I am late in reviewing this book because I have been trying to find the words to show how much I loved this book.

It has everything I love, books, friends, unexpected friends who become family, a love of reading, and some history too.

Juliet, Sofia, and Katie will touch your heart with their own personal stories and the way they bad together in all kinds of circumstances amidst the Blitz that leaves people without homes, facing loss, and trying to survive the war.

I am a big fan of Jennifer Ryan’s writing and I highly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction and fans of books about the love of reading.

Thank you to Random House Ballantine for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinon.

I’ve read a lot of historical fictions that focus on various aspects of World War II and I love how The Underground Library was able to balance the horrors of war with the humanity that didn’t fully die, focusing on something as simple as an underground library to show a civilians fight against the Nazi’s.

The horrors of war truly are unimaginable, and there are moments of this novel that were truly horrific, to the point that I couldn’t let my imagination go there for long, knowing that I couldn’t handle it. These instances aren’t graphically depicted, which I was very thankful for, but these moments were horrific even without details.

There are also moments of mistreatment and betrayal that is beyond frustrating with the injustice of it all, but there is an underlying of hope throughout. Even with the cards stacked against them, The Underground Library defied the odds and touched so many lives. This story is so beautifully written that I easily was lost in the narrative.

I am so thankful that this story is based on truth. The fact that there was a library that gave so many hope and community in one of the darkest times in history continues to give me hope for humanity. The trajectory of everyone’s lives were forever changed along with the war. Many rose to find strengths they didn’t know they possessed, loved ones were lost, and everyone fought to live another day. How can you not have hope after reading such a harrowing tale?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A lot of times, historical fiction set during WWII is repetitive and overdone. There are so many books set during this time period. I was pleasantly surprised by this story about a feature of the war that I did not know about: a library functioning in the underground tunnels during the Blitz.

The three main characters: Juliet, Katie, and Sofie are strong, resilient women with different lives, plans, and purposes who share a love of books and reading. Together they form a book club and friend group with an elderly pair of sisters, a former nightclub singer, and Juliet's landlady, all of whom are as interesting as the main characters. When the actual library is bombed one night, they work together to move the library and reading group to the underground tunnel where they stay each night. In doing so, they form a community that bolsters the spirit of all those staying in the tunnels and brings a bit of good will to a terrible situation.

Set WWII London, The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan revolves around three women whose lives intersect during the London Blitz. Elegant prose, well-thought-out characters and a consistently paced and fluid narrative make for an engaging read.

After her fiancée goes missing in Dunkirk, twenty-six-year-old Juliet Lansdown moves to London, where she finds employment at Bethnal Green Library as Deputy Librarian. She approaches her new position with eagerness and undertakes several initiatives to engage the community. In London, she also meets an old acquaintance from her village who encourages her to volunteer for the war effort in London. Eighteen-year-old library assistant Katie Upwood’s plans to attend university in the fall are upended after an unexpected development leaves her with no choice but to wait for her boyfriend to return from the front. But when tragedy strikes, she has no one to turn to but the friends she has made in the library. The library also provides nineteen-year-old Sofie Baumann, a Jewish refugee from Berlin who fled Nazi occupation under a work visa, a place to enjoy the books she loves among people who offer her kindness and friendship. Employed as a maid in the house of a vile widower, she is desperate to find out what happened to the family members whom she had to leave behind. After the library is bombed during the London Blitz, Juliet takes the initiative to relocate the surviving books into the Bethnal Green Underground Station – a mammoth task in itself compounded by her immediate boss’ resistance to the idea. But Julia and her friend succeed in their plans and Underground Library becomes a refuge from death and devastation all around, The narrative follows these three women and their friends as they rally around one another, lending support, kindness, a sense of community and friendship in one another’s time of need.

The narrative is shared from the perspectives of the three protagonists . The author has skillfully woven the different threads of this novel into a cohesive narrative. I was invested in the storylines of all three main characters and enjoyed the insights into life in the Bethnal Ground Underground community. It’s always rewarding to read about how books and the love for reading can bring people together. The novel touches upon several interesting aspects of WII such as how women contributed to the war effort back home, the British policy for internment of Jewish refugees and the psychological impact of war on those returning from the front. Given the three distinct storylines, there was a lot to cover in terms of each of the character's personal experiences during those difficult times. However, I would have enjoyed the story more had less emphasis been given to the romantic relationships of the characters and more time been devoted to the historical aspects. The ending is a bit too neatly tied up, but I respect the author’s choice to end the story on a positive note.

The informative Author’s Note detailing the people, places and events that inspired this novel definitely enriched the overall reading experience.

3.75⭐️

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Random House for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. was published on March 12, 2024.

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a historical fiction based in London during WW2. Three women from three different backgrounds come together and find community in the library.

