Book Summary and Reviews of The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

Book Summary

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 in this novel based on true events from the author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir.

When the new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn't the bustling hub she is expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to the task of running the library, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her?

Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she is only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help.

Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her abominably. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe.

When a slew of bombs destroys the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the city's residents shelter nightly, determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their community. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever?

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. The Underground Library is a love letter to books and the power of literature—are books special to you for some of the reasons they are important to the characters of this novel? Why?
2. Juliet says, "To me, books are like old friends, telling us great truths, holding our hands through the difficulties, showing us light and joy at the end of every tunnel." What book changed your life or got you through a difficult time?
3. Juliet, Katie, and Sofie have their love of books in common, but otherwise each character is so unique. Which character did you relate to the most? Why?
4. What did you think of each character's individual struggles? What did you think of the way they forged their own paths in life and never gave up ...