Monday, September 9, 2024

Monday Moments - The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan


 cover blurb -  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.  The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan is based on a true story, and  I would say  the author did some research. 

Juliet is the new deputy librarian at Bethnal  Green. She is immediately entrenched in the community and as the Nazi bombs move everyone down into  the tunnels, she is determined to keep everyone reading. She has the  folks bring down shelves, books, and she starts reading out loud at  night. Unity  is the key.

Katie works in  the library, finds  herself to be an impending unwed mother (her  beau is dead on  the front line), but finds the strength to determine  her  own fate.  Thank goodness for the library and neighbor ladies. 

Sofie, a Jewish refugee, also finds calm and strength with the library. Juliet is key to all of their fates. The background  of war unites so many and this book tells the tale. Strong  characters, fear, love, life - it's all wrapped up in this page turning story. I  cared about them all.  Good job. 

5 comments:

  1. Thanks ... I've reserved it at the Library ... sounds intriguing - then I found one about the Underground Library in Syria ... cheers for now - busy week ... xoxo Hilary. PS feels like the shoulder is recovering ... ?!

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    1. You’ll like this one. And yes I am doing okay. Thanks

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  2. I'm a great fan of historical fiction so ...thanks for the review! I hope your shoulder is recovering well.

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    1. You’ll appreciate this book. And yes- slow going but manageable. Thanks

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  3. Hi Joanne - yes I read it yesterday ... it was a delight - not one to rave over, but definitely telling a story worth knowing about ... and very British. Thanks for the introduction ... cheers Hilary

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