I thoroughly enjoyed this fictionalized history of the underground library at Bethnal Green tube station in London during WWII. The story follows three women during the early stages of WWII (~1940). Near the beginning of the London Blitz, the German bombs destroyed the large and beautiful Bethnal Green Library, necessitating its relocation underground.

Juliet Lansdown has just taken the role of Assistant Librarian, a role usually reserved for men (who were of course in short supply). Jewish Sofie Baumann has managed to obtain a visa to leave Berlin for London as a household servant — also in short supply and one of the few ways Jews could still get out of Germany and go to the relatively safe shores of England. Katie Upwood, a library assistant, finds out she is pregnant shortly after hearing that her beau is missing in action, presumed dead. Together these women, and the growing community taking to the tube station for nightly shelter, form a support system for the predominantly female cast of The Underground Library.

Jennifer Ryan always gives her characters a happily-ever-after which made it easier for me to read of a harrowing time without too much additional stress which I greatly appreciate. I loved the attention to historically accurate details of the age — the big hotels fixing up their cellars for dancing, the women in internment camps on the Isle of Man teaching each other skills, the treatment of unwed mothers, deserters, efforts at Jewish reunification, and the fact that universities, rather than close, started opening up to women while the men were away -- Margaret Thatcher got her 1943 Chemistry degree from Oxford! I also always love Ryan’s characters and the way they work to make the best of whatever situation they find themselves in — usually through some wonderful friendships. All learning to take whatever joy is available to them and cherish it.

If the story sounds familiar, that may be because this is the second book to fictionalize this WWII underground library this year. The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson covers the later years of the war and was also very enjoyable. For those interested in the real story, here is a somewhat personal accounting complete with photos: https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Bethnal-Green-Tube-Disaster/

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan is a great WWII-era historical fiction that kept my interest throughout.

I have liked several of Ms. Ryan’s books in the past, and this did not disappoint.

It was great to read about the real-life Bethnel Green Library, especially through the eyes of three different women, different, but brought together, united under external battles and war.

Sofie, Katie, and Juliet are great main characters, and the author does a great job weaving their unique perspectives and life circumstances together into one story of hope, faith, courage, perseverance, love, and loss to give this book a great complexity and interest.

Definitely recommend.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/12/24.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me to read an ARC of The Underground Library via Netgalley.

I’ve read Jennifer Ryan’s other books and I enjoy how she weaves together stories about found families and communities coming together in times of adversity. Those who love Jennifer’s other books will find lots to enjoy in The Underground Library. The main characters are good people who take on bullies, and the reader wants their endings to be happy. I feel anyone who hasn’t read Jennifer’s books before, but enjoys stories that take place during WWII about people who are trying their best to carry on despite difficulties and obstacles, will also like it.

I thought about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, another book I really love, while reading because of the characters in both stories feeling connections to books. Love of books bring them together and help them get through tough times. I love reading any story that has characters who are fans of reading and published works.

I look forward to reading what WWII story Jennifer Ryan has in store next. There are an infinite amount of tales to tell during that time period.

In The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan, women from different walks of life come together and face the turmoils of WWII while finding companionship and courage in the Underground train stations in London. A wonderful book! Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Don't miss this one if you love uplifting novels set during the war.

“The Underground Library” is a WWII historical fiction book by Jennifer Ryan. I liked this book a lot. I found the topic - moving a library to a tube station - rather interesting, along with the other historical bits in this book. I honestly hadn’t thought about passing the time in a tube station sheltering from bombing raids (my always having a back-up plan partner probably has) but Ms. Ryan made that “time passing” rather interesting. I did find the main characters rather interesting - Juliet, Katie, and Sofie were interesting characters. My one comment is that while this would probably make a great TV movie, I did find it a bit predictable … interesting, but predictable. A very enjoyable book and if one has an interest in libraries and WWII historical fiction, this may be one to read.

Wow, this book was so good. I was quite sad at the end... because I didn't want it to end! I loved, loved, loved the relationships between all the women in this book, how they came together and built a community and a family in a time of great crisis. The book was actually based on several true events during the Blitz in London during WWII, so it was actually more historical than fiction (although of course, the actual characters and their personal stories were fiction.) The author really did her homework to delve into history and specific events, and she did a great job at recreating them.
I have read several books about WWII, and yet this one did not seem "old" or feel like the same old same old, it was fresh and engaging, and I really feel like I got a better sense of what life was like for the people who lived through this tough time in history.
All around, this was an excellent book, and I highly recommend it!

