What an absolutely wonderful book. So many novel about WWII are heartbreaking and sad, this one was the definition of hope. This book shows the power of the library and some nonconventional women. Every woman in this novel, Juliet, Katie, and Sofie were resilient. They faced hardships, loss of freedom, and loss of loved ones. They showed up and kept going even when the odds were against them. To take the library underground during the Blitz and give hope to an entire section of London was no small feat. And while this book is fiction it is based on actual events.

The secondary characters are just as important, Marigold, the Miss Ripleys, Mrs Ottley. All wonderful and so important to the story.

I can't recommend this book enough. It was a truly powerful book about the importance of books and community.


Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Like some of her previous novels, this latest from Jennifer Ryan gives us a glimpse into life on the homefront in England during World War II. It was interesting to learn more about the extent to which daily life took to the underground during the Blitz. I had never heard of the alien internment camps on the Isle of Man, either. The plot was predictable, but it is always nice to read stories about how women come together and uplift each other during times of hardship.

This story took me back in time, to World War II, and tells the story of three women, and all that is happening, in London, with the bombings going on. Jennifer Ryan, tells the story with the emotions, the fear, the courage, and all that was going on. It was a different time, a different era, and the strength and courage they had to find to make it through all that was happening.
Almost everyone has read about World War II, and I have, but it was facts, and history. As I was reading this book, I felt like before I was detached and didn't grasp what actually was going on. This story made me feel like I was there because of the emotions, the fear, the strength and the courage, and I could feel what they were going through. I got a different perspective of what went on during this time, because when you feel, what is actually happening, it changes you, and how the ones who were there, changed.
After reading this book, I think of the events that have happened in my lifetime, differently. As I write this, I keep thinking reading this book, has changed me, and that is a book I am glad I discovered. I received an ARC from Ballantine Books through NetGalley.

This novel is about three young woman, Sofie Baumann, Juliet Lansdown and Katie Upwood. All three faces challenges in the time era of World War II in London. The novel is based on true happenings in England, where their country is being bomb nightly. Many characters come into play in the story and all are truely amazing people. The characters help one another without thought to their own life issues at this time.

I wanted to read this book as World War II is of great interest to me. Plus, I love the books that Jennifer Ryan writes, her research is amazing and the stories her grandmother told her help with her writings. In her author notes, I learned much more of the why and when's all this happened to people of London. They lived in a challenging time, rations on their food. No one could stay in their homes at night for fear of being killed by bombs. Many friendships were made among these lovely people.

It was hard for me to put down, as you were wanting what was going to happen next to each character. This was a community of caring, kindness and love for one another.

The Underground Library follows three different young women who end up in London during The Blitz. Once I got all the characters straight in my head, I loved this book. A story of perseverance, community and friendship that had me hoping all would work out in the best way possible for each of the characters. I really enjoy reading historical fiction where I get some insight as to how life was during that time period, and in this case, what it was like to live through the war, and I also enjoy learning tidbits of information I probably wouldn't otherwise know. I have enjoyed all of Ms. Ryan's novels and this one did not disappoint!

Jennifer Ryan has written an interesting story about life in London during the Blitz. I enjoy historical fiction, especially when based on true events and this was no exception. I learned more than I knew before reading it. The characters each had their own struggles which added to the overall story. Thanks #NetGalley #BallentineBooks

1. **Compelling Characters**: The book introduces intriguing characters facing personal challenges within the backdrop of wartime London. Each character's journey seems compelling and offers a diverse range of perspectives, which could engage readers emotionally.

2. **Historical Context**: The setting of wartime London adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges and resilience of individuals during such a tumultuous period. Exploring themes of community, survival, and sacrifice within this context could provide readers with a rich and immersive reading experience.

3. **Tension and Conflict**: There are various conflicts, both internal and external, faced by the characters. From Juliet's struggle to assert herself in a male-dominated environment to Katie's personal tragedy and Sofie's quest for safety and family, there appears to be a wealth of tension and drama that drive the plot forward and keep readers engaged.

4. **Themes of Resilience and Hope**: The determination of the characters to overcome adversity and preserve the library, even in the face of tragedy, reflects themes of resilience and hope. These themes, coupled with the power of literature to uplift spirits during dark times, could resonate with readers and offer a message of optimism amidst hardship.

Overall, "The Underground Library" has the elements of a compelling historical fiction novel, blending personal drama with larger themes of community, survival, and the transformative power of storytelling. Readers will find themselves drawn to the characters' journeys and invested in the fate of the library as a symbol of hope and resilience.

This book is based upon true events, and I found it to be very well written. I have read many WWII stories but not one that was centered around the libraries. The descriptions of the lives and the times were interesting and well researched.
I came to care about all the main characters, Kate, Sophie and Juliet. Each one had their own trials and tribulations. I highly recommend. The story was one of the best in depicting the fear of the bombing raids in the city and how hiding in the underground was a way of life.
Random House Publishing and NetGalley provided this Galley edition for no requirement other than my offer to provide an unbiased review. This one comes in with 5 stars.

This book is about the Blitz in London and the lives of three different women who are trying to save the community library. Juliet Landsdown is the main character. She is hired to work at the Bethnal Green Library with Mr. Pruitt, a man who does not like change. Katie and Sofie are two other women who escape to the library looking for peace, friendships, and advice. A bomb destroys the library so Juliet decides to relocate the books underground where everyone goes to escape the bombings. A rich sense of community and friendship develops with the people seeking shelter. Adversity is faced several times but this community comtinues to pull together through the challenges. I enjoyed this book and appreciated the happiness that was noted during the dark times of war. I give this book a 4.5. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.

"To me, books are like old friends, telling us great truths, holding our hands through the difficulties, showing us light and joy at the end of every tunnel."

This book was based on true events during WWII in London. The underground library is the center of the story. The Bethnal Green Library is bombed. Three women coming from different backgrounds who become friends help save the library by moving any surviving books to an underground train station.
Sisterhood, support, strong women, resilience under horrible conditions, Jewish refugees, PTSD all make this a story that will be hard to forget.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House/Ball anyone for the opportunity to read this book.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley.

Not my typical read but it was fantastic. So much energy and life in this story.

3.75 stars

Jennifer Ryan's books are glimpses into the personal and not the battlefield side of World War II, specifically in Britain. The characters are appealing, imperfect, and sometimes struggle. The setting is catastrophic - husbands and sons off at war, the Blitz, the Nazis.

This one features an actual library, the Bethnal Green library in London, that was bombed during the Blitz (it was saved and is still around) and the story of how the surrounding neighborhoods sheltered in the Underground during bombing raids. The author notes that she re-arranged some history but the historical part is mostly real. There was an actual library that was opened in the Underground to provide some respite to the worn-out and scared citizenry.

The characters face challenges: shell shock, Jewish family trying to escape Germany, loved ones killed in the war or missing, what we would now call PTSD. These are not Pollyanna books but there is a happy ending for most which feels just right. To me, this is the equivalent of a Frank Capra movie -- heartwarming, sometimes poignant, but rewarding. And there is an impassioned plea about the importance of libraries which still resonates.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.5 🌟

A unique WWII book!

As someone who loves historical fiction and has read soooo many, I get nervous to pick up another WWII book. What is left to tell? But The Underground Library was such a unique WWII story. Also, I love any historical fiction written about females going again the norm. I'm really happy I took a chance on this book!

Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

Jennifer Ryan is an excellent storyteller and she does her research in order to base her historical fiction in fact. From there she creates plausible stories that easily draw the reader into that era of history. Really, what more could you want from the writer of historical fiction?
This is a sweet sweet story of a few women who come together and manage to improve both their own lives and the lives of others around them during the bombing of London. Add to that, a library underground and you have pure magic in terms of a story. I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's a true winner!

Jennifer Ryan's "The Underground Library" is a compelling historical fiction set in World War II London, focusing on the resilience and camaraderie of women connected by the Bethnal Green Library during the Blitz. The narrative weaves together the lives of Juliet Lansdown, Katie Upwood, and Sofie Baumann, among others, showcasing their diverse backgrounds and united by their love for literature and the library that becomes a haven amidst the chaos of war.

While the story is heartwarming, emphasizing the power of community and literature, it occasionally suffers from overly explanatory dialogue and a somewhat formulaic plot. Despite this, the characters' strength and their collective journey offer a touching exploration of hope and endurance.

"The Underground Library" shines in its portrayal of the importance of cultural and educational preservation during times of crisis. Ryan's novel, though not without its critiques, is a testament to the enduring human spirit, recommended for those who appreciate stories of wartime resilience and the transformative impact of books.

really interesting historical fiction during the London Blitz, about a library! bookish booklovers will LOVE this book! tysm for the arc.

This was definitely a phenomenal read. It makes you think as well as keeps you intrigued the whole way through. I enjoyed the writing and the characters. The characters were truly one that were brought to life on the pages.

Juliet Lansdown moves to Bethnal Green Library as the new deputy library manager. The year is 1940 and the Nazi's are moving accross Europe. Katie Upwood is working at the library and will go to university in the fall. Sofie Baumann is a refuge from Germany working for a man that is controlling and mean to her.
The story brings these women together and others in the neighborhood as the bombs start falling in London. After the library is bombed Juliet moves books the underground train station where people are spending the nights.
This is a wonderful story of surviving during WWII and people find their path during the war. The three women above will face heartache from different ways; but find their way to happiness as time goes by.

I enjoyed this interesting tale based on true events during the London Blitz of WW2.

Told from several womens' perspectives, the book centers around the Bethnal Green Library and its importance to morale and kinship during a bleak and frightening time for Londoners.

The women were diverse in their backgrounds and their current circumstances, and I found that engaging and entertaining and the sense of sisterhood and support was heartwarming and staunch. While each woman was strong and resilient in their own way, I found their bond the glue for the story.

Yes, it was a bit formulaic in its outcomes, but I still enjoyed the getting to those outcomes.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine for providing the free early arc of The Underground Library for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

I read a lot of WWII fiction, so in comparison to the dozens and dozens of books I have read, the stories really need to stand strong. I was really attached to the characters and their stories here, but a lot of the dialogue read like a non-fiction writer wrote it; there is a lot of explaining and little showing, but what is being explained is the most notorious of information out there so it seems a little redundant. The saccharine levels are high, especially in the ode to love of books. I get it, I am a reader and a librarian, but I had a lot of eye-rolling happening throughout the book with the descriptive love of the written word.

All of that being said, it's funny how we read books that coincide with each other, so close to each other, coincidentally. I liked the stories of people living in the underground, but a lot was changed of how things worked and what happened, which is a touchy thing to do when writing historical fiction based on real events.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.