Review Underground Library
This is not the first book by Jennifer Ryan that I have read. I enjoyed The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle, and now enjoyed The Underground Library. I appreciate that the author included notes at the end describing which aspects of this story came from actual occurrences during the war.
It was an easy story to follow. I liked that the 3 main women were so distinctive that I did not have any trouble keeping straight which character she was describing. I appreciate that the language was kept clean, and though describing some relationships there was not unnecessary graphic details of the romances. I like a clean story and I like history better than romance. The author kept the romance just the way I like it, more emphasis on the character development. I liked the secondary characters as well. I really liked the older sisters that were so supportive and caring. There was a balance of mean characters to go with the ones that I found myself cheering for.
I love books, so any story about a library and specific mention of characters from those novels catch my interest.
The ending was slightly predictable, but by then I cared enough about the characters it did not matter much. I look forward to whatever Jennifer Ryan does next. My Thanks to #Net Galley, #BallentineBooks, and the author #Jennifer Ryan for an opportunity to read a digital ARC copy.
This novel will be available on March 12, 2024

Jennifer Ryan has become one of my favorite authors, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of her latest book, thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. The Underground Library is another winner. It has wonderful characters and readers learn about their life-changing friendships and romances during the Blitz. As always, the book is very atmospheric of the war years, covering diverse issues from the life of Jewish refugees in England to soldiers with PTSD, life in air raid shelters and volunteer war work. It is also a love letter to libraries and their importance to their communities. I loved the book and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the author's next book.

This book was simply extraordinary. I can't possibly do it justice in this review although I'll try. The setting is the East End of London during the first year of the Blitz. So many aspects of the community responding to the war as well as societal issues are covered. Through Juliet's new position as Deputy LIbrarian of Bethnal Green Library, we see the restrictions and limitations of a patriarchal society. With Sofie, we experience the desperation and powerlessness of political refugees. Katie shows us how communities stigmatize unmarried mothers, leaving them with few options in their lives. But then, we see how women of all ages come together to support each other, creating families where they are needed, and forming unbreakable bonds.

Most of all, this is an homage to the power of books; to inform, challenge, and comfort us. It's a celebration of the community library, where all have easy access to the joy of reading. Although this story is set in the shadow of Nazi Germany with its book burnings and book banning, it feels more current than ever with the same kinds of censorship happening again. When Juliet is trying to save the Underground Library she says, "Books help us to see inside someone else's world, empathize with people we've never met. And if there's one thing the world needs right now, it is the willingness to understand and connect." I adored this book, every single character came to life for me. I cheered their accomplishments and I wept at their losses. This is a must-read for all book lovers and one that I will reread many times.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for fulfilling my "wish" by allowing me to read the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.

In a London neighborhood under threat, three brave young women are driven to tap into their unstoppable spirit to save the beloved library that holds the soul of their community. Drawing inspiration from true events, this enchanting book tells a touching story of strength and unwavering resolve. This captivating novel narrates a heartwarming tale of resilience and unwavering determination.