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A review by heidirgorecki
The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

hopeful informative lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

While the Bethnal Green tube station is mostly known for the 1943 Tube Disaster, the Underground Library is a cool little fun fact that also apparently happened there, along with all sorts of entertainment and other facilities to make it better night after night. I  thought that information was interesting and enjoyed a new item to learn. 

However, I didn’t really feel that I connected with the characters. Maybe it’s because with 3 women and so much happening, I couldn’t get a good hold on being invested in their stories before it switched up again, and it also felt a little too easy and perfectly tied up in the end. 

Also, mandatory clothing stars for Jews in Germany were discussed but not introduced until 1941, not 1939, so while probably a dumb pet peeve, it was brought up a few times and it was not accurate. The author talked about a couple changes she made to events but that seemed to be overlooked. 

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.