Juliet who comes to work at the library finds it isn't what she expected. There is no life to the library and she plans to change that. Katie who is bound for college finds herself as an unwed mother and her plans have now changed. Sofie, gets a work visa to work in London and leaves her home and family in Berlin where the Nazi's have invaded and taken over her city.

Juliet starts a reading group to help bring the community together and tries to foster a love for reading in the Bethnal Green Library. Once the Blitz on London starts, people start going underground in the railways for safety. During one of the bombings the library is hit and in trying to save the books the open the library in the underground shelter.

This book is based on a true story. I love when I can learn something new from a book. The library meant so much to the people in London and brought some normalcy to a tragic situation. I love how these women came together to help each other out and become a family when there was so much loss around them. The characters are likable and show great strength and perseverance during times of sadness and loss. Recommended to those who like historical fiction.

I read and liked The Kitchen Front a few years ago, and now this is my second book by Jennifer Ryan
Set during World War II in London, The Underground Library tells the story of three women: Juliet, Katie, and Sofie. Each woman's path is different, but they all end up in the Bethnal Green Library and ultimately in its underground version in the Bethnal Green Train Station which was used as a safe harbor at night during the air raids by the Germans over London.
I appreciate the way Ryan highlights women's contributions to the war, even though, as she explains in her author's note, she added the women into roles that they did not usually occupy at that time. I feel like women were the backbone of the community during the war, so having them play prominent roles is appropriate.
There were a couple of places in the story that I felt were a little too predictable or too easily resolved. I think it is more of a feel-good WWII book. It deals with hard things, but they are dealt with quickly.
I liked the supporting characters too, especially the two older sisters, Irene and Dorothy, who were the wise grandmother types who helped the young women navigate their lives in such a scary time. There is love in the air, too, and that lends itself to the warm and fuzzy feelings in the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
4 out of 5 stars!

This latest work of historical fiction by Jennifer Ryan is centered around the London Blitz during World War II and its impact on one neighborhood in London. Told from the point of view of three very different women, we get a feel for not only life during the Blitz but also how difficult it was for women during this time. Even though women were expected to pick up the slack while the men were at war, they still had very little rights and were still largely dependent on men. After all, the men were more "sensible" and didn't let emotions get in the way of getting things done. As if! All three women while surviving the war differently are all united by the library in their community so much so that they try to keep it open even as the bombs continue to fall and everything else in their life is in upheaval. The power of the library as its own community comes through in this wonderful read that is based on historical events. This is the first book I have read by Ryan and I have to say I will definitely go back and read some of her other works!

This solidifies it, I am adding the rest of Jennifer Ryan's backlist to my tbr. This is my second time reading her work and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a bit predictable and even slightly cheesy at times, but somehow, it worked for me. You will enjoy her work if you enjoy things like Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife. This book is such a feel-good story. It read just like I was watching an episode of Downton Abbey. It had all the coziness and comfort I could have wanted. I tend to read a lot of dark and emotional books, so it's nice to have something like this to add to the mix once in a while to remind myself there is good in the world, too.

Based on true events, this is the story of community and friendship during a difficult time. When the Germans began bombing London during the Blitz, life went underground - literally. The city took shelter in the underground stations. In this story, we follow three women - Juliet, the new deputy librarian in Bethnal Green who has big plans for building readership in her library. Katie, who is working at the library for the summer and mourning her boyfriend who is believed to have died at war, and Sophie a Jewish refugee working as a housekeeper and finding refuge at the library. These three women come together through their love of books to build a community.

This was an enjoyable read full of romance, atmosphere, and a love of literature.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love historical fiction but I shy away from ones about war because I’m just more interested in reading non-fiction to understand the past. I make an exception when I want to learn about something that won’t make the history books but will give a good feeling of what it was like for the people of the time. I don’t want to relive wars of the past. I want to know how the human spirit can deal with them. I prefer stories of the women of the time. Their contribution has historically been ignored.

I was thrilled to read about three women who were from vastly different backgrounds but come together. Their experiences overlap in ways they never would have without war. I want to see how they helped each other and were strong for each other. The novel started out this way. Right away Sophie, a Jewish refugee trying to get out of Germany, is saved by a nun. This theme gets repeated again and again.

Where this one fell a little short for me was in depth. The women were all very thinly written. And the supporting women even more so. There was still that idea in the end that we needed to see them end up with the right man instead of make it on their own.

I am a big fan of reading books set in WWII. It is a time that fascinates and scares me. So, when I get widgets or see books on NetGalley that hint about WWII, I grab them. This was the case with The Underground Library. Random House sent me a widget, and I downloaded it. Now that I have read this book, it was a good read.

