Just when I think I've read every possible angle on WWII, this wonderful story comes up on NetGalley. How can I resist? What's better than a book about books? A story about books...underground. So yes, geek out with me here for a minute, and enjoy librarians creating a sense of community in the most adverse circumstances imaginable. (I especially recommend to fans of AJ Pearce's Emmy Lake Chronicles). While the drama may not be as tense or gripping as you might think, the lovely story and the delightful characters are cause enough for compelling reading.

I believe this is the second book I’ve read by Jennifer Ryan, the first being The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle. I enjoyed both books ver much!

The author has certainly done her research into happenings during the Second World War, and has a knack for telling delightful stories that happened despite the war going on. This book focuses on the London Blitz and the moving of the Bethnal Green library branch into the nearby tube station after the building was bombed. She populates the story with lovable characters and the friendships that develop, not to mention love stories. She does a marvelous job of wrapping things up in the end.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four stars!i

Thank you Penguin Random House for the ARC of The Underground Library. There are a lot of WW2 novels written but I appreciate the new angles and stories that need to be told.

Author Jennifer Ryan brings the focus to the London Blitz and the Bethnal Green library moving down into the underground. The historical facts are interesting but it did feel like many other “cozy/quaint” WW2 novels. I wish the writing was stronger; I noticed a few character reactions repeat in the same paragraph “she said under her breath, she balled her fists” etc. I don’t mind the phrasing but they were so frequent and close together it took me out of the story.

This book was a wonderful book about three very different young women whose lives intertwine during WWII. At the beginning the women are dependent on others in their lives . The story takes you through as these characters grow , change and become independent . They meet through the love of books and actually bring an entire town together because of a library . You learn about their different experiences during the war. Each chapter is told from the view of a character . I enjoyed this book very much .

**Thank you to Random House for this free digital review copy.**

The Underground Library was an engaging novel about London during the Blitz, based on true stories of the men and women who kept the city going while it was getting bombed by the Nazis nightly. The bravery they showed and resilience to stay positive in such terrible conditions was incredible to read about. It's hard to imagine living in a time when it became normal to sleep in the subway tunnels while your home was getting bombed above. But that's exactly what this novel explored, and I truly enjoyed every storyline this novel followed: from Sofie escaping Berlin and all that she's put through once she reaches London to Katie's unplanned pregnancy and her determination not to lose the last piece of her love that she has. Juliet's ambition to help create community through the library is beautiful, and it makes her inability to see Victor's true motives so frustrating. While perhaps a bit cheesy, I was so happy with how everyone got a happy ending, even in the midst of the war.

The Underground Library is a phenomenal book that really captured me as a reader. I love historical fiction and the ones set around books are even better. I read through this book so fast and loved every minute of it. Suggesting it as a buddy read so I can reread it over the summer.

This was such a lovely and heartwarming novel. I don’t think there’s a limit to the number of WWII novels I can read, especially when they’re about the heroism of a community of people, women especially. I loved the interwoven storylines of the main characters and the true events that were incorporated into the plot. This was just really enjoyable.

Wow! I was skeptical about another story about a European library during one of the World Wars, but I loved it! I did not know about the Bethnal Green Library or Juliet Lansdown, but I am glad that I do now!

I have decided to get the physical copy of the book and read it at a later point. I will be reviewing this at a later date.

I admit that I have read so many books set in World War II that I am a skeptic whenever a new one comes out. That said, I loved this book. The characters are well drawn and having finished the book, I find myself wishing I were still reading it, because I miss them.
The story gives color to the facts of war. Women join the workforce because the men are off fighting. Romances are condensed, rushed, and focused. The main character, Juliet, is an ambitious young woman from a well-off family who only wish for her to marry well, Juliet loves books though, and is thrilled to find a position at the Bethnal Green Library in London, at the beginning of the Blitz. She is full of ideas, which are not received well by the men in charge. Operating with some subterfuge, Juliet enlists the assistance of woman in the community…all wonderful characters themselves, to implement her ideas.
Then the library is bombed, and thus begins the underground library.
This is a wonderful story for anyone who loves books, libraries, and women with their own mind. While it is reminiscent of The Paris Library, by Janet Charles, (another good book!) this book is different in spirit and the setting of London is unique and endearing. Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House for the review copy. This book releases March 12, 2024.

I know that this is the kind of book derided as "emotional" women's fiction, but I don't even care. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it, from the descriptions of the Blitz to the relationships between the women (and men!). It's such an outstanding example of the women's World War II genre. I think the tone of the book is thoroughly enjoyable and I can think of at least a dozen people to recommend it to--without thinking very hard.

Well researched historical fiction but somewhat a hard to get into start, by the end I was invested. I wish some of the characters were a bit more developed. Overall would read again and recommend to those who devour historical fiction.

"Underground Library" is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of literature, community, and resilience in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel follows the journey of Juliet Lansdown, Katie Upwood, and Sofie Baumann as they navigate personal challenges while striving to preserve the heart of their neighborhood - the Bethnal Green Library.

Jennifer Ryan skillfully crafts a narrative the intertwines the lives of these three dynamic women, each facing their own struggles and seeking solace within the walls of the library. Juliet's determination to revitalize the library despite facing gender biases, Katie's grief and secrets following the loss of her beau, and Sofie's quest for safety and family amidst the chaos of war, create a compelling tapestry of interconnected stories.

As the bombs rain down on London, and tragedy strikes close to home, the library becomes more than just a repository of books. It transforms into a beacon of hope and refuge for the community. The decision to relocate the library to the Underground station showcases the resilience and ingenuity of its caretakers, who refuse to let adversity extinguish knowledge and connection.

Overall, "Underground Library" is captivating from the beginning to end. With its blend of historical intrigue, heartfelt storytelling, and themes of hope and resilience, it leaves a lasting impression on readers long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy for an honest review. #NetGalley #UndergroundLibrary #JenniferRyan

This is a book lover’s book. Based on the real Bethnal Green Library which opened in 1922 and by necessity was moved underground during the London Blitz in WWII providing a place of sanctuary for so many people.
The author has captured the fear and horror of bombs dropping overhead and people scrambling for cover but she has also captured the sense of companionship, friendships and strangers helping one another in times of dire need. Something we could use more of today.
We are introduced to the private lives of many of the people that made use of the underground library, and I can assure you they all have interesting stories to tell. Our main characters Katie, Sofie and Juliet are portrayed very convincingly, but you will be hard pressed not to become involved in the heartbreaks and triumphs of all these people.
If you love books and believe libraries are special this is the book for you:

This beautifully written historic fiction takes place during WWII following 3 young women in London all with very different circumstances. We follow Juliet who was hired on to be deputy librarian she cannot wait to create a reading group and get people interested in the library. Through her we also meet and follow Katie who is a young woman who finds herself pregnant with the father at war and no news from him. We also follow Sofie who was a Jewish immigrant who moved to London on a servant visa and finds herself stuck carrying for a miserly old man. We follow these women as they come together to form a family and care for one another throughout the struggles of the war.
This is my first book by Jennifer Ryan and I really enjoyed it. The writing was entertaining and fast paced for a slice of life historic fiction. The characters in this book were so well fleshed out that I really cared what happened to these characters. The story was based on some truth that the author goes into at the end of the novel and it really made me want to pick up more from this author and time frame. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

For the last few years, I had been burned out on WWII fiction. I read so much of it, that nothing seemed untold to me at this point. Then I read The Underground Library. I loved the story of saving books and how books were an escape during horrible times. Coincidentally, my daughter had just been telling me about something that happened to a train station during this time. This even happened in the book, which surprised me. What are the odds?

I'm thankful I decided to read this book. Jennifer Ryan gave me a story I didn't know and characters to love. This WII fiction is a story worth reading.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book takes place during the London Blitz. A terrifying time for the city as bombs were dropped on civilians. This story follows 3 women during that time with different paths all of which thread into each other to form an underground library in the railway tubes they shelter in every night.
“ she grasped the true and immense power of books, how they could transcend time and speak to an inner voice”

I enjoyed this story and reading of the resilience of women and how important it is to find friendship during difficult times.
This story had heartbreak and loss but it also had love found and friendships for a lifetime.

The storylines are a bit too cleanly wrapped up for a WW2 novel, but it did keep me interested through the end. An easy read if you’re just looking for a quick distraction. Not much depth.

"The Underground Library" by Jennifer Ryan not only celebrates the resilience of women during WWII but also highlights the magic of libraries and books. Amidst the turmoil of war, death and destruction, the library becomes a sanctuary, offering solace and escape to its patrons capturing the Blitz spirit. Ryan skillfully intertwines the power of literature with the strength of female bonds, creating a narrative that is both enchanting and empowering. While the pacing may falter at times, the overarching themes of hope and human connection shine through, making this a captivating read for fans of historical fiction.

The narrative is full of likable and memorable charters, some of my favourites are, Juliet, Katie, Sofie, Mrs. Ottley, Sebastian, Marigold, Mac, and sister's Dorothy and Irene Ridley. Reading provided comfort, an escape and brought people and the community together. Five stars from me, I highly recommend The Underground Library and the author's previous book The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle.