I have always been a fan of books that show people thriving in their communities despite the war looming and this book checks all the boxes. I loved the characters, their spunk, and their determination to save the library, all the while making life more bearable for those stuck in the underground shelters. Wonderful characters, great stories – what a wonderful way to pass an afternoon.

Jennifer Ryan has rarely disappointed or bored this reader with her works of World War II historical fiction. That's not an easy feat when you consider just many authors have crafted fictionalized accounts of the era. Ryan always succeeds in uncovering and bringing to life an aspect of WWII life in England in a way that is unflinching and inspiring.

I enjoyed how Ryan brought together the unique stories of fictional women running and attending Bethnal Green's Underground Library, which really did exist alongside numerous other services that moved into the underground rail system during the Blitz. This is a compelling novel filled with drama, danger, romance, humor, and hope, and I will continue reading more from Ryan for as long as she continues to be published!

This was just okay. The characters fell flat for me and the ending was tied up too neatly in a happy bow. It all felt predictable and formulaic. I could be burnt out on WWII books though and see how others might enjoy this feel good book lover story. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

THE UNDERGROUND LIBRARY is a glimpse into the hidden British libraries during WWII. Thank you @ballantinebooks and @prhaudio for my early copy of this enthralling novel!

@jenniferryan newest novel is out now. It follows Juliet, Katie, and Sofie during their lives enduring the Blitz with chapters weaving back and forth between the young women as they navigate the unknown and perils of the time. I enjoyed following their stories, cheering them on, and encouraging their difficult decisions. I also really enjoyed the supporting characters and the beautiful tales of these communities coming together in the underground system, avoiding the bombings while reading novels, exacting medical care and supporting each other during such a difficult time period.

Interesting tidbit: Jerry Springer (yes, that Jerry Springer) was born in one of the underground medical care locations in London to Jewish refugees.

If you enjoy WWII time period historical fiction with multiple perspectives, you will enjoy this one!

This historical fiction follows three women from different backgrounds as they endure WWII in London. The book navigates through the when Londoners sought shelter underground from the bombing from Nazi aircrafts throughout the city.

I adored this book and fell in love with all of the characters. The love of books rang throughout this novel and how these women showed consistently for one another when it felt as if nothing was right in the world.

I highly recommend this read!

“As a child, I imagined heaven to be a colossal, towering library, every wall coated with books. Books of the past, books of the future, books that held the true meaning of life.” SAME 🤎

4.5 stars for this historical fiction story set in the time of WWII, but with the war as almost a side character. The Underground Library spends much more time focusing on the importance of books, the strength of women, and the love of a mother.

I feel so emotional after reading knowing that this is based on a true story. As if we needed any more reasons to believe just how important books are! For some of us they are entertainment. For some, escape. But for those truly facing the worst of humanity…they are a lifeline. So much so that they are created, even underground, even with minimal options, even in the face of persecution.

Fantastic on audio the narrator really captured the emotion of the book. Also I loved her accent! So soothing to listen to.

Thanks for the free audiobook @PRHAudio #PRHAudioPartner and to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Publishing, and the author for the ARC.

Another fantastic WWII historical fiction novel based on the real underground Bethnal Green wartime library, told through the POV of three very different women - a new deputy librarian struggling to make a place for herself in a previously male-dominated position, a Jewish refugee searching for her sister and a young pregnant woman grieving her dead fiancee.

Moving and heartfelt full of important messages about courage, the indomitability and strength of women and the power of books to provide solace during difficult times. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like Kate Thompson's The little wartime library. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Favorite quote: "Libraries aren't only about books, they're about people, they're about human life. How books can mend hearts, comfort wounds and inspire us. But most of all, books can bring people together. Their ideas and thoughts make us realize that we are not alone. That we are all connected."

In the heart of wartime London, during the Blitz, “The Underground Library” unfolds. Jennifer Ryan, known for her storytelling prowess, weaves a compelling historical fiction novel that transports readers to a time of turmoil and resilience.
The story revolves around three young women who find themselves connected by their love for books and their determination to save their community’s beloved library.

• Juliet Lansdown, the new deputy librarian, arrives at Bethnal Green Library with high hopes. However, she discovers that the library isn’t the bustling hub she expected. Undeterred, she sets out to breathe life back into it. But can she prove to the men in charge that a woman is capable of running it? As her past resurfaces, Juliet faces a daunting challenge.

• Katie Upwood, thrilled to work at the library before heading off to university, harbors a life-changing secret. The death of her beau on the front line and family strife add to her emotional burden. With no one to turn to, she seeks solace within the library’s walls.

• Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, works as a maid for an abusive employer. Escaping to the library provides her with friendship and a sense of belonging. She also hopes to reunite with her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe.

When a series of bombings destroys the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station. Determined to uplift spirits, she lends out stories to the city’s residents seeking shelter. But tragedy threatens to unravel their community bonds.

Jennifer Ryan’s writing subtly acknowledges the importance of remembering those who pass through our lives. Amid war and conflict, empathy blooms, and people change for the better. “The Underground Library” is a gripping and emotionally satisfying read that celebrates the resilience of ordinary people during extraordinary times.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply love a heartwarming tale, this novel is worth adding to your reading list.

The Underground Library, by Jennifer Ryan: Three women from very different backgrounds meet at the Bethnal Green Library just as the Blitz is beginning in London in 1940 – and when the library is bombed, they take it upon themselves to move the books to the London Underground, so that others hiding from the bombs can take solace in the book. Juliet is the deputy librarian who’s come to Bethnal Green to escape heartbreak after her fiance deserts in the war and doesn’t return home; Sofie is a Jewish refugee from Germany who has left her whole family behind to escape; and Katie is about to begin studying at university when she receives two shocking pieces of news that force her to abandon her plans. I loved the friendship that develops that between the women, and I LOVED the attention to detail and glimpse into what life was like in London during the bombings – although I’ve read a lot about World War II, I had only heard about the Blitz in small anecdotes. I thought the novel was extremely well-researched, but the details added to the plot rather than being tangential, and the three main character plotlines also wove together well where I wasn’t paging through one to find out what would happen with another. Highly recommend this book, and I will be looking for the author’s other novels!

3.5 stars. What you'll find in this book: found family, a dash of romance, three POVs (all young women), community, a lot of side characters, and a love for books tying the whole story together.
This story was sweet, and I found it a lot more palatable than other WWII books I've read (I typically stay away from this genre). But I found the story predictable and saccharine sweet, and the characters a bit flat. The side characters were wonderful and really saved the day, but I just didn't connect deeply with any of our POVs; I think the descriptions were a little lacking for me. Overall a good read that I'd recommend to those who want a Hallmark-novel feel set in WWII London.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this eARC and for the opportunity to leave an honest, voluntary review.

You can also find this review on:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6344207313
StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/1766ca63-3eee-465b-9e9f-c875a514bda1
Amazon

I really enjoyed reading The Underground Library. Although the author did take some creative liberties, it seems that the story is pretty true to the actual account of this library being moved underground during the World War II Blitz. I did a bit of research to satisfy my curiosity, and to my delight, I discovered that many of the occurrences in the book were, in fact, based on true life events.What an effort of resilience by the people of this community to salvage their library as well as to create a whole underground community in the tunnels that housed their railway system!

I felt that the author created a very believable account, filled with likable characters that were easy for the reader to follow and become invested in. I would not hesitate in the least to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys WW2 fiction.

The Underground Library is different from your typical WWII fiction, mostly because it's not as heavy. Sure, sad things happen (it's WARTIME), but the emphasis is on the camaraderie, healing power of books, and communal support of women more than anything. The harder events and topics are lightly touched and the sweeter side of the story is detailed. It's a "feel good" war story. So...maybe not as realistic as others? But, easier to read for sure. Lighter.

Another fantastic WWII historical fiction novel told through the POV of three very different women - a new deputy librarian struggling to make a place for herself in a previously male-dominated position, a Jewish refugee searching for her sister and a young pregnant woman grieving her dead fiancee. Moving and heartfelt full of important messages about courage, the indomitability and strength of women and the power of books to provide solace during difficult times. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like Kate Thompson's The little wartime library. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

The Underground Library is a sweet story of the power and resilience of women, and the strength that comes when they find a family in each other. ❤️

I adored the cast of characters. The Miss Ridleys and their sass and wisdom. Sophie with her courage and dedication to her family. Juliet and her love of books. I loved how books brought people together- books are magical!

The pacing was a bit slow, but it was a nice break from some of the more devastating and over-eventful books about WW2.

Thank you for the chance to read and review this e-arc! I will post my review to the sites listed in my profile bio.

Review will be posted on 3/15/24
Three women's lives intertwine at the Bethnal Green Library during World War III in London. First, there's Sophie Baumann, who left Berlin in 1939 and is now a housekeeper, but her boss makes her life extremely difficult. Julie is the librarian at Bethnal Green and works with the librarian assistant, Katie, to plan a book club, which Sofie does frequently. This is a great way to get their mind off the war as Juliet's husband is off fighting, but she gets word he deserted. Katie's is off fighting too, but she recently found out he is listed as missing in action. Katie has a few more secrets as well, but the book club is a bright ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Things change drastically when the Bltiz offers and the library is bombed. The women have to move the library to the Bethnal Green underground where many are sheltering already. Books offer people a chance to escape and prove to be an important endeavor when keep everyone's spirits up. The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan illustrates the power of books during dark times; fans of WWII literature will enjoy this one the most.

One of the most captivating aspects of historical fiction is its ability to offer various perspectives through its characters, and The Underground Library is no exception. The novel entwines the lives of three women during the London Blitz, each bringing something unique to the story while dealing with their own personal struggles. Juliet, for instance, finds solace at the library after her husband is branded a deserter and she loses contact with him. She finds structure and purpose at the library and working with Katie, the librarian assistant, she has found friendship, too. Meanwhile, Katie's boyfriend goes missing in action, adding to her already mounting stress. Sofie's story is equally significant, given that she is Jewish, so the consequences of the war often feel more serious for her. One thing is for sure, the power of books, friendship, and the resilience of women will bring these three characters together during a very difficult time in history.

I enjoy Ryan's historical novels and this one did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable WWII novel without being overly stressful and who doesn't love to read about libraries and librarians who go against the odds to bring joy and books to people who need them most. If you enjoy WWII novels but want something with a message of hope, look no further.

The Underground Library is the second book that I have had the privilege of reading by Jennifer Ryan and it certainly won't be my last. As a steward of a Little Free Library, I love any and all books that cover historical access to book to underprivileged communities. I had not previously been aware of the real Underground Library that existed in London during WWII and was thrilled to learn more about it through the eyes of Ryan's endearing characters that always bring history to life.

What I loved most about this novel is that all of the women portrayed were not only strong, but they went against traditional expectations. For Juliet, she desired to run her own library and fought against the men who ardently wished women to remain in what they perceived to be their place in society. Sofia risks everything to find out information about her family still stuck behind enemy lines in Germany, and Katie makes the most of what others would consider a bad situation and finds a way forward.

All three points of view are very distinct and the characters and plot were both exceptionally well developed. I absolutely cannot wait to read whatever Ryan has come up with next. Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories about books and libraries, lesser or unknown World War II stories based on historical fact, and novels with strong female characters.

Thank you to Netgalley, Ballantine Books, and Jennifer Ryan for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

This isn't my first story about this amazing underground library but each time I hear the story, it never fails to give me goosebumps and realize how amazing these people were!

This is the story of 3 women trying to survive WW II in London. One is Juliet, moved there to work at the library during the war. She's unmarried and wants to do her part. Sofie has relocated to London for protection, fleeing Germany because she is Jewish. She is alone, without her family, and suddenly has gone from being a daughter and sister to a maid for some stranger in a strange land. Finally, we have Katie. Her fiancé has left for the war and she is left behind, wondering when he will be back and how she can help during the war.

It's so hard now, to imagine these times. How everyone both banded together to find the hope but also suffered together with small rations and bomb raids. It's always shocking to think of details like unwed mothers and 'appropriate jobs for women" during a war, when bombs are falling and people are dying. Each woman in this story rises up and is a true testament to what people can do when we work together and stop worrying about just ourselves and, instead, think for the many.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Juliet Lansdown is the new deputy librarian at Bethnal Green Library and it’s a far cry from volunteering in her small home town one and in the village Upper Beeding. Juliet discovers her boss doesn’t think she's capable and up to doing the job, the beautiful library isn’t as busy as it once was, Juliet has a few ideas how to change this and want's to prove him wrong.

