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jesssica__berg's review against another edition
4.0
The Lions of Fifth Avenue alternates between two timelines and explores the lives of two women who are connected by the New York Public Library.
The story begins in 1913 and follows the life of Laura Lyons, the wife of the library's superintendent. Laura is passionate about writing and wants to be a published author, but her husband and society's expectations hold her back. In 1993, we meet Sadie Donovan, a curator at the library who is working on a special exhibit. Sadie discovers a series of rare books that were stolen from the library in the 1910s, and as she delves into the mystery, she uncovers a connection to Laura and her family.
Davis's writing is engaging and vivid, and she does an excellent job of bringing the historical setting to life. The library is almost a character in itself, and Davis captures its grandeur and importance to the city of New York. Both Laura and Sadie are well-drawn characters with relatable struggles, and their stories are compelling.
However, the pacing of the novel can be slow at times, and the mystery surrounding the stolen books may not be enough to hold the reader's attention throughout the entire book. Additionally, the resolution of the mystery may be somewhat predictable for readers who are familiar with the genre.
The story begins in 1913 and follows the life of Laura Lyons, the wife of the library's superintendent. Laura is passionate about writing and wants to be a published author, but her husband and society's expectations hold her back. In 1993, we meet Sadie Donovan, a curator at the library who is working on a special exhibit. Sadie discovers a series of rare books that were stolen from the library in the 1910s, and as she delves into the mystery, she uncovers a connection to Laura and her family.
Davis's writing is engaging and vivid, and she does an excellent job of bringing the historical setting to life. The library is almost a character in itself, and Davis captures its grandeur and importance to the city of New York. Both Laura and Sadie are well-drawn characters with relatable struggles, and their stories are compelling.
However, the pacing of the novel can be slow at times, and the mystery surrounding the stolen books may not be enough to hold the reader's attention throughout the entire book. Additionally, the resolution of the mystery may be somewhat predictable for readers who are familiar with the genre.
minukannan's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
4.25
This is a beautifully woven tale that takes readers through two distinct timelines. The author maintains the essence of both history and mystery throughout the novel. I enjoyed how the story reflects the essence and importance of old books. ⌛📜🫰
The differences between the societal changes of the 1910s and the 1990s are well-portrayed, offering an insight on the evolving roles of women and the impact of time on family legacies. 👭📝
The first half of the book is quite slow while the second half is more engaging. This book is a comforting story with enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy novels with history and strong female protagonists across different eras. 🥰🙌
The differences between the societal changes of the 1910s and the 1990s are well-portrayed, offering an insight on the evolving roles of women and the impact of time on family legacies. 👭📝
The first half of the book is quite slow while the second half is more engaging. This book is a comforting story with enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy novels with history and strong female protagonists across different eras. 🥰🙌
fekete815's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars overall. The first half was really slow (for me), but it picked up in the second half.
banana_hutch's review
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Death of parent
trixster33's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Historical mystery, but while it does a great job of broad strokes of history, the plot keeps jumping without much help to expand out on the characters. I enjoyed the accurate depiction / attitudes for lesbians, bohemia, etc, but feel sometimes authors limit themselves on where they are researching perspectives.
librarydancer's review against another edition
DNF.
I'm going to put this book down. The story is getting darker, and I had suspicions that spoiler reviews confirmed that it would get worse.
I'll just do some digging and learn about the people who lived in the apartment above the library and the book thefts, and skip the depressing read that goes along with the information.
I'm going to put this book down. The story is getting darker, and I had suspicions that spoiler reviews confirmed that it would get worse.
I'll just do some digging and learn about the people who lived in the apartment above the library and the book thefts, and skip the depressing read that goes along with the information.
adrienneturner's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25