The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan is a story from the perspective of three women who are impacted as bombs rain down on London during the WWII Blitz. Juliet, who must demonstrate that a woman is capable of running a library instead of a man doing it. Katie, one of the library workers and is hiding a secret of her own and Sofie, a young Jewish refugee, and the library is a place of escape and safety for her. When Nazi bombs destroy the library, it forces the three women and others involved to salvage what they can and move books to the local Bethnal Green underground station that is turned into a safe haven. As the city’s residents take shelter and the women face personal challenges, books keep up their spirits.

Jennifer Ryan writes compelling stories of women on the home front during WWII. And this book is amazing. I really enjoyed it. I appreciated the Author's Note describing how she did her research for this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

United States Publication: March 12, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this advanced reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.

It is the very early days of what will turn out to be a very long war. England has evacuated their children to the countryside so a generation won't perish in any German blitzes happening in the cities, men have gone to war, and women are filling the gaps left by the men. Three women find themselves crossing paths in Bethnal Green at the library where one of them, Juliet Lansdown, has just arrived as the deputy librarian. Serving as a safe community center for the residents in the uncertain days of the war, Juliet comes to know Katie Upwood and Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, among many others. But this story centers on Katie, Sofie, and Juliet. When the residents start taking to the Underground tube stations for safety during bombings, a whole new world is formed for the residents. And when Bethnal Green Library is bombed and brought to rubble, Juliet and the community move the salvaged books Underground and rebuild the library there. Told through the voices of Sofie, Juliet, and Katie we are treated to a snapshot of what life in the early days of World War II might have been like for the residents of London and a glimpse of humanity when they come together for good.

It looks like Jennifer Ryan loves writing in the World War II era. This is the first title of hers I have read, but in reading summaries of her other titles, she seems to be authoring a whole shelf of fiction about World War II. She took a real event, World War II, and another event that happened, an Underground Library being built, and created a story featuring some young women who come from very different backgrounds trying to find their way, and survive, the war. It was an enjoyable read, the only "complaint" I have is that I felt like each of the three women's stories wrapped up a bit too neatly. But after all, it is fiction and in fiction, we love a happily-ever-after, even in wartime.

While written for a variety of readers (historical fiction, women's fiction, readers of WWII, etc ), this book truly hits home with librarians. The special reminder that books and libraries are safe spaces, that they can bring people together and break through barriers of prejudice. For those that think libraries are or should be quiet, dusty institutions for research and reading, this is also for you.

Highly recommend! It is an amazing story of how books can bring so much peace and encouragement during a time of war.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was uplifting and enlightening although set in a scary period of time. My historical knowledge and intrigue was expanded.

The Underground Library is historical fiction loosely based on a true story. I've not yet read a WW2 book with this type of storyline and that intrigued me. The story follows three women alternating between their POVs: Juliet, Katie, and Sofie. Juliet works at the library and is determined to breathe life back into it. Katie is thrilled to be working at the library and Sofie escapes to the library every chance she gets. While the three women's lives are connected by the library, they each have their own struggles they are facing. My favorite story was Sofie's. This is a recommended read for those who like historical fiction.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I think my lower rating on this really is because this just felt like a...well a repeat for a book I've read recently. For whatever reason, there seems to be an influx of books that take place in Bethnal Green during the bombing blitz during WW2. Even down to the Underground Library that was set up. So because I've recently read a book (or two) with this as the topic, it just didn't feel...new.

There were also a lot of characters to keep track of! You had three women's stories that became intertwined...yet the real heroes of the book were Dorothy and Irene--side characters!

There really was a lot of keep track of in this book as you followed the lives of the three women. They all did have their full circle moments which was good plot wise. I really was glad for the restoration of Katie and her Mum. That was very satisfying.

For those who'd like to know, there is out of marriage sex by a couple of the characters. It's discussed, but it never happens in the book for you to read. Mild swearing.

Overall--it really was just okay. 3 stars.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGAlley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

I was torn between 3 and 4 stars with this one. I enjoyed reading it, and the characters were interesting and the premise of the book club as bringing people together in difficult times was well-done. It was a little too saccharine in places for my taste, but had some wonderful scenes that will stick with me. I enjoyed this one better than some of her books but not as much as the Kitchen Front, which will always be my favorite by her I think.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.

