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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
Interesting story with some interesting feminist characters. I really liked the parts about the first wave feminist movement, heterodoxy club, "new woman," etc. Though kind of a strange mystery at the center; not sure how plausible any of it seems, although apparently a family did used to live in the library. At times felt preachy - about the value of literature, art, human creation, etc. Even though I fully agree with the value of those, it just felt kind of heavy handed.
The title is a play on words - combining a vision of the lions (Patience and Fortitude) who guard the entrance to the New York Public Library with a story of the first library supervisor, who lived in an apartment inside the library itself. The author weaves a wonderful story of the early days of the NYP Library told through the eyes of the Lyons family who lived within. It is really the story of Laura Lyons, the determined and independent wife of the library supervisor who yearns to be a journalist and her grandaughter, Sadie Donovan, a museum curator who learns the history of her family through the course of the book.
Another well-written novel by Fiona Davis, which, once again, pays tribute to the history of the great architecture of New York City. I was looking forward to reading the book and was not disappointed!
Another well-written novel by Fiona Davis, which, once again, pays tribute to the history of the great architecture of New York City. I was looking forward to reading the book and was not disappointed!
Liked that the author showed the connection between the past and the present at the beginning of the story.
Read for Nov. book club
Read for Nov. book club
In NYC of the past, library caretakers and their families lived in apartments right inside library buildings. Book lovers know that, for those who don't give up, many secrets can be found in the stacks. A book is a priceless thing, but not everyone estimates worth equally, even those within the same family. Whose literary values will you share?
4.5 stars, wonderful writing. Middle drags just a little and the two timelines with a surprise about grandma is getting over used. However, the story has many layers and depth and audio version had exceptional performance.
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was given this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told from two point of views; Laura Lyons in 1933 and Sadie (I honestly can’t even remember her last name) in 1993. Laura is Sadie’s grandmother, who died many years ago. They are also connected by the NYPL, as Laura and her family lived there when her husband was the caretaker, and Sadie is a librarian there, focusing on rare books. They are also connected because there is a series of book thefts in both times.
I have to say, this book was well written and researched, but I still couldn’t give it any more than 3 stars. I didn’t find any of the characters very likable, other than Sadie’s niece. The ending was cliched. It was just not my cup of tea.
This story is told from two point of views; Laura Lyons in 1933 and Sadie (I honestly can’t even remember her last name) in 1993. Laura is Sadie’s grandmother, who died many years ago. They are also connected by the NYPL, as Laura and her family lived there when her husband was the caretaker, and Sadie is a librarian there, focusing on rare books. They are also connected because there is a series of book thefts in both times.
I have to say, this book was well written and researched, but I still couldn’t give it any more than 3 stars. I didn’t find any of the characters very likable, other than Sadie’s niece. The ending was cliched. It was just not my cup of tea.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed the back and forth between generations. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration was well done. I picked the suspect right away, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story overall.
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced