Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: March 12, 2024

Length: 368 pages

I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.

Three women from vastly different backgrounds are drawn together by their love of the written word. When the bombing of London began in World War II, these strong women banded together to save the local library from destruction. They worked together to provide a safe haven for books and their community.

Sofie is a German Jew escaping persecution in her own country. At this point in the war, the only way to secure a visa to England was to apply for and be accepted to work as domestic help. Her journey from Germany to England is frightening as the Nazis removed Jewish travelers without warning. Sofie is hopeful that her job in England will be for a family that is kind. Sadly, this isn’t the case. She works for a wealthy widower who demands perfection. When she finds the local library, she finally feels a sense of peace. Juliet is the new deputy director of the library. She has achieved a position only held by men because they are all fighting the war. Juliet wants to show the board that hiring her was an excellent decision. The director of the library does not feel that she can do the job since women have proved to be “too emotional”. Juliet came to London to escape her overbearing parents and a fiance who had mysteriously disappeared during a battle. The army planned to charge her fiance with desertion if he was ever located. How long could Juliet continue the charade that he died in battle? She knew that eventually the truth would come out. Katie is a local girl from a wealthy family. Her parents are overly concerned about their images and society. Katie believed that her mother truly did love her. Katie’s father disparaged Katie and her mother at every opportunity. Working in the library kept Katie away from her father and she was happy working with books. Katie anticipates starting college soon, hungering for more education. Her boyfriend is fighting in the war, work keeps her mind busy. As these three women find their mission, their efforts encourage the community to join them.

While this book could have taken many paths, it is about resilience, sisterhood, and community spirit. These women, along with others, bond over their love of books and hold their community together. As they face adversity, it seems to strengthen them. When each woman faces personal hardship, friends support them. These characters are warm, charming, and endearing. I want to know these women! One of the truly beautiful elements of this story is the mutual respect shown for each person and their heritage. If a narrow-minded person treats one of these women poorly, the others step in and lift them up. There is a sense of community in addition to the sisterhood they have created at their library.

The author doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war but uses a deft touch to keep from being mired in the atrocities of this time. There is a scene where the Nazis stop the train that Sofie is on. Even though many Jewish people traveling had the correct papers, they were removed from the train. Where they took the people isn’t part of the story. We all can imagine what happened. The author makes the point and continues the story. At another point in the book, when the library is threatened with closure, it is wonderful to see the entire community band together to show the board that closure is a horrible mistake. Seeing the number of residents involved in the underground library saves the day. Do not think that this book glosses over the war or is filled with platitudes. There are moments of sadness and grief. This is life during war.

This book is a heartwarming demonstration of women coming together during adversity and improving their community with compassion. I have read a number of wonderful books this year but I can honestly say that this one is my favorite. I finished the book and just felt happy that I had the opportunity to read it. I plan to share this with the book club I belong to, I think they will love it too! (I also have to redeem myself from traumatizing some of the ladies with my pick from last year)

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻/5