This book is a love letter to “Blitz Spirit” the nickname for the indomitable spirit of those going through the horrors of WWII in London.

Specifically around the Bethnal Green Library and the underground where people took refuge from the air raids above, three women come together to save the library and each other.

Sophie, Katie and Julie share their struggles and triumphs in this homage to libraries, books and found families.

Jennifer Ryan is excellent at writing characters that are easy to cheer for. People brought together by circumstances that form a family like friendship.

The author has an affection for telling stories during this time and is a master at bringing the trials of war alive. Food rationing, nightly air raids and the overall worry of loved ones that are away at the front. She also brings in new ( to me) details like a British Internment Camp used to house foreigners. Any book that has me running to Google to investigate further is an immediate yes for me.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: historical fiction

What a sweet, heartfelt book 🥺

Set during World War II, three young women are united by their love of books and the community library that allows them to form tender friendships and a feeling of belonging. After the library’s closure is threatened by the war, they must band together to save the place that first brought them close.

While I’m not typically a big historical fiction gal, I found myself really enjoying the time I spent reading this book. Jennifer Ryan’s characters have so much heart and spirit. I loved the theme of growth and also really appreciated the meaningful friendships cultivated on the home front.

Overall, I really had a fun time reading this book, and I hope you pick it up upon its release on March 12, 2024!

Thank you NetGalley and for allowing me to read a copy of this book in advance of its release!

This is a lovely, gentle novel that nevertheless touches on some heart-wrenching themes: the Holocaust and the London Blitz amongst them. The story centers around several female characters whose lives become intertwined as they work together to lighten the spirits of London dwellers by reestablishing the bombed-out Bethnal Green Library in an underground station during the city's darkest days. I enjoyed how the story alternates between Sofie, Juliet, and Katie, giving the backstory of each, how they've all ended up in London during the Blitz, and how their friendships develop from that point on. Though parts of the story are sad, the treatment is never too graphic or distressing, and the note of hope persevering through the darkest times predominates. The story explores how the oppression of women at the time was somewhat lightened during the war, giving them opportunities in the workplace and in society which were unprecedented before the bulk of the male population was removed from ordinary working life to fight the war. I became invested in the story of each of these women from the first page, and the secondary characters were excellent, from the judgmental snobs and the weak and spiteful male antagonists to the elderly women--brave, supportive and true heroines of the Blitz. I highly recommend this novel to lovers of historical fiction.

I have loved Jennifer Ryan's books from the beginning and this one is no exception. Juliet, Katie, and Sofie are all vastly different yet are drawn together from the Bethnal Green Library, which Juliet is the assistant deputy of. WWII has been going on for a while in Britain and the Blitz has begun. Sofie is a Jewish German refugee and Katie is looking at the opportunity to go to university with so many men off fighting. Their journeys take some different turns but in the end it is their love of books and community that see them through. Truly a wonderful, comforting read.

The book focuses on three women durung the Blitz - Juliet Lansdown, a new deputy librarian, Katie Upwood,
a library worker waiting to head off to university and Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee.
The uniting factor is the community that is brought together by the use of a tube station being used as
a bomb shelter by thiose living close by. The library that is started underground provides comfort to all who
seek shelter. The stories of the three women and other community members reflect the challenges
they faced during the war.
#TheUndergroundLibrary #NetGalley

This historical novel, set in London leading up to and including WWII, is a celebration of the power of libraries. Through the description of the development of friendship among three women, the author tells a heartening story of resilience, support, and spunkiness. Their different situations -- a deputy librarian, a Jewish refugee, and a beginning student -- provide material for understanding the effects of war and fear and deprivation on women in particular. The library they created for the underground shelters, in order to sustain Londoners during the Blitz bombings will interest bibliophiles and librarians.

The Underground Library follows several women who are experiences different types of challenges during the early days of WWII in London. A librarian, elderly sisters, a Jewish refugee, and a young unwed mother. I love how the author brings to light little known historical events through lovely fictional characters.

Set in London during WWII, The Underground Library follows three young women and their community trying to shelter and survive The Blitz.

Sometimes when I read stories with multiple povs I find myself enjoying one pov more than the others and will want to skip the less desirable chapters. I genuinely enjoyed the stories of Juliet, Sofie and Katie. They all had their own experiences and their friendships made them all intertwine perfectly! I loved this book. 5 stars! '

This story is set in London where three young women - Sofie, Katie, and
Julie - share their stories of their lives as the war has begun. They meet at the Library, which opened in October of 1922, but it isn’t long before the German bombs destroy the roof of the library, and when they are forced to seek shelter underground, they decide to bring the library underground, as well.

This novel is an ode to books, libraries, and librarians, as well as a story that shares the hardships of the times, the toll it took on everyone, as well as the willingness to step outside of their comfort zones and help one another, while also covering some of the issues of the times, and what some people had to endure. Worrying about their loved ones who were soldiers fighting against Germany, especially as the war made communication between them and their families impossible in many cases.

If you're interested, there is a photo online of some of the people who were among those seeking shelter underground:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...


Pub Date: 12 Mar 2024

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books

3.5 stars, rounded down
I always feel like it’s a bit of a crap shoot whether to take on one more WWII fiction. Is there anything left to learn? Will I feel it’s all been done before? But Jennifer Ryan has once again crafted an historical fiction with characters I quickly came to care about. The story is from the perspective of three young women during the London Blitz. Juliet has just accepted the job of deputy librarian at the Bethnal Green Library. Katie is the young receptionist at the library. And Sophie is a German Jew who has managed to get a visa to work as a maid in the neighborhood. Each woman has her own issues beyond the horrors of the Blitz. When the library is bombed, the women band together to save what books they can to the tube station.
Ryan manages to convey the day to day life of London at war - the nights spent in the underground stations, the ambulance corps, the smells and pervasive smoke and dust, the rations and food shortages. She does an equally impressive job with the big moments - bombs crashing into the library and the tube station. I was impressed to learn facts I hadn’t known before, especially concerning the British internment camps on the Isle of Man for foreigners, including European Jews.
At times the book veers into soap opera territory and it was equal parts romance to meaningful historical story. And I felt the ending was a little too “happily ever after”. But yet, the story did draw me in, mainly because of the characters. Based on a true story, albeit with some major changes to the story.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.

It is so enlightening when an author shares a lesser known aspect of history in their work. Jennifer Ryan has done just that in her book. In London during the bombing by the Germans, residents sought shelter in the underground stations. What may not be as well known is that a sort of culture of familiarity and comfort evolved amongst those who sought refuge night after night.
The Underground Library tells the story of a group of women who forge strong bonds of caring and support during this time. Juliet, the assistant librarian from the Bethnal Green Library, brings books into the underground for citizens to read and listen to so they can have some normalcy while gathered together as the bombs fell. After her actual library is destroyed by bombs, she sets up a makeshift library in the underground, with the help of several other women, including Sofie, a Jewish refugee, Katie, a girl with college in her future, and a few more established and supportive women from the community. They all form an unbreakable bond, and help each other through their common and individual joys and challenges during these times. The characters are easy to come to know and care for and the resolutions of their problems are really satisfying. I very much enjoyed this book.

This story follows strong young ladies, mature women and kids during a time when war planes descended on London. Trying to find safety meant many began to sleep in the underground tunnels of London’s train system. The theme is historical fiction in a horrific period of time and it did bring me to tears a few times. Yet there was also hope and joy, love and forgiveness, strong female protagonists, even new beginnings and new life. I learned parts of history in an unfamiliar setting and gained new insights. I loved reading about all the women and became completely invested in their fate.
The significant theme that resonated with me was the power of books to get us through even the worst of times. What a privilege it is to read what we choose to and what a tragedy when anyone attempts to deny us that right. The book reminded me of how books let us preserve history, save culture, languages, lose ourselves in romance, fantasy, suspense or self-help. Books have always been part of my life and I’m grateful for them. This was an author I’d not read previously and I’m happy to have discovered her.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “The Underground Library” by Jennifer Ryan, published by Random House, Ballantine Books, expected publication 03/12/2024. These are always my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.