The Underground Library.

 

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Random House Publishing/Ballantine Books  for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review

When new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn't the bustling hub she's 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 it, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her? 

Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she's 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 destroy 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? 

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 I've been eager to read this book for a while, but my work and school have kept me from doing so. The Underground Library is the first book I've read by Jennifer Ryan, though I've heard of the author before. The title and cover caught my attention since I love stories about books. I was intrigued by the title and couldn't wait to explore its story. After only a few pages, I knew I would love this story. I read it every chance I got. Even when I wasn’t reading it, I thought about it and wondered what would happen next. 

I enjoyed reading the story from three different perspectives, which allowed me to get to know each character better. I loved every character and could not choose a favorite. However, I loved Juliet, and I think that of all the characters in the book, she had the most character development. Juliet had done so much for the library, especially after the bombing. I love that the library was created as a shelter for people to escape the war. Juliet wasn't the only impactful character. I also loved Sofie, Katie, Mrs. Ottley, Sebastian, Mac, Dorothy, and Irene. I still think about the story occasionally; I can't get enough of it. 

The vivid descriptions and emotions in this book transported me into its world. The book had a few slow parts, mostly at the beginning when the characters were being introduced, but it picked up quickly. I loved the plot and characters and would highly recommend it to any historical fiction fans.