well written book about World War II in London and the Underground library that was formed before the Underground Tube was built and after the Green Belmar library was bombed. This is based on a true story and was based on people that lived through it. It was divided into different segments of characters and their story during that time. It took us to the life of a young girl who became pregnant and the shame that was brought with it. It took us to a young girl who was in love with a soldier who was thought to be dead, only to find out he wasn't and came back to find his fiance was in love with someone else. The story takes us to the life of a young girl who was forced to leave her family behind in Germany and get on a train by herself to find an a friend in a Nun. Jennifer Ryan, the author doesn't disappoint in this fascinating book.

I was captivated from start to finish. The courage and sacrifices that were made during the darkness of war proves how resilient the human spirit can be. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this gripping tale of a "true life" underground library was amazing. The research that went into this novel was exceptional. I found myself choking back tears for the courage and sacrifices that were made. I loved the comment "A book isn't just a physical object; once you've read it, it becomes a thought, a story, a memory that is alive inside you forever". How absolutely true that statement is. This is a must-read that will leave its' mark on your heart and mind.

4. 4. I have always enjoyed Jennifer Ryan’s novels, The Chilbury’s Ladies choir, The Kitchen Front , and The Wedding Dress circle, all WWII vintage stories. Although a difficult time in history, in her novels, Ms Ryan writes about all those, particularly women, who helped make a miserable situation as palatable and upbeat as possible in the UK. She did the same with this one, which is about a strong group of women with their own individual challenges—e.g., family disharmony, unanticipated pregnancy, illness, sexual discrimination—who help bring about an underground library in the tunnels under Bethnal Green underground subway to serve those staying in the tunnels during the London blitz. A delightful read with engaging characters, and most particularly the strength and resilience of people to survive a horrible situation and to help the common good. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an advance copy in exchange for a candid and unbiased review.

This book was SO good! It touches on the horrors of WW2 but more than that, it focused on the beauty of the people that experienced it. Instead of giving up, they pushed through. The women in this book forged friendships, kindled hope, and rebuilt a community after the Bethnal Green library was bombed.

Beautifully written with a touching and poignant message.

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan is a small corner of the London Underground where people in the Bethnal Green neighborhood converge each night when the Nazi aircraft are bombing parts of the city. The name came from Juliet bringing books with her on the first night she went to the tunnels to seek safely and started reading to bring comfort to herself and anyone else around who needed it. Instead, it brought together those who needed not only comfort, but hope that they would survive, be reunited with loved ones, and see a new day.

During the day, Juliet works at the Bethnal Green Library after leaving her small town in the countryside to seek something new after finding her fiancé had deserted during the war. At the library, she meets Katie, a neighborhood young lady who is looking forward to attending university since slots are available with all the men on the front fighting. Young Jewish refugee Sophie is also brought into the fold as she seeks some form of happiness away from the man who she works for as part of gaining escape from Germany in the early stages of the war. Together with some other eccentric, fun characters thrown in, you find yourself in the Underground with them, hearing the stories, learning about the neighbors, feeling their emotions, seeking hope. Ryan intricately weaves together the lives to where you cannot imagine one of the characters not being a part of the strength that is found in their hope. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book is set for publication on March 12, 2024.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #jenniferryan #theundergroundlibrary #RandomHouse

I loved this book! Jennifer Ryan has created a heartwarming, at times, heart wrenching, historical fiction based on the Bethnal Green Library in London, and the Underground library created by Bethnal to bring hope and solace to all those who sheltered at night in the London Underground. The book focuses on three memorable characters. Juliet's fiancée disappears in Dunkirk and she moves to London, finding work as the Deputy Librarian, eventually creating the London Underground Library in the rail tunnels at night. Sophie is a Jewish refugee, whose only means of escape from Germany was accepting employment in London as a domestic, leaving her family behind. Katie is a young woman hoping to go to the University, but circumstances thwart her efforts. The three women form a deep friendship as they work to create the Underground Library, support each other and the community the library serves. The book has a marvelous cast of characters that bring the story of the Underground Library, the London Blitz and the terror of World War II, vividly to life. I had a particular fondness for the Ridley sisters! In this time of book banning, it is heartening to read a book that celebrates the importance of libraries in the world. The author's notes at the end are a must read on the history behind the book. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of the book. The opinions of this review are my own.

“The Underground Library” by Jennifer Ryan is based on the true story of the bombing of the Bethnal Green Library during WWII. The story is brought to life by the spirit of the community who supported it, and the staff’s decision to relocate the library underground which made it thrive during the Blitz. The book is well researched and the story is told through the lives of various women with some very difficult challenges specific to the times. I think there are many people who will enjoy reading this book especially those who are interested in books about WWII, libraries and the plight of Jews in Europe. For me, I felt as though these themes were the same as many books that I have read before this one and thus it was not an easy read for me. I realize I am in the minority on this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.