The Underground Library shows the resilience of women and the power of community and books during the blitz in London as three women struggle to make their way in the world amid the war. While it was predictable and the ending was a little too neatly tied up, I did enjoy the research the author put into the book. I always learn something new when reading historical fiction, and this one didn't disappoint.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc.

A beautifully researched and written historical fictional novel. The setting is the Bethnal Library, a hub of the area. We go along on the journey of three very different strong, smart amazing determined women who’re just trying to survive meet during the time of the London Blitz during WWII. These women are all trying to survive their own personal horrors due to the war, but then when their beloved place of peace and solace is all but destroyed, they relocate the library to the local Underground (subway). It becomes a place of safety, community and a little bit of normality from the horrors of WWII. Smart, well written, emotional and an important book, particularly given where we are in the world today. A book I think everyone should read.

When the Blitz begins, the bombs start reigning down, there’s not enough places to shelter, people are at breaking point and they start using the underground train stations as a place to sleep and it grows into an underground community. Juliet starts reading out loud one night in the Bethnal Green Station, she has people of all ages gathered around listening to her, it takes their minds of the lack sleep, bombs and worrying about love ones fighting in the war. Juliet and Katie would love to open an underground library, books and reading provides a way for frazzled people to relax, a break from reality and transports them to another place. Women supporting women in their growth while nurturing and providing comfort to those in need. The book has everything, and shows yet another point to WWII. The bravery, strength and inclusion shown during this time is reflected well in the book. Definitely would recommend. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher.

The Underground Library was a great read by Jennifer Ryan. Juliet Landsdown is the new deputy librarian at the Bethnal Green Library. She finds out that the library isnt the bustling hub she was expecting and is determined to breathe life back into it. She has to show the men in charge that she is up to the task of running the library. Katie Upwood is happy to be working at the library but is only there until she leaves for university in the fall. Unfortunately her beau is killed on the front line and she fidns herself with a life changing secret and no one to turn to. Sofie Baumann is a young Jewish refugee that is in London on a domestic service visa. She finds herself working as a maid for a man who treats her horribly. A slew of bombs destroy the library and Juliet relocates the stacks to the Underground station that the residents are sheltering in nightly. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.

I’m torn on this one. I’m a sucker for WWII books and have read many so maybe my expectations were a little too high especially since this one is about a library.

Sadly, it was lacking the heart and depth I generally experience when reading about WWII. Also, the ending was wrapped up a little too neatly. However, I did learn a few new things which is always a plus.

Another fiction WWII book set in London during the Blitz-I wonder if this new book by Ryan will be worth the read. Yes, it's worth the read. I delighted in the stories of the three women.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel that is based loosely on true events during WWII in Bethnal Green, London. It was a great reminder of the power of books and libraries, especially during difficult times.

Looking forward to reading other books by this author.

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book! I will be posting my review on social media, to include Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, and Instagram!

1939. Sofie is an upper-middle class Jewish German citizen, who must leave her home, her family, and her possessions and memories behind to try to get away from the Nazis. She is moving to London, to work for a wealthy widow as a servant. And she has no idea what the future holds for her sister or her father, who is choosing to stay.

1940. Juliet has also moved to London, to Bethnal Green, to be the new deputy librarian, since her fiancé has been labeled MIA, and to try to make a difference in this war instead of stuck at home, waiting to find a society boy to marry. But the head librarian, Mr. Pruitt, has no interest in improving things. He wishes the Bethnal Green library would fold so he can retire to the country, away from the London bombings. The house she is staying in, with a kindly older woman, also happens to be the same home a man named Sebastian is staying in, someone she couldn’t stand back home for flirting with every girl who came along. She has no idea yet how the war has changed him, or the current war efforts he is now part of.

Katie currently also works at Bethnal Green library, as an assistant who hopes to leave for university soon, but a dalliance with her boyfriend has left some unexpected consequences, which will have a terrible effect on her family which is already falling apart.

All three women want to save and grow the library, but they need help. When the shelters become too full for the number of people in Bethnal Green to get to, Juliet decides to take books to the underground station, where people have been waiting out the overnight bombings. What starts as a small hope turns into a burning flame that inspires and brings together an entire community. Juliet says that “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.” And so the library becomes for her and those around her.

This historical WWII fiction is perfect for fans of the genre, for fans of romantic drama, of love triangles, of surviving and bringing together communities in war, and especially for those who love books and libraries that inspire people even in the bleakest of times.

AMAZING historical fiction set during the Blitz in Great Britain and I love that its based on a true story. The character development was beautiful but I still felt like this book overall was an approachable, and just overall enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but the second half lost me a bit. In the beginning, the 3 main characters felt unique from one another, with different interests and goals, but as the plot moved forward, they felt as though they were melting together, and I felt as though I was losing interest. The ending also did not feel plausible to me. It felt as though everything was wrapped up in a perfect bow, when that does not feel realistic for a WWII novel. That being said, the writing style was easy and palatable, and I appreciated learning about the Londonites that were forced to hide underground.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I felt like there was far too much exposition from the characters that bogged down each chapter, making the book twice as long as it needed to be.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

Though this book held my attention and was easy to read, I too often found myself annoyed and disappointed. It quickly became apparent that her writing is insanely formulaic, as I could easily swap characters and plot lines from this book for another. Though there were interesting tidbits of information, the writing is insubstantial, repetitive, and easy to skim. I believe she tried too hard to be quotable and wise, making every character sound as if they’re speaking from some unrealistic script. I do see the merits in her writing, but in my opinion, if you’ve read one of her books, you’ve read them all. This is for people who want something soft and cozy, along the lines of an old grandmother’s story.

I will admit, the first several chapters, I was sure I'd read this book in the past. Which, considering its publication date, I knew wasn't possible. I eventually found the book I'd read last year on the subject and realized there were a few differences, but I will admit that my familiarity with the subject probably put me at a slight disadvantage with this book.

Part of the problem with this book, however, was there just wasn't enough to make me really care about the characters. I read what they were going through, but they seemed somewhat superficial, so I didn't actually care or get drawn in to their stories. I was drawn in to the situation they were in and the subject matter itself, but the characters felt flat and the soap opera romance aspects (that were really, very very obvious) just were off putting at times.

While this was a decent read, unless you love some over the top drama and romance thrown in to your historical fiction, you may want to look elsewhere. If it's something you can overlook and you'd like to read more WWII historical fiction set mostly in England, this is your chance.

Overall, this book was a terrific read. Originally it was a little difficult to grasp the characters' identities due to their similarities, but as the book progressed they became more distinct.

I found that the characters were very relateable, even though they are from a different time period, and had very different life experiences than I have.

One complaint that I would have is the book's authenticity. I find that the author wrote it to be a book that would please the masses, making it a happy story, one that would not bring tears to the reader. However, for this time period, I believe that the truth and realities must be spoken about, which ultimately leads to unhappy endings. I feel as if she drew out the story in ways to ensure that a happy ending was inevitable.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For more reviews and discussions, listen to my podcast The Honest Book Reviewers with Nate and Emma.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3H3ugH4xlzvjMXuUo1Lyvh?si=ewdzfkUnSVKyDmAvHMHIPQ

This was a stunning story. The book follows 3 women and their community in London during the height of WWII. All three stories were so well done and interesting, and I could not put this book down. It was a totally different take from any other WWII story I've read, and it was so interesting. The cast of characters that sheltered in the underground and lived in the neighborhood was so fun and unique. I truly loved reading this so much.

If you love historical fiction, add this to your list for sure!

I just finished The Undergroubd Library. Thank you for allowing me to review it. It is my first book by Jennifer Ryan and I don't think it will be my last! This story was beautifully written. I loved the different storylines. It was written about history that I have not heard about before. No one ever talks about Underground London. It wasn't graphic and had a lot of positivity in it. What a breath of fresh air!
Thank you for sharing this history with us.

This book took me much longer than it should have to read. I also had to take a break due the book feeling like it was dragging on.
I feel that the multiple perspectives was confusing and I got characters mixed up. I think this book could have been a lot more exciting and a more interesting read. I was going the book would be more about the under ground library and less about pushing personal beliefs. I also felt that this book was not realistic and nothing actually bad happened to any of the main characters.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I've read every book by Ryan. I always find her historical fiction novels to contain consistency.
I am so fond of Ryan's devotion to each book she publishes.
So far all of her HF novels have multiple POVs from our main characters. Each sharing their story. I personally find Multi POV's are one of the best-loved features in any type of novel.
There is not one character in this novel that you find yourself relating to. The bonds and friendships the women find while trying to survive the war, makes me envious.
You will come across a pair of funny characters that will bring a smile to your face.
In a prim and proper way this book was clean in choice of language. No profanity. No sexual content.

I really enjoyed this book. It combined two of my favorite things, books and community. I received this advanced reader copy from netgalley. I was interested in it because I have read the Chilbury Ladies Choir, which I really liked as well. I enjoy fiction that is based on real events but also has Indian characters. I read this book in about 24 hours because I was enjoying it so much.