The Sisters of Book Row
A Novel
Published on 23. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
384 pages
978-0-06-342391-6 (ISBN)
Description
From bestselling author Shelley Noble comes a gripping and timely historical novel of books, banning, and the women who helped save New York's famed Book Row.
1915: Manhattan's Book Row, an eclectic jumble of forty bookshops along Fourth Avenue, is the mecca for rare book buyers from around the world, and the haunt of locals looking for a bargain. It is also the target of the most vicious censor in American history-Anthony Comstock.
And home to three sisters who vow to stop him.
For the three Applebaum sisters, the narrow, four-storied Arcadia Rare Bookshop is the only home they've ever known. Olivia, the oldest, is an expert in restoring rare manuscripts. Daphne, the outgoing middle sister, oversees the retail shop and is a favorite with their customers. Celia, the youngest, is left to dust and catalogue, but often sneaks out to do heaven knows what. Little do her sisters know, Celia has joined a group of young people who secretly print and distribute articles on women's health by hiding them within the pages of ordinary cookbooks, household hints, and sewing patterns, despite the personal risk.
Meanwhile, the Comstock Laws threaten anybody who owns or circulates "obscene, lewd, or lascivious" publications. Even classic literature or fine art could send a person to jail. In the face of such oppression, Celia and the booksellers of Book Row band together. But secrets and a mysterious stranger mean the fate of the famed Book Row is anything but secure.
1915: Manhattan's Book Row, an eclectic jumble of forty bookshops along Fourth Avenue, is the mecca for rare book buyers from around the world, and the haunt of locals looking for a bargain. It is also the target of the most vicious censor in American history-Anthony Comstock.
And home to three sisters who vow to stop him.
For the three Applebaum sisters, the narrow, four-storied Arcadia Rare Bookshop is the only home they've ever known. Olivia, the oldest, is an expert in restoring rare manuscripts. Daphne, the outgoing middle sister, oversees the retail shop and is a favorite with their customers. Celia, the youngest, is left to dust and catalogue, but often sneaks out to do heaven knows what. Little do her sisters know, Celia has joined a group of young people who secretly print and distribute articles on women's health by hiding them within the pages of ordinary cookbooks, household hints, and sewing patterns, despite the personal risk.
Meanwhile, the Comstock Laws threaten anybody who owns or circulates "obscene, lewd, or lascivious" publications. Even classic literature or fine art could send a person to jail. In the face of such oppression, Celia and the booksellers of Book Row band together. But secrets and a mysterious stranger mean the fate of the famed Book Row is anything but secure.
Reviews / Votes
"The Sisters of Book Row is a timely novel that brings the book world of 1915 Manhattan to life with striking historical detail. At its core are the unforgettable Applebaum sisters, whose love of books, resilience, and quiet defiance stand against censorship and oppression. Shelley Noble has expertly blended rich historical detail with the enduring power of the written word for a beautiful story that will touch reader's hearts." - Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book Society"Shelley Noble brings Manhattan's legendary Book Row to vivid life in this captivating tale of three sisters who risk everything to protect the written word from censorship. A beautifully crafted story of courage, family, and the power of books to change the world. Absolutely unputdownable!"
- Michelle Moran, bestselling author of CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER
"Readers interested in the battles for women's rights and against censorship will find this book enlightening." - Library Journal (starred review)
"A poignant and timely love letter to the power of books as a bulwark to bullies and small-minded men. Shelley Noble deftly portrays the dangers of daily life beneath Anthony Comstock's censorious fist while bringing the era to life with immersive, lyrical prose and fascinating historical details. At the heart of this gripping story are three sisters, all of whom are a joy to root for as they find their footing in both pursuing their dreams and fighting injustice. The Sisters of Book Row is essential reading for book lovers everywhere!"
- Brianna Labuskes, USA Today bestselling author
"Shelley Noble brings 1915 Manhattan's Book Row to life with vivid historical detail, page-turning suspense, and unforgettable heroines. The Applebaum sisters are bound by love yet divided by secrets, and their fight against censorship is as timely as it is thrilling. A fascinating, richly researched story that shines a light on a hidden chapter of American history. Once you step into the Arcadia Bookshop, you won't want to leave." - Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of Confessions of a Grammar Queen
"Intriguing, thought-provoking, and starkly relevant, The Sisters of Book Row explores the history of New York's Book Row and the terror of the Comstock Laws through the eyes of three sisters, each nuanced and uniquely fascinating in their own right. This book is certain to further timely discussions around the subjects of book banning and morality laws." - Anna Lee Huber, USA Today bestselling author
"This novel reflects how history does in fact repeat itself, and that there are always resilient and dedicated booksellers, readers, and writers who will staunchly protect people's rights." - Booklist
"The unapologetic feminist undertone in THE SISTERS OF BOOK ROW belts a proud anthem of gender equality and women's rights in an era when there were none, boldly challenging patriarchy." - Bookreporter
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Dimensions
Height: 202 mm
Width: 134 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
290 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-342391-6 (9780063423916)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
03/2026
HarperCollins
€12.93
Available for download
Person
Shelley Noble is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Whisper Beach, Beach Colors, and The Tiffany Girls, the story of the largely unknown women artists responsible for much of Tiffany's legendary glasswork, as well as several historical mysteries. A former professor, professional dancer and choreographer, she now lives in New Jersey halfway between the shore, where she loves visiting lighthouses and vintage carousels, and New York City, where she delights in the architecture, the theatre, and ferreting out the old stories behind the new. Shelley is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Women's Fiction Writers Association, and Historical Novel Society.