The Underground Library

A Novel

By: Jennifer Ryan

Narrated by: Fenella Woolgar

Length: 12 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

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?

©2024 Jennifer Ryan (P)2024 Random House Audio

Storytelling excellence and historical facts wrapped into one.

I loved the story & especially all of the relationships, also her attention to detailed to the historical facts of the time. Her stories are always on point, but have a lightness and a happiness to them even though it was such a dark time. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Wonderful, Heartwarming Book

Like the movies made during WWII to encourage patriotism and lift spirits, The Underground Library abounds with the "Blitz Spirit" of the British people. This book focuses on the Bethel Green area of London and its library that provides community for its residents. The author maintains that a library is more than books, it's also the people, and the lovely story she weaves proves just that, and how one librarian can become the catalyst for a host of diverse residents to become one. The characters are richly drawn and memorable, from Juliette, Sebastian and Mrs. Otley to Sophia and Katie and the older sisters. My heart was warmed with every page. Kudos to the remarkable narrator who switches from various English accents to German and Polish with great success. Overall a beautiful valentine to the resourcefulness and courage of the Brits during the Blitz of 1940. I loved this book.

Very Satisfying

I’ve read a lot both fiction and nonfiction about WWII. It was refreshing to read about something that I knew nothing about. I enjoyed the characters and their stories but most importantly I was reminded of the injustices of book banning in Nazi Germany and how it has garnered so much attention and success in our current society. It is indeed a step backward to free thought and ideas and the myriad stories we’ve enjoyed and have yet to read. Book banning must be banned.