Very much enjoyed this book and the story it brought forth. It is a unique take on the WWII experience in London that centers around multi-generational women who forge a bond based on books.

I have been a fan of this authors since reading Chilbury Ladies' Choir and this is another winner. The characters are believable and they make human decisions; things don't always work out perfectly which lends to authenticity.

I learned about the Isle of Man being a holding place for Jewish refugees, something I had not previously been aware of.

I am grateful to have read a NetGalley ARC and look forward to more from Jennifer Ryan.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this opportunity!

Amazing novel! 3 women with fighter spirits, the dark academia libraries, beautiful storytelling.
What else can one want ?
Highly recommend it!

Set in London during the Blitz, “The Underground Library” follows the lives of three women grappling with finding their purpose and place in the world in tumultuous times. Sofie is a Jewish refugee from Germany. She’s without family, has a cruel employer, and feels so alone in a new city. Katie is a local girl working in the library until she starts university in the fall, missing her fiancé who was lost in combat. Juliet has relocated to London from the countryside to serve as a deputy librarian. A product of unloving parents, Juliet has attached herself to a passionate writer who has gone missing in action on the front.

With personal tragedies besetting each woman and the Germans’ aerial attack increasingly sending Londoners underground for shelter, the three strangers will learn to lean on each other and bond over books to restore some form of normalcy to their lives. With the library bombed, Juliet and Katie move the books underground. The book clubs, story hours, and borrowing system bring a sense of escape, hope, and camaraderie to those hiding from the attacks. But will all the women be able to overcome their obstacles? Or will war claim what little they have left?

I’m a big historical fiction fan, and this book was right up there with works by other great authors of the genre (Kate Quinn, Pan Jenoff Heather Morris, and Lauren Willig to name a few). The way the women supported themselves, did whatever they could to help one another, and took charge of their futures was so satisfying to read about. While fictional, these types of stories encapsulate an important time of change in the way women moved in the world. With the men away at the front, women were able to prove themselves capable of so much more than taking care of house and home if they so chose. A terrible time for humanity, WWII-based stories are such a great source of evidence of the human spirit, the indomitability of hope, and the power of love over hate.

Its amazing after all the world war 2 historical fiction that I have read that I can still read one and learn something, but The Underground Library did it for me again. Based on the real underground library in London during the war this novel tells the story of three very different women and how their connection to the library bring each other together and becomes an important part of their life journey.

Jennifer Ryan does a great job weaving life lessons into her story as well as bookish moments, reminding us to find the courage in ourselves to try new things and not worry how they are going to turn out, to keep plugging along, and to rely on our friends. The underground library becomes a place not just about books, but about people, and how books can bring them together, help mend hearts and explore different cultures and help people to grow and understand each other. Her characters are real and well written and I was very invested in what was going to happen to them. Like many of her other books, despite the theme, the book is uplifting and if you have enjoyed the authors other novels I think you will enjoy this one as well.

Thank you to Net galley and the publisher for this e galley in return for an unbiased review.

I am hooked on historical fiction about libraries and books, so this was a quick pick for me. I have read Kate Thompson's book The Little Wartime Library that also tells the Bethnel Green story and found it to be much more enjoyable. I did enjoy this author's characters and found their ancillary stories for more interesting than the main narrative. I like this author, but did not feel like this was one of her better efforts.

I have yet to rate a book by Jennifer Ryan at anything but 5 stars. This book doesn't change that pattern. Like her other books, this one is set in England during WWII. The Underground Library follows Juliet as she moves from her village into London. Unable to live with her parents anymore--they suck the joy right out of her--she is elated to go to London for a position as Deputy Librarian. Along with Katie, who works at the library and becomes Juliet's ally, she dreams of making improvements to the library. She believes that a library should be available to everyone. No simple feat when the Head Librarian is not only on the cusp of retirement, but also set in his ways. When the library is bombed, Juliet and her new friends begin to realize their dream of providing books to everyone. Some of the characters from her last novels show up in this book and I love the excitement it creates in me when I recognize someone. Good to know my old friends are still around! Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the digital ARC. This review is my very own opinion. Truly a heartwarming book as everyone rally's around the library.

The Underground Library was a very well written book about World War II in London and the Underground library that was formed before the Underground Tube was built and after the Green Belmar library was bombed. This is based on a true story and was based on people that lived through it. It was divided into different segments of characters and their story during that time. It took us to the life of a young girl who became pregnant and the shame that was brought with it. It took us to a young girl who was in love with a soldier who was thought to be dead, only to find out he wasn't and came back to find his fiance was in love with someone else. The story takes us to the life of a young girl who was forced to leave her family behind in Germany and get on a train by herself to find an a friend in a Nun. Jennifer Ryan, the author doesn't disappoint in this fascinating book.

I was captivated from start to finish. The courage and sacrifices that were made during the darkness of war proves how resilient the human spirit can be. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this gripping tale of a "true life" underground library was amazing. The research that went into this novel was exceptional. I found myself choking back tears for the courage and sacrifices that were made. I loved the comment "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". How absolutely true that statement is. This is a must-read that will leave its' mark on your heart and mind.

4. 4. I have always enjoyed Jennifer Ryan’s novels, The Chilbury’s Ladies choir, The Kitchen Front , and The Wedding Dress circle, all WWII vintage stories. Although a difficult time in history, in her novels, Ms Ryan writes about all those, particularly women, who helped make a miserable situation as palatable and upbeat as possible in the UK. She did the same with this one, which is about a strong group of women with their own individual challenges—e.g., family disharmony, unanticipated pregnancy, illness, sexual discrimination—who help bring about an underground library in the tunnels under Bethnal Green underground subway to serve those staying in the tunnels during the London blitz. A delightful read with engaging characters, and most particularly the strength and resilience of people to survive a horrible situation and to help the common good. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an advance copy in exchange for a candid and unbiased review.

This book was SO good! It touches on the horrors of WW2 but more than that, it focused on the beauty of the people that experienced it. Instead of giving up, they pushed through. The women in this book forged friendships, kindled hope, and rebuilt a community after the Bethnal Green library was bombed.

Beautifully written with a touching and poignant message.

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan is a small corner of the London Underground where people in the Bethnal Green neighborhood converge each night when the Nazi aircraft are bombing parts of the city. The name came from Juliet bringing books with her on the first night she went to the tunnels to seek safely and started reading to bring comfort to herself and anyone else around who needed it. Instead, it brought together those who needed not only comfort, but hope that they would survive, be reunited with loved ones, and see a new day.

During the day, Juliet works at the Bethnal Green Library after leaving her small town in the countryside to seek something new after finding her fiancé had deserted during the war. At the library, she meets Katie, a neighborhood young lady who is looking forward to attending university since slots are available with all the men on the front fighting. Young Jewish refugee Sophie is also brought into the fold as she seeks some form of happiness away from the man who she works for as part of gaining escape from Germany in the early stages of the war. Together with some other eccentric, fun characters thrown in, you find yourself in the Underground with them, hearing the stories, learning about the neighbors, feeling their emotions, seeking hope. Ryan intricately weaves together the lives to where you cannot imagine one of the characters not being a part of the strength that is found in their hope. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book is set for publication on March 12, 2024.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #jenniferryan #theundergroundlibrary #RandomHouse

I loved this book! Jennifer Ryan has created a heartwarming, at times, heart wrenching, historical fiction based on the Bethnal Green Library in London, and the Underground library created by Bethnal to bring hope and solace to all those who sheltered at night in the London Underground. The book focuses on three memorable characters. Juliet's fiancée disappears in Dunkirk and she moves to London, finding work as the Deputy Librarian, eventually creating the London Underground Library in the rail tunnels at night. Sophie is a Jewish refugee, whose only means of escape from Germany was accepting employment in London as a domestic, leaving her family behind. Katie is a young woman hoping to go to the University, but circumstances thwart her efforts. The three women form a deep friendship as they work to create the Underground Library, support each other and the community the library serves. The book has a marvelous cast of characters that bring the story of the Underground Library, the London Blitz and the terror of World War II, vividly to life. I had a particular fondness for the Ridley sisters! In this time of book banning, it is heartening to read a book that celebrates the importance of libraries in the world. The author's notes at the end are a must read on the history behind the book. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of the book. The opinions of this review are my own.

“The Underground Library” by Jennifer Ryan is based on the true story of the bombing of the Bethnal Green Library during WWII. The story is brought to life by the spirit of the community who supported it, and the staff’s decision to relocate the library underground which made it thrive during the Blitz. The book is well researched and the story is told through the lives of various women with some very difficult challenges specific to the times. I think there are many people who will enjoy reading this book especially those who are interested in books about WWII, libraries and the plight of Jews in Europe. For me, I felt as though these themes were the same as many books that I have read before this one and thus it was not an easy read for me. I realize I am in the minority on this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to @netgalley and Random House Publishing Corporation for this ARC. Juliet moves to London to become the deputy librarian of a local library. Sophie is a Jew and escaping Berlin on a work visa to London and Kate is an assistant at the library but is in a bit of trouble. When their beloved library is bombed, they figure out a way to help each other as well as save the library by moving it down to the Underground where everyone can enjoy during the air raids. Sweet story especially during war time. #TheUndergroundLibrary #JenniferRyan #RandomHousePublishing #March2024

4.5 stars
HIGHLY recommend

I received a complimentary Kindle e-book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Jennifer Ryan, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Yes, I keep saying that I am done, done, done with WWII books. But the premise of this novel was so intriguing - The Blitz and books!! I was hooked immediately upon starting this book.

Great character development, storyline, and writing. Very well-done!!

In Jennifer Ryan's The Underground Library three women face different wartime experiences. Two lose sweethearts and one is a young German Jew. All three bond over a love of books. Juliet and Katie are librarians. When the library is bombed, they move their reading club and books underground - literally. They set up in the underground tube station, where a whole community exists. Sofie joins them until an unfortunate circumstance forces her away from London.



Each of the women search for something missing in their lives: Juliet longs for a career to support her love of books, Katie the education her gender denied her and Sofie for the sister and father she left behind in Germany. Ryan's novel is populated with colorful characters, from literature living spinster sisters to a mother who sent her children to the safety of the country. While London is blitzed, books unite the women and offer an escape from a grim reality awaiting them above ground. I love Jennifer Ryan's books because her stories come from real life. We are so far removed from World War II we have no idea what it was like to carry a gas mask with us everywhere, or to have to drop everything and find shelter as bombs rained from the sky. The Underground Library puts readers into those fearful moments, as well as the moments of small joy the characters find in everyday life. Ryan's work highlights the way women bond in these moments, giving readers a realistic portrait of wartime life.

I really enjoyed The Underground Library. Often WWII books are a little too stressful and I've (honestly) been avoiding them. But I couldn't resist the opportunity to request an advance read copy when I recognized that it was by Jennifer Ryan (who wrote The Chilbury Ladies' Choir and The Kitchen Front, both WW!! historical fiction novels that I really enjoyed.)

In The Underground Library we alternate points of view between Sophie (Jew working in London, hoping to find her sister), Juliet who is a recent add to the Bethnal Green Library as a deputy librarian and Katie who also works at the library. Jennifer Ryan creates a wonderful cast of characters; I especially liked woman who runs the boarding house Mrs. Ottley.

I love how this community comes together.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for approving my request to read the advance read copy of The Underground Library in exchange for an honest review.

I've yet to read a book by Jennifer Ryan that I haven't enjoyed. So when I was offered the opportunity to read an advance copy of her new novel I was very pleased and downloaded it immediately.

Based on true events, the story is told in three voices and is extremely atmospheric of life during WWII.

It hooked me from the first chapter and kept me turning the pages way past my preferred bedtime. Like her other titles, I plan to add this to my audiobook library.

The Underground Library was an excellent read, and a definite recommendation from me.



Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC

Jennifer Ryan writes books that draw you in and keep you reading. Her latest, set in about to be bombed London during WWII is in a neighborhood library. Bethnal Green Library has a man who is the head librarian (of course) but although it is well used, the arrival of Juliet Lansdown as deputy librarian, breathes new life into it. Mr. Pruitt is not one to encourage new things and is also hoping that the library will be closed down so he can move out to the countryside. Juliet is dismayed but not deterred. As the summer of 1940 moves on Juliet is able to reach out to a number of people and (quietly) begin a book club and get to know the library regulars.
These include Katie Upwood who is there as an assistant for the summer before she starts college and Sofie Baumann, a Jewish refugee who managed to get a visa to England as long as she worked as a domestic servant. Both Katie and Sofie face difficulties and then the actual Blitz begins, and everyone is facing problems as each night involves finding shelter from the bombs. The government at first did not want people going into the Underground (subway) to find safety but since the Underground was built so deep people went anyway and before long it was an approved shelter.
When The Bethnal Green Library is bombed, Juliet is ordered to pack up most of the books to be sent to storage until the end of the war, but she manages to get some volunteers to move some bookcases and a number of books to the Underground -- with Mr. Pruitt complaining all the way. The characters in the book all have a number of dilemmas to work through but as you make your way through the book you are drawn into their lives and what happens next.

Three women from vastly different backgrounds are drawn together by their love of the written word. When the bombing of London began in World War II, these strong women banded together to save the library from complete destruction. They worked together to provide a safe haven for cherished books and fellow readers. Sofie is a German Jew escaping persecution in her own country to work as a domestic in England. Her journey is frightening and the job awaiting her is demanding. When she finds the local library, she feels a sense of peace. Juliet is the new deputy director of the library. She has achieved a position only held by men because they are all fighting the war. She is determined to show that hiring her was an excellent decision made by the board. She comes to London to escape overbearing parents and a fiance who has mysteriously disappeared during a battle. Katie is a local girl from a wealthy family. Her parents are overly concerned about their images and society. Katie is happy working with books and she anticipates starting college soon. Her boyfriend is fighting in the war and work keeps her mind busy. As these three women find their mission, their efforts encourage the community to join them.

While this book could have taken many paths, it is about resilience, sisterhood, and community spirit. These women, along with others, bond over their love of books and hold their community together. Each woman will face personal hardship and gain strength from her friends. These characters are warm, charming, and endearing. I want to know these women! The author doesn't shy away from the horrors of war but uses a deft touch to keep from being mired in the atrocities of this time. When the library is threatened with closure, it is wonderful to see the entire community band together to show the board that closure is a horrible mistake. In spite of all the horrors they endure, they care for each other. This story is a heartwarming demonstration of women coming together during adversity and improving their community with compassion.