by Ryan, Jennifer Second World War fictionPublished 08/05/2025 by PAN MACMILLAN (Pan Books) in the United Kingdom. Paperback | 416 pages130 x 197 x 31mm | 288gThree 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
