The Underground Library: A Heartwarming and Inspiring Historical Fiction Book Based on a True Story
by Jennifer Ryan
The Underground Library wasn’t on my TBR. It was a loan from my Mum, who insisted I must read it immediately.
What a gorgeous story!
It is indeed a heartwarming and inspiring tale, based on a true story that I had no previous idea of. I love reading about community spirit. I think we have much less of that today, sadly.
I love that the library, books, and the women involved in this story become a safe place for everyone living through the war, facing air-raids (which must be terrifying!), and spending endless nights sleeping in the underground stations of London to keep themselves safe. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like.
It’s especially inspiring given that women didn’t hold much weight when it came to certain jobs (according to men) back then. I really admire Juliet for what she achieves and how she inspires and involves other women in her life. I read a lot about how much women managed to keep things going during the war, whilst the boys were away, and this story really highlights the fact.
This is a story full of love, friendship, of coming together as a community, and the importance of books as a means of escape and comfort.
A truly gorgeous story. I loved it and will be adding Jennifer Ryan’s other books to my Wishlist.
Three women united by their love of books. One library that has the power to change lives, even in wartime . . .
When Juliet begins work at Bethnal Green Library, she discovers it is far from the bustling hub she was expecting. But, in the face of German Blitz attacks, she’s intent on making it a place where everyone feels safe and welcome.
Katie is thrilled to be working at the library, too. But, after the death of her sweetheart on the front line, she’s in desperate need of support.
Sofie, a Jewish refugee, escapes to the library every chance she gets. Though she finds comfort and friendship there, her position in London remains vulnerable.
When bombs wreck the library, the books are relocated to an underground station. As the war rages, can the women use their fighting spirit to overcome their own troubles and keep the library open to all?
Inspired by the true story of Bethnal Green Library, The Underground Library is a historical novel about love, friendship and the power of the human spirit.