Katie Upwood loves working at the Bethnal Green Library, for the summer and then she's off to university in autumn and she can’t wait. Katie and her neighbour have been dating, both are intellectual and she’s devastated when she hears he's been is killed in the war. Life at home isn’t easy, her father is busy with his ‘war work’ and her mum is tense and Katie is hiding a secret from her.

Sofie Baumann is Jewish, she leaves her sister and father behind in Berlin and travels to London on a domestic service visa, and she works as a maid and her employer is a horrible man. Sofie is all alone and who can she complain to, and would they care? Sofie escapes to the library, here meets Juliet and Katie and other members of a new reading group and they even offer to help find her sister.

When the Blitz begins, the bombs start reigning down, there’s not enough places to shelter, people are at breaking point and they start using the underground train stations as a place to sleep and it grows into an underground community. Juliet starts reading out loud one night in the Bethnal Green Station, she has people of all ages gathered around listening to her, it takes their minds of the lack sleep, bombs and worrying about love ones fighting in the war. Juliet and Katie would love to open an underground library, books and reading provides a way for frazzled people to relax, a break from reality and transports them to another place.


I received a copy of The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan from Ballantine Books and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Once again Ms. Ryan has exceeded my high expectations with her empathetic and eloquent style of writing, attention to detail and a story that will take you back in time. The reader gets to experience what is was like for Londoners during the Second World War, adults worked during the day, many volunteered at night by driving ambulances, mobile canteens, and were fire wardens and Londoners certainly had “Blitz Sprit.”

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.

A clear view of men’s attitude toward woman’s capabilities in England during the war years.
Not only how man acted towards woman taking a position of responsibility, also the length parents went through to avoid shame when an unwanted pregnancy happens, how the social standing and accepting of them played a significant role in decisions made.
We have three strong willed women.
Juliet always dreamed of working in a library. Her new job is just the ticket to get over the news of her fiancée missing in action.
Kathie works temporarily at the library before continuing her education. With all the young men gone off to war, suddenly openings have become available to woman. With her fiancé fighting it is an unexpected problem when she finds herself pregnant.
Sofie a Jewish girl that managed to come to London on a work visa. Live is not easy for her. Not only did she have to leave her sister and father behind, but her new employer treats her more as a slave than a servant.
As people seek shelter in the underground every night to escape the bombs, Juliet has the idea of moving the library books to be used by all the people seeking shelter for the night.
Nightly reading helps in keeping people calm and new friendships are formed within the community.
The book has so much more. The story of the starting of an underground school for the kids left behind in London. The interment of German Nationals. The loss of loved ones.
A bit of romance. The author has taken actual events during World War II and filled them with frictional characters who all are very believable. If you take a change on this book, I don’t think you will regret it.

4.5 Stars

The Underground Library is told from three perspectives and is a “saving the books” story as bombs rain down on London during the Blitz. When bombs destroy the library, it forces the three women to salvage what they can and move stacks to the local underground station. As the city’s residents take shelter, the books keep up their spirits.

The Underground Library is told from three perspectives:

* Juliet must demonstrate that a woman is capable of running a library.
* Katie is one of the library workers and is hiding a secret.
* Sophie is a young Jewish refugee and the library is a place of escape and safety.

After bombs destroy the library, these three women work together to salvage what they can and move the stacks to the nearby underground station. In addition to dealing with the bombing and relocation of the library, each woman is dealing with a personal challenge.

Women on the home front during WWII is a sub genre that I enjoy immensely. I often wonder what my contributions would be for the war effort and how living in this time would have changed my life. It’s inspiring to read inspiring stories of strong women in the most difficult of times.

If you love women’s fiction in a historical context, Jennifer Ryan is one author I can enthusiastically recommend. I always enjoy a historical context because it adds a layer of depth to women’s fiction themes of friendship, women supporting women, and community.

Content Consideration: unplanned pregnancy

If you’re looking for lighter historical fiction that includes women’s fiction themes, you might enjoy The Underground Library. Book clubs might enjoy this one.

Thanks #NetGalley @RandomHousePublishing @RandomHouse #BallantineBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #TheUndergroundLibrary upon my request. All opinions are my own.