The Underground Library follows three women (Juliet, Kate, and Sofie) as they navigate life in a country at war. Juliet is the oldest of the three, and she is ambitious. But Juliet’s past threatens to derail everyone she worked so hard for. Kate is a young woman who is waiting for word from her fiancee, who is fighting in Africa against the Nazis. Her world is turned upside down when she is told he is missing in action. Sofie is a Jewish refugee working as a maid/cook in the vicinity of the Bethnal Library. Forced to leave Berlin by her sister and father, Sofie agonizes over not knowing what happened to her family. The three women meet at the library and soon become instrumental in setting up an underground library in the Tube tunnels, used as a makeshift bomb shelter. Over a few months, their lives will change for better and worse.

As I mentioned above, there are three separate storylines in The Underground Library. Usually, I’m not too fond of multiple storylines (or POV), but in this case, it worked. It only worked because the author could integrate all three storylines together at different points in the book but simultaneously keep them separate (if that makes sense). I was not confused by whose storyline I was reading (the author did label chapters with names). That made for a delightful read.

I liked Juliet. I liked that she was smart and wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted (the book club, children’s hour, and eventually, the library). Her backstory was sad with her fiancee going MIA in France. The more I read her storyline, the more I liked her. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed reading about a love triangle between her missing fiancee and her landlady’s nephew (who she also knew from school). It was pretty obvious who she was going to end up with. But everything does work itself out in the end.

I thought Kate was adorable. Her absolute devotion to her fiancee shone through the book, as did her devastation when she learned he was missing in action, presumed dead. The pregnancy was a neat twist that the author threw in there. When Kate’s mother found out about her pregnancy, I could see why she was so upset. During that era, girls didn’t get pregnant without being married (you and I know that this isn’t true, but people liked to believe it). But what Kate’s mother proposed and what she forced Kate into doing made me take a step back and go, “Whoa.” All I have to say is that she was desperate, looking for a way to keep her husband with her, and it would cost Kate. I was a little glad that this storyline ended the way it did (and the twist that came at the very end was heartwarming).

I pitied Sofie. Because of the Nazis, she was forced to leave her father and sister behind in Berlin (the near miss on the train took my breath away). It was explained that her sister got her a visa to work in England (her English was excellent). Sofie was going to be a live-in maid to an upperclassman who was willing to sponsor her. That wasn’t what Sofie wanted and not what she was used to (she came from a very wealthy family). The first half of her storyline details her job and how she deals with it (she has been there for over a year). The second half of her storyline got a little more exciting. Her inquiries into her sister’s location were answered, and she fell in love. Of the three storylines, hers was the one I enjoyed most.

The author included a note explaining the actual underground library that inspired the book at the end of the book. She tweaked some events, but everything that happened was mainly factual.

The end of The Underground Library was one of hope. I liked how every one of the characters got their HEA. I also liked that the author included some secondary characters in the HEAs. As I stated above, Kate’s storyline had a neat twist.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Ballantine Books, NetGalley, and Jennifer Ryan for allowing me to read and review an ARC of The Underground Library. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

Based on a true story, this book focuses on the lives of three very different women who are brought together at the Bethnal Green Library in London during WWII. When the library is bombed and must be shut down, deputy librarian Juliet Lansdown persuades her skeptical boss to set up the library in the underground train station where everyone in the neighborhood goes when the nightly air raids begin. Katie Upwood, Juliet’s assistant and Sofie Baumann, a Jewish refugee from Germany, befriended by Juliet, help her at the makeshift library which becomes a treasured gathering place. The author deftly weaves a great story about everyday life during the Blitz along with the harrowing challenges faced by the many women whose lives were changed when they were separated from their families or the men who went away to fight in the war. I would highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy WWII historical fiction. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The story is told from a few points of view. Juliet leaves her home to take the position of deputy librarian in the Bethnal Green Library during the war. Her fiancé is listed as missing and she plans a new life. Katie is a young girl working for the summer before university when she discovers she is pregnant and her boyfriend has been killed in action. The third POV is Sophie who has escaped Germany and is working as a housekeeper for a horrible man and finds solace at the library. There were many other characters, the Ridley sisters, Juliet's landlord - Mrs. Ottley, Sebastian - her nephew, Katie's parents and Marigold. They were all interesting and in the end I wished I knew more about them. In an effort to help with the war Juliet starts driving an ambulance and I thought that the horror she encountered after some of the bombings was some of the most realistic that I've read but I felt that her ambulance driving was a part of the story that was dropped.

All in all I really enjoyed the story, the lovely characters, the atmosphere of the underground shelters and Juliet's fight to keep the library alive. I wish I knew more about Meg and even though parts of the end I knew were coming some things were just wrapped up too neatly.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House - Ballantine for providing me with a digital copy.

I love Jennifer Ryan's books and this new one doesn't disappoint. A lovely story of the Bethnal Green neighborhood with its library as its core. Plus an intermingling of various stories, a librarian, a soon to be university student and a Jewish refugee. A beautiful story of hope, perseverance and how the underground libraries served such an important purpose during the WWII blitz.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

I love historical fiction, especially when I read about a period in history that I think I know a lot about but then learn something new. This is the case. The tale of an underground library found in the bomb shelters of London during the Blitz came alive in this story. Created to give hope to those seeking safety during a traumatizing time, this showed how a library was more than a building of bookshelves filled with books. It showed how books transport you to worlds and are an escape offering you adventures beyond where you are. I loved all the characters that Ryan gave us, and how they supported each other in the face of adversity. This book kept me reading from beginning to end. Well researched and well written, this story focuses on hope among a trying time for many during WWII. Many thanks to #netgalley #jenniferryan #theundergroundlibrary for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I’m so excited to be pre-approved for an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley. Based on true life events.. this story follows the lives of three courageous ladies in London during WWll. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author told the narrative of each of these women.. their own battles they faced separately during such a tumultuous time in history;

*JULIET: new Deputy Director at the Bethnel Green Library

*KATIE: librarian at BGL, is starting college in the fall, and mourning her boyfriend who is missing in the war

*SOPHIE: a German Jewish refugee, seeks to find her family left behind.


I applaud these women, through strong will and determination they persevered to save their neighborhood library after bombs destroyed it during the Blitz. I adored the passion these women felt to see their project through, not only for their own personal reasons, but for the enjoyment of all during this time of upheaval, sadness and change. What a mesmerizing tale of courage, love and sacrifice, and the friendship between these women was everything. This is my first Jennifer Ryan book. ❥ 4.5 stars — Pub. 3/12/24

All opinions are my own.

📚 BOOK / REVIEW 📚

This was my first book by @jennifer_ryan_author, and it will certainly not be my last. I utterly DEVOURED #theundergroundlibrary, and I woke up this morning so sad that the book was over!!! Thank you, #ballantinebooks and @penguinrandomhouse, for my finished copy of this BEAUTIFUL, heartwarming, and uplifting #historicalfiction read.

The story is told in 3 different POVs,and each character is more charming than the next. It would be impossible to pick my favorite as they all brought such a different element to the story. I could see myself as Juliet the most - the first female deputy at Bethnal Green Library, given my obsession with books and reading. She was so strong and determined.

I strongly encourage you to read this. It was hopeful and pure, despite the WWII circumstances. I absolutely loved this book!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - this book is OUT NOW!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read The Underground Library. This book was amazing! The story is a beautiful love letter to the power of books. The charecters are so wonderful but the true stars are the books. This is based on true events. This book shows in detail how in our darkest times, a simple book will bring us comfort and peace. This book speaks to me because books are an integral part of my life. The Underground Library is an amazing story that will stay with you.

This is a wonderful book. It's set in London during WWll when they moved the library underground after it was bombed. It's a beautifully written story that will keep you turning the pages. The author did a wonderful job of combining fact with fiction into a story that pulls you in and doesn't let go. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

5+ stars. Excellent story of coping in London during the blitz of WW2 and how people and communities were able to come together. Wonderful characters, fully fleshed out and very real. The success of moving the town library to an underground shelter was inspiring. Based on real events, this book really opens one’s eyes to the importance of books and culture in our lives. Down with the book banners and book burners who deserve to be despised, then and now.

The Blitz Spirit of 1940 comes alive in a London underground tunnel. This endearing nod to the power of books and reading is based on the true account of the bombing of the Bethnal Green Library only a few weeks into the London Blitz. Jennifer Ryan’s characters have an indomitable spirit that shines brilliantly in the darkest hours of London’s history. Told from the point of view of three young women, each with a personal need for escape in order to survive, Ryan drops readers into the routine of nightly air raids, grabbing blankets and rations, praying to survive another night of bombing. She brings each young girl’s journey to a crucial turning point and as their paths cross, they join in a common goal. Juliet is really the main character who brings everyone else together through her love of books. The novels Juliet loves to curl up with include secrets, suspense, mystery, history, and even romance. She would adore The Underground Library! Characters include key young men who are away at war, Mrs. Ottley, the Miss Ridley’s, and Marigold, each adorable quirky “readers” Juliet adds to her book club, and who play a significant role in saving the underground library. This novel is a glorious homage to reading and how it changes perceptions, broadens minds, and creates a supportive and nurturing community.
I am in awe of the spirit and human connection created in the underground communities in the tube stations all over London. These stations provided all kinds of services, theater and musical entertainment, childcare and medical facilities. The Underground Library is just like every library: a place to celebrate each other and the power of the human spirit through reading.