The Underground Library: A Novel (Unabridged)
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $16.99
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
When the Blitz imperils the heart of a London neighborhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to save the community’s beloved library in this novel based on true events from the author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir.
When the new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn’t the bustling hub she is 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 the library, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her?
Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she is only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help.
Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her abominably. 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 a slew of bombs destroys 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. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever?
Customer Reviews
Addictive, eye opening, loved it!!!
I expect a lot from historical fictions. I want an addictive story. I want characters that I can invest my time with. I want realism. I want truth with fiction to make a great story. What I don't expect is to finish the story with a smile and giddiness with happiness. I got all of this and more while reading The Underground Library. I read late into the night. Upon waking, I picked up the book again wanting to know what the characters would be dealing with next.
I have read about the Bethel Green library during WW2. I have devoured the pictures published in books and posted on websites. The characters in this historical fiction humanized the pictures and facts. Jennifer Ryan created characters to spark my imagination, bringing the tragedies to life. Many of the characters felt like family and friends. I became invested in them.
The London Blitz created devastating damage all over London. The bombing of the library at Bethel Green stole one of the few escapes for many until Juliet, Deputy Librarian, brought the library to those seeking safety in the tubes. The Underground Library became a place of safety, a place to congregate and a place to learn.
With air raid sirens blaring, the people sought refuge within the tunnel system. It became a mini village. Thanks to the author, I was transported back in time, given glimpses into the lives of the people. I am ashamed to admit that I didn't think about how refugees could be treated, and it was not always with kindness. I knew how some unwed mothers were treated, but hadn't thought about the extreme measures that some went through to save a family's reputation over the life of an unborn child.
The story has a lot of heart breaking moments. There is great loss of life. There is great loss of the familiar. War changed the way people lived. War changed people. If I had just been reading a textbook I would not have thought about any of this. This story made it real.
What I loved about this book was the reminder that there was beauty as well. Hopes can become reality. Love can be found. Families can be reunited.