This is a powerful, beautiful journey of strength, friendship, existence and determination.
Three amazing women learn to survive and also help their beloved library continue after a devastating bombing during the London Blitz.
They take books, people and life to the underground rail station!
This is based on true times back during WorldWar II and it is intense and heartbreaking at times!
It is well done and has wonderful characters and details that I truly enjoyed!

If you like historical fiction and especially World War II novels, then you will want to scoop this one up!
Thank you to @NetGalley and @Random House Publishing Group-Ballentine for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.

What a great book! So well written. Its a great historical fiction novel that's centered around a group of women that come together during WWII in Europe. Loved this book. Couldn't put it down!

A feel-good WW2 story about the true event that brought the Bethnal Green Library to the Underground during The Blitz - is told through the narratives of Juliet, deputy librarian; Sophie, a Jewish refugee from Berlin; and Katie - a library volunteer who finds herself in the family way and unwed.

HEA all the way for those who find themselves in a slump and cannot read one more unhappy ending - I would recommend it.

When new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn't the bustling hub she's expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to the task of running it, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her?

Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she's only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help. Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee from Germany, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her like a slave. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe. When bombs destroy the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the city's residents shelter nightly, determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their community.

I had recently read another book about the Library in the Bethnal tube station during WWII. This one offers different insights and perspectives, and I enjoyed it. I have read other books by this author and am always amazed at the amount of research she does on her books basing them on real events and the people involved. If you are a WWII fan and a library fan, you will enjoy this book and become a fan of Jennifer Ryan as I am. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request to read this book.

The Underground Library brings together three women from different backgrounds and situations. Jillian, who can never do anything to please her parents and who desperately wants to breathe life back into the old Bethnal Library, Sophie, a Jewish refugee alone in London, and Kate who's pregnancy threatens her family's standing in the community. As the bombing of London continues each night, these strangers are finding new friends as they shelter in the subway tunnels. As each women's story progresses they form strands of the story that will find them woven together by the end.. As much a tale of the bombing of London, this is also about the resiliency of these women when faced with the social conventions of their time. Breaking the rules and creating new futures for themselves as friends, new and old join forces to help them achieve their goals. I was disappointed in the ending however, as each of the three major characters has a "Happy Ending." With the bombing of London, it is doubtful to me that at least one of them would not experience some sort of heartbreak with the amount of death and destruction that occurred during that time.

"The Underground Library" by Jennifer Ryan is a heartfelt and compelling novel based on true events. It takes readers on a journey to the heart of a London neighborhood during World War II and introduces us to a cast of strong and determined women who come together to save their beloved library from the ravages of war.

The story revolves around three young women, each with their own struggles and dreams. Juliet Lansdown, the new deputy librarian, is determined to revitalize the library and prove that a woman can manage it effectively. Her character embodies resilience and the fight for equality during a time when women were often underestimated.

Katie Upwood, a library assistant, is dealing with personal loss and a life-altering secret. Her journey through grief and resilience is a central theme in the novel. Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, escapes a difficult domestic service situation to find refuge in the library. Her search for her sister and the support she finds in the literary community contribute to the novel's emotional depth.

The backdrop of World War II and the Blitz adds a layer of tension and urgency to the narrative. The library, a symbol of the community's spirit, is threatened by the devastation of bombings. Juliet's decision to relocate the library to the Underground station, where people take shelter, is a testament to the power of literature in uplifting spirits during difficult times.

Jennifer Ryan's writing beautifully captures the essence of the era and the resilience of the characters. The story touches on themes of friendship, family, and the importance of literature as a source of solace and hope during turbulent times. It also highlights the strength of women working together to preserve the heart of their community.

"The Underground Library" is a moving and heartwarming novel that celebrates the enduring power of books and the strength of individuals during times of adversity. It's a touching tribute to the indomitable spirit of the people who lived through the challenges of the war, and a reminder of the importance of community and the written word.

World War II novels can be daunting experiences but also thrilling reads. In this case, there is a lot to process. It is set during the Blitz in London and follows the story of three women.
Juliet is the new deputy librarian in Bethnal Green and she is full of fresh ideas and a renewed enthusiasm for her work despite the obstacles that her boss and ultimately the hazards of war throw in her way.
Katie is a young woman hoping to attend university and living in a very conservative family. But she has a secret that can threaten her family.
Sophie is a german jew who escaped her country with a work visa that led her to the house of an abusive employer.
All three of them meet at the library which becomes so much more than a place for books and stories, it becomes the center of a community.
It is a lovely story, maybe too unrealistic since so many of these stories actually had very dramatic resolutions but I did enjoy the description of London under the Blitz.

I loved the book because of its overriding themes of the value of books and the lengths we will go to to protect them and how in a time of war they offer us solace and comfort. Their value is so needed in the political era we live in where conservatives are banning books and restricting library funding much like the Nazis did during WWII. When you seek to chain the mind from free thought it’s no longer a free country but a dictatorship and this shows that just like the book we have to resist those who seek to make this country a theocracy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review the book

As a librarian myself I really enjoyed this book. I have not read any of the books by this author and I really enjoyed it. It is part of the reason why I love Historical Fiction

How can you not love a story where books are the hero? This was a fantastic historical fiction novel set during WWII. I have read many books set during this time period but this was definitely one of my favorites. Not only did I feel transported back to London during the blitz but I truly cared about what was going to happen to all three characters. What was even more incredible was that this story was based on real historical events. I love when an author can tie in fact with fiction in an action packed, emotional read.

Juliet, a deputy librarian who has to decide if she is going to stick by her deserter fiance or try to forge a new life. Sofie, a Jewish refugee from Germany who is trying to survive in London without her family and trying to make the best of a horrible domestic servant situation. Finally, Katie whose fiance is presumed dead in the war, finds herself in one of the worst positions a single girl can be in during this time period. These three women all have one thing in common, the underground library.

Jennifer Ryan is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical fiction writers. I really enjoyed the Chilbury Ladies' Choir and this book was just as good, if not better. This story has all of the major elements that I look for in a book. Incredible characters, romance, action, intrigue, and a story that you are invested in. I also loved the message about people working together to make positive changes. A wonderful read!!!

Thank you to Random House for the chance to read this incredible ARC!

Set just before and during the first year of the Blitz in London, three women from very different backgrounds come together because of a library book club. Juliette is the deputy librarian who moves to London to escape her parents. Sophie is a German Jewish refugee on a domestic work Visa. And Katie works part time at the library while dreaming of starting college. As the Blitz continues the library is irreparably damaged and Juliette moves it underground in the tube (subway) station. As time goes on the underground library becomes a place where the whole community comes together to read and socialize. Tackling such issues as refugee hardship, the discrimination against women who don’t quite fit into the paternalistic views of society, the shunning of unmarried pregnant women, as well as military deserters and PTSD, it is a must read for historical fiction readers everywhere. An extensive authors note at the back tells the historical facts the novel is based on. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The amount of research Jennifer Ryan must do for all her historical fiction amazes me! She really creates the world for you which makes the story feel so real. I love all the little details she puts in, this time about library systems, underground shelters, and the paths Jews had to take to enter Britain from Germany and the surrounding countries. A heartwarming, multifaceted story, this one blew my mind.

The lives of a young librarian, a German Jewish refugee, and a pregnant teenager intersect in an impromptu underground subway tunnels library formed in Bethnal Green during the bombings of England in World War II. The power of friendship and the sisterhood of war help each woman find a new reason to hang on and find hope for a brighter future. This book is a great choice for book club discussions .

"The Underground Library" is Jennifer Ryan's best book yet. Ever since reading "Chilbury Ladies' Choir," I have been a fan of Ryan's books. Her stories are perfect for fans of Historical World War II fiction, and are similar to books like "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" in that while they depict the challenges and hardships of war, they also describe moments of solidarity and togetherness warped together with an interesting plot (and several love interests in this case!)

The Underground Library focuses on the stories of several main characters who are united in their love of and support for the local library, which is creatively moved underground after a bombing raid damages the library. The stories show the interconnected lives of the librarian trying to put troubling news behind her, a young assistant librarian about to go off to university as her boyfriend goes missing in Europe, a German Jewish woman who is working as a housekeeper for a very unpleasant man, and lovely retired sisters who live in the neighborhood.

One test of a good book is how you feel when it ends. I was sad when this book ended, as I wanted to continue reading more about the lives of the characters. Anyone who enjoys a good story about women's friendships, communities coming together or World War II fiction will enjoy "The Underground Library."