The Underground Library
A Novel
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4.1 • 9 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
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
A Great Book Club Pick
This book alternates chapters between the following women:
Sofie was the first in her family to obtain a British Visa to go to work in London in order to escape life as a Jew in Berlin. Sofie is employed as a maid for a man who overworks her and threatens to send her back if she doesn’t meet his standards. She was hoping her older sister Rachel and her father would not be far behind. Will she ever see her family again? Can she keep her employer happy or will she be sent away?
Juliet is in charge of the Bethnal Green Library, but was told it might shut down at any time due to the war. She secretly holds a book club every Saturday as her boss doesn’t approve. When everyone starts using the underground for shelter, she accidentally starts an underground library. Will she be able to keep this running despite the odds?
Katie works at the library and is about to go off to college. She is left in a predicament when she is notified that her beau has been killed in the war. She then realizes she is pregnant. She knows she could be shunned by her family and community. Will she be able to keep her baby and live the life she wants?
As the story unfolds, you find out these ladies’ friendships, that were made through the library, are what keeps them going. Did they manage to survive WWII and live the lives they envisioned?
This book highlights how horrific WWII was, how women came together to support each other, and proved that women can do men’s jobs just as well. This author did an excellent job conveying the hardships, and emotional toll that existed during WWII. If you love reading Historical Fiction, be sure to check this one out! A great book club pick as there is so much to discuss!
A heartfelt treasure.
Loved this story. Three strong, awesome women find their way into love, friendship and independence, by standing up for themselves, their families and friends. WWII, full of awful times, situations and persecution, yet the perseverance of small yet important steps toward making these terrible situations better, Do not miss this book, it is a heartfelt reminder and treasure. Definite addition to your TBR list.