A review by mhinnen
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis

adventurous dark informative mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

so this is the 3rd Fiona Davis book I've read this week! This one is about The NYC Public Library and mysteries of book stealing in 2 different time periods. When I was young, one of my favorite books was From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler about two children who secretly move into the Metropolitan Museum of Art and are drawn into an art mystery. The Lions of Fifth Avenue are about a family who live in an apartment in the NY Public Library in 1913/14 and books begin disappearing. The mother, Laura Lyons, is a devoted mother and wife but yearns for independence. She is a writer who is introduced to the bohemian and feminist circles of Greenwich Village and who pursues journalism at Columbia. Her essays on women's liberation become popular decades after her death. 

We also follow the story of Laura's granddaughter, Sadie who is assigned to curate an exhibit at the NY Library. She never knew her grandmother and her mother didn't share much about the time she lived in the library. And wouldn't you know it, books begin disappearing. 

Is there a connection between past and present? 

Well done story about dreams, family, tragedy, generational connection, and a NYC landmark. 
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