This was such a riveting novel in so many ways. I soaked up every single word, not skimming or reading too quickly for fear of missing even one thing. The writing demonstrated such talent, and I appreciated the history and descriptions of every location and scene. The Author’s Note at the end clearly showed just how much research the author gathered to write this book, and I soaked up every word of the Author’s Note, too. The topic of this book is fascinating to me l, and I love the thought of people living through such horrific times were able to find peace through their love of books. Or if the love was not already there, it grew over time by word of mouth or by being drawn in when walking by and hearing voices of people reading out loud. I especially love to read about strong protagonist women who portray their strengths, courage, and persistence. I absolutely recommend this book and I am confident that this will receive many awards. Fantastic book!

Unputdownable! I really enjoyed this wonderful story that revolves around the lives of 3 young women who happened to meet by chance. Juliet Lansdown is the new deputy librarian at the Bethnal Green Library in London. Katie Upwood works in the library but will leave for college in the fall. Sofie Baumann is sent to London on a domestic work visa by her father to protect her from being deported as the Jews were beginning to be deported. Lots of events happen that make it possible for these 3 young women to form a strong protective bond for themselves as well as the people who frequent the library.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine for the ARC of this wonderful story that I did not want to end.

Newly appointed deputy librarian , Juliet Lansdown begins her dream job at Bethnal Green library. Even though her boss finds it inappropriate for a woman to take the position, Juliet does her best to keep the library running during World War 2. When the library is destroyed during the bombings, Juliet must find a way to keep the library going. With the help of friends what is left of the library is moved to the Underground Station that has been turned into a bomb shelter.
The Underground Library is historical fiction at its finest.

THE UNDERGROUND LIBRARY by Jennifer Ryan (The Kitchen Front, The Spies of Shilling Lane, The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle, and The Chilbury Ladies' Choir) is another truly "feel good" book from this fabulous author even though it, too, is set in the perilous times of WWII. Bibliophiles will not be able to resist Ryan's praise of libraries and the value of books: "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." Most of the action of THE UNDERGROUND LIBRARY takes place in war torn London and, like Ryan's previous works, details the support which a close-knit community, especially females, offer each other. In her latest, three young women are the main characters: Juliet Lansdown (newly hired as library deputy head and living on her own for the first time), Katie Upwood (library assistant and soon-to-be high school graduate whose young boyfriend has gone off to war), and Sofie Baumann (a Jewish refugee on a work visa and separated from her family). Each of them struggles with difficult circumstances both in her work and home/family life. Yet, each becomes more resilient in the process while also finding valuable friendships and romantic happiness. Ryan actively researches her historical fiction novels; she based this one on Bethnal Green Library which was actually hit during the Blitz and recently celebrated a century of service. More information and images from the deep level shelters are available at The London Transport Museum; Ryan also suggests exploring WW2 – The People's War, an archive of World War Two memories written by the public and gathered by the BBC. THE UNDERGROUND LIBRARY is a March Library Reads Selection – perfect for readers looking for an inspiring, diverting tale of pulling together and overcoming hardships.

Links:
https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/collections/stories/war/deep-level-shelters
https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/categories/

“This place is at the very heart of our sheltering community. When we had to move underground, the library followed us, giving us books, groups, readings, and of course, she opened her arms wide as if to embrace the crowd, friends.”

The description of this new novel by the author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir brought me out of a self-imposed world wars historical fiction hiatus. I imagined the retelling of a historical event would be in good hands with Ms. Ryan and I was right!

Bethnal Green, London: 1940
We meet three young women whose lives intersect during the blitz bombings of WWII. Sophie Baumann is a nineteen year old Jewish refugee, coerced into domestic servitude in exchange for her safe passage out of Germany. Juliet Lansdown has just traveled from her small village to London to take on an assistant librarian position, much different from what she believed it would be. Katie Upwood is a teenage library assistant with a sweetheart who has just been sent to the front lines. Each character has big dreams, big secrets and big obstacles, but they share a common love for books and dreams of helping their community. Based on the library which relocated into the subway tunnels during the Nazi bombings, Ms. Ryan’s description of the time and place vividly brings this novel to life. The underlying cautionary tale regarding book burning by a fascist regime and the intellectual suppression of women came through loud and clear, but did not bog down the narrative.

Especially for readers who enjoyed
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson and
Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner

Thanks to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Much like Jennifer Ryan's previous historical fiction book, " The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle", which I liked very much, this is a sweet story that highlights the lives of three young women in London, England during the time of the Blitz.

This novel does not contain any new material that isn't already in many other WWII historical fiction books; characters separated from family, vivid scenes of bombings, brave men and women, unscrupulous thieves, and generous people with little to share. But what it does show us, is how strangers quickly become friends, friends become family, and true love can be found in the most unlikely places. It also opens our eyes again to how many innocent citizens, not just the military, lose their lives during war. This is something that is occurring even in our present times.

This was an interesting slice of history that was based on the true story of the Bethnal Green Library in London. The library was truly bombed at the beginning of the Blitz and then moved to underground shelter tunnels. These shelters became underground communities for civilians who often spent the entire night there together, providing people with a library, medical care, food, shelter, and even a school for children.

I enjoyed the stories of Juliet, Katie, and Sophie and their strong determination to overcome adversity and even danger. The author's note at the end of the book should definitely not be missed.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing-Ballantine Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own,

"The Underground Library" is a captivating WWII tale that intertwines historical events with the personal journeys of three young women. Set against the backdrop of the London Blitz, the novel explores the resilience and camaraderie of a community facing adversity. At its heart, the story follows the efforts of these women to relocate a library to the underground station, showcasing the power of literature and community support during challenging times. Through their individual lives and romantic interests, the novel delves into themes of friendship, love, and the strength found in coming together during hardship.

"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. Whatever the Nazis take from us, they can't take that."

Jennifer Ryan has done it again. Her well-researched WW II stories are both a 'slice of life' representation and informative. Her female cast in this book includes Juliet the deputy librarian, Katie the library worker and student, and Sophie the Jewish refugee. These three women's stories all intertwine at the underground library in the Bethnal Green tube station. In each of their stories we see different aspects of the war. As a fan of Jennifer Ryan's writing style, I discovered many noteworthy quotes including the ones that bracket my review. If you enjoy reading about the underground library, there is a 2023 release from Kate Thompson that also does an excellent job showing the 'Blitz spirit:' The Little Wartime Library.

"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."

Thank you to Random House-Ballantine and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an e-arc of this book.

I'm not gonna lie, I went into this book blind and not knowing much about it until I read it.

In this book we follow three amazing women. Sophie, who is a Jewish Immigrant from Germany, who gains a work visa as a maid in London. We follow Katie, who's fiancé is off fighting and she works at the library before leaving for college. And we follow Juliet, who moves from Upper Beeding to London as a deputy Librarian.

This was very different from many WWII novels I read. This book gave me endless amounts of hope, fear, and just made me feel all the feels. This book is perfect if you're looking for a WWII book different than the typical novel.

I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about the Underground Library that was created in London during WWII after the library was bombed by the Nazis during an air raid. I liked the feminine spin on it, making the deputy librarian a woman and having her come up with the idea for it. I enjoyed the different points of view from Juliet (the deputy librarian), Sofie (a Jewish refugee), and Katie (an unmarried girl with a situation). Each had a unique vantage point of life during this time period and all of the people in their circle were a delight to get to know as well. Highly recommend reading this one!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

I really liked the three different stories going on in this book. Each woman's story was interesting and different. I also liked how they also intertwined throughout this book, into sort of a found family like feel.

I adore books by Jennifer Ryan so I was excited to receive an offer to read this. I was not disappointed! Books are the heart of this story, bringing the three POV characters together with a cast of delightful secondary characters. This is a historical fiction set during the Blitz in London in World War II. Juliet arrives from a small town to take a position as deputy librarian in Bethnal Green, Sofie arrives from a dangerous journey fleeing from Germany as a Jew, and Katie already works at the library and has a big secret. These three women meet and their combined efforts create the Underground Library in the tube station after the library is bombed.

I enjoyed the story a lot. Well-paced and interesting, it kept my attention throughout, and I was excited to read a book inspired by the true story of an underground library! I loved all of the POV characters and even though it is set during a dark time, the various storylines each wrapped up with an HEA, so it wasn't one of those more soul-crushing WWII books. If you like historical fiction then I could recommend any of Jennifer Ryan's books. The newest one is a great addition to the collection!

This book transported me to another place and time and I was mesmerized and clinging to every word. Most of you already read the synopsis that the book begins with the introduction of the three women, Juliet, Sofie, and Katie. We are then brought to London during the blitz and the Bethnal Green Library. When the library is destroyed from the bombings, this group of women came together to keep hope alive through building a library in the safety of the underground. The pain and loss that was depicted in this book was heartbreaking, but, the strength and resilience of these women had me cheering out loud while wiping away tears.

I want to share two of my favorite quotes from this novel. “ 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.” “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.”

Well, this book will stay with me forever. If you love libraries, love books and the power of reading, do not miss this book by Jennifer Ryan. This is based on an underground library and the author added the history of this library along with the underground world. A huge thank you to Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for the eArc.

WWII London with the narratives of three women and one underground library. Each woman has her own challenges. Family expectations, self doubts and societal constraints. There is also a war on. The women band together and work through their challenges. There are some cringe-worthy moments, but mostly a good, solid story of fortitude and the power of sisterhood. I enjoyed it and will recommend it as a decent historical fiction read.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6322881706

The Underground Library was the book I needed. I was in a reading slump. The Underground Library is about a group of women who are in London in 1940. The women are there for different reasons but their love for books brings them together and makes them family. If you need a sweet story with a happy ending that is tied up in so many pretty ribbons, this is for you.

This is an uplifting, girl power happy ending book. Set during the London Blitz.

Juliet, Katie and Sofie all meet at the library before the bombing destroys it. They proceed to move the library to the Underground station. The story focuses on them, their lives and how they all come together to help lift the community.

I enjoyed this book. I was invested in these women's lives and what happened to them. However for a WWII book it had quite a few happily ever after endings. Still worth the read though.

My thanks to Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book. Publication date is March 12, 2024.

Solid WWII story, mostly set in London. Loosely based on a true story.

Due to nighttime air aid sirens & bombings people have taken to staying overnight in the underground tunnels of the train system. The main characters are 3 young women, each from different backgrounds with very different lives. Chapters are separated with each of their names.
There's many other women in the story who play big parts.

Juliet works at the library & convinces the head director to move books to the tunnels as this has become such a safe place for many & a gathering place.

So we see how these women develop friendships, make connections to find missing loved ones & to give support to others in need. The library becomes bigger than reading books.

This was a wonderful story set in the East End of London leading up to and during the Blitz of World War II. It is framed in actual events and focuses on the lives of three rather different women all brought together by one cause - the love of reading and the desire to share it and imbue that love in others. There's Sophie, a young Jewish refugee working on a domestic service visa. Kate is a young college-bound girl whose sudden change in situation derails her plans and subjects her to society's scrutiny. Then there is Juliet, the deputy librarian, fortuitously serving in a traditional man's profession. She has strong ideas and a desire to serve the community and help others develop a love for reading. It's at Bethnal Green Library where these women meet. Through their shared love of reading, amidst the horrors of a war torn neighborhood under attack, they build strong friendships and bond over their shared love for books and sharing that love with their community.

Having read other books by Jennifer Ryan, I knew that I was in for a treat with this one. As anticipated, it did not disappoint. On the contrary, it carried me away to a different time and place and held me there in thrall through the entire book. It filled me with a full range of emotions and empathy for the characters as they quietly struggled. The initial tears of sorrow and angst give way to tears of sheer joy and hope. Who could imagine that a library would become the lifeline that everyone needed?

I am grateful to Ballantine Books for having provided an advance reader's copy of this book through NetGalley.
Anticipated Publication Date: 03/12/2024
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books
ISBN: 978-0593500385
No. of pages: 368

All are affected by war in their own way.

Juliet is a young British woman eager to make her mark on the world despite the reservations of her rather stodgy parents, and arrives in Bethnal Green in 1940 to begin her post as deputy librarian. Katie is a bright young woman excited to be leaving for university in the fall, and enjoying her summer work at the Bethnal Green library. Sofie is a young Jewish woman who has managed to leave her native Germany through a work visa as a domestic, leaving behind her family and her station in life. All three have been and continue to be affected by the war raging across Europe, but will find friendship, support and purpose through their love of books. As they face their individual struggles, will they find the strength within themselves needed to forge a life of meaning and joy?
For those who enjoy historical novels set in Britain during the Second World War, The Underground Library is a pleasant read that introduces some new elements to a well-represented genre. The three main characters and those who surround them are easy to like, and author Jennifer Ryan does a good job in developing their stories. Prior to reading the novel, I had no idea that there existed a formal program for allowing German Jews into England through work visas as domestic servants (not all of whom arrived to find tolerable employers), nor that an internment camp existed on the Isle of Man which proved for many to be a tolerable, if not pleasant, alternative to deportation or prison. The novel, based in part on some true events (albeit with some poetic license as to exact place and time) is told in alternating chapters from the points of view of Juliet, Katie and Sofie, women from different backgrounds and walks of life who each are trying to overcome tragedies and the limitations that others have tried to place upon them. I would describe the book as part historical fiction and part romance, and while the story breaks no major new narrative ground it is well-written and an enjoyable read. Fans of authors like Martha Kelly Hall, Catherine Ryan Hyde and Mary Kay Andrews should give Jennifer Ryan’s latest a try. Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me early access to The Underground Library.

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan was a captivating read that really took you on a journey. The book is so wonderfully written, with characters having so much depth a fascinating tale to tell. The storyline was marvellous and had so much context and drive, it was impossible to not find yourself invested in the characters and their lives as the story begins to unfold.
Such an inspiring and compelling story.

Thank You NetGalley and Ballantine Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!