The Underground Library
A Heartwarming and Inspiring Historical Fiction Book Based on a True Story
Published on 8. May 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
416 pages
978-1-5290-9459-6 (ISBN)
Description
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. -
Praise for Jennifer Ryan:
'[Ryan's] emphasis is on how people, especially women, manage to keep life (and love) going when so many others are intent on destroying it' - Historical Novel Society
'A deliciously warm and heartrending tale . . . It's empowering to see women helping women' - Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls
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. -
Praise for Jennifer Ryan:
'[Ryan's] emphasis is on how people, especially women, manage to keep life (and love) going when so many others are intent on destroying it' - Historical Novel Society
'A deliciously warm and heartrending tale . . . It's empowering to see women helping women' - Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls
Reviews / Votes
A delight! Jennifer Ryan cooks up a fresh take on the popularity of World War Two fiction and brings the battle into the heart of the wartime home. A charming blend of intriguing characters and a high-stakes cookery competition, served with the perfect amount of pathos and humour. -- Hazel Gaynor, bestselling author of <i>The Bird in the Bamboo Cage, </i>on <i>The Kitchen Front</i> What a dream of a book! Absolute perfection! Nostalgia, rivalry, friendship and fun - a real treat. Beautifully detailed - you will be right there with a cast of vivid characters, cooking their way to a new life. -- Veronica Henry on <i>The Kitchen Front</i> Delightful . . . it manages to be sad and funny, exciting and heartwarming, all at the same time. Quite an achievement -- Barbara Erskine on <i>The Chilbury Ladies</i><i>'</i><i> Choir</i> Evocative, nostalgic and comforting with a wonderful story of female friendship. A delight -- Alex Brown, author of <i>The Secret of Orchard Cottage, </i>on <i>The Kitchen Front</i> Delightful . . . * People magazine on The Chilbury Ladies' Choir * The writing glows with emotional intelligence. This atmospheric debut, based on the author's own family history, had me sniffing copiously * Daily Mail on The Chilbury Ladies' Choir * [A] quick and delightful mystery . . . Ryan's subtlety shines in her acknowledgment of the importance of remembering the people who pass through our lives and in her descriptions of how war and conflict can teach empathy and change people for the better * The New York Times Book Review * Intrigue, romance and an unforgettable cast of characters who aren't always as they appear . . . a charming slice of English wartime life that warms the soul like a hot toddy -- Martha Hall Kelly, <i>New York Times </i>bestselling author of <i>Lilac Girls</i> on<i> The Chilbury Ladies Choir</i>More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 192 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
290 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5290-9459-6 (9781529094596)
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
Jennifer Ryan
The Underground Library
A Heartwarming and Inspiring Historical Fiction Book Based on a True Story
E-Book
03/2024
Macmillan
€14.49
Available for download
Person
Jennifer Ryan lives in Ireland with her husband and two children. Originally from Kent and then London, Jennifer worked as a nonfiction book editor before she took up writing herself. She now writes historical fiction inspired by her grandmother's tales of the war in Britain. Her work has featured in Literary Hub, Moms Don't Have Time to Write, The Daily Mail, The Irish Times, The Express, BBC Online, YOU Magazine, The Simple Things Magazine, and Good Reading Magazine.