The Underground Library

When the Blitz imperils the heart of a London neighborhood,three young women must use their fighting spirit to save the communityΓÇÖs beloved library in this novel based on true events from the author of The Chilbury LadiesΓÇÖ Choir. When the new deputy librarianJuliet Lansdownfinds that Bethnal Green Library isnΓÇÖt the bustling hub she is expectingshe 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 libraryespecially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her? Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the libraryalthough 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 strifeshe finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help. Sofie Baumanna young Jewish refugeecame 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 canfinding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sisterwho is still trying to flee occupied Europe. When a slew of bombs destroys the libraryJuliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the cityΓÇÖs residents shelter nightlydetermined 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 JulietKateand Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever?