Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I struggled to get through this book, which revolves around the Bethnel Green Library in London during The Blitz of WWII. Told from 3 POV, I had trouble connecting to two of the three main characters, which made me struggle to get through the book. Part of it could be WWII historical fiction fatigue, which is no fault of the author, and part of it was because I read a similar book last year about the same subject (The Little Wartime Library) that was a more compelling story based upon the same events.

This is a good historical fiction book, just not an outstanding one.

Jennifer Ryan’s The Underground Library is told from varying points of view by three young women whose lives intersect at London’s Bethnal Green Library. As readers follow the main plot, they will come to know each woman’s back story that make her who she is, sometimes providing strength, other times obstacles to overcome.

The novel opens in the Baumann family library, May 1939 Berlin, as older daughter Rachel encourages 19-year-old Sophie to hurry. Time has come for Sophie, the lucky recipient of a visa from the British Embassy, to board a train for a dangerous ride. If she makes it to England without being caught, Sophie will fill one of the coveted positions for German Jews made available by the war-time labor shortage. Hoping for a welcoming family, Sophie finds herself working for widower Mr. Wainwright, who understands all too well her precarious position as the holder of a visa directly tied to this job.

Set slightly over a year later, August 1940, Chapter 2 shifts to Juliet Lansdown, a 26-year-old small-town British woman expecting to find herself in a bastion of liberalism. Juliet has reached London with a headful of innovative ideas she plans to put into practice as new librarian at Bethnal Green. Then she meets the stodgy, old-fashioned head librarian, Mr. Pruitt.

Also set in August 1940, Chapter 3 centers on Katie Underwood, an 18-yeqr-old local girl from a prominent family. She is working a summer job at the library before starting university, an educational opportunity Juliet Lansdown’s parents would never have deemed appropriate for their daughter. The one friendly face Juliet encounters at the library, Katie suggests a way Juliet circumvent around Mr. Pruitt’s intransigence. Before long, however, Katie will face her own very different challenges.

When book-loving Sophie finally has the chance to enter Bethnal Green Library, she arrives at an opportune time. Juliet’s first innovations is about to be realized. Other interesting characters become part of the change: Juliet’s delightful but messy landlady, Mrs. Ottley; the elderly Ridley sisters, Irene and Dorothy; and a flashy ex-singer, Marigold Saxby.

Little comes easily as practice air raids turn into nightly German bomber attacks. Nonetheless, the bombings also present an opportunity. Fleeing underground for shelter, Bethnal Green neighborhood residents need something to bring enjoyment and hope.

Although Jennifer Ryan depicts social issues and trauma, the Underground Library is a relatively light WWII novel focusing on an interesting assortment of characters who find the courage to cope and the strength to come together. At times, I found some of the historical material rather awkwardly worked into a character’s thoughts or a dialog. The more basic of that material should be common knowledge. Despite my one quibble, The Underground Library is well worth reading and should appeal to women who like historical or popular fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House for an advance reader copy.

Shared on GoodReads and Barnes & Noble.

Wonderful story for everyone to enjoy. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy reading!

Three young women must set aside their personal trials to save their community's library when it is bombed during the war. They will pull their efforts together as the goal becomes more difficult. In the end, they will realize their unselfish acts give them the strength to face the present and plan their future.

Set against the backdrop of WWII's Blitz in London's East End, this captivating tale weaves the lives of three distinct women, united by their love for reading. Sophie, a Jewish refugee; Kate, a college hopeful faced with societal challenges; and Juliet, a deputy librarian with progressive ideas, find solace and friendship in Bethnal Green Library. Amidst the chaos of war, their bond over books becomes a beacon of hope and resilience.

Jennifer Ryan doesn't disappoint with this latest offering. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Ryan transports readers to a time of adversity, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the British people and the transformative power of literature. A testament to the strength found in community and the escapism offered by storytelling, this book is a stirring blend of emotion, history, and the enduring impact of shared stories.

While I enjoyed this inspiring story based on real events, the author sometimes got carried away with her effusive language regarding the role and effect of libraries and books. I feel her editor should have caught this, unless she needed to pad the story to meet her page quota.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #TheUndergroundLibrary for advanced digital copy.

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.