Do you love historical fiction set in libraries? Nice review Carol. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. The author makes this work so well because she describes the tyranny and shows the characters immersed in it, Love the premise of both plot lines. The decision to take the job, in charge of all the collections at the third largest library in the country, must have been very difficult. There will be lots to discuss at book club for this one. . The characters seemed flat-too many, not enough depth. He had such a pleasant faceopen and quick to smilethat to see him distraught made her twice as disappointed in herself for bringing him pain. Anderson wants to see both of us, Jack said, his face pale. After her discussion with Jack, shed asked Dr. Anderson for a recommendation and been delighted when hed agreed to provide one. How strange to be barely managing month to month while living in such architectural splendor. and may just lose everything in the process. While following the professors edict but trying to prove that she can write on important current events, she runs into Dr. Amelia Potter, a fellow Vassar College alumna. From The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis, with permission from Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Even the decorative bases for the bronze candelabras were made from Carrara stone sliced from the Alps. Here at TUL, we love historical fiction, especially if its set at a library. She had it with her when she died, in 1941.. A Good Morning America Book Club Pick! The library parts are fascinating! Suzanne Leopold (Suzy Approved Book Reviews). Somehow, shed done it. Every few days for the past month, shed taken up a spot off to one side of the grand entryway under one of the towering stone lions, one of which had been named Leo Astor and the other Leo Lenox, after two of the librarys founders, John Jacob Astor and James Lenox. That would never be her. Atlas, who is single and running a restaurant, feels the same way. This historical fiction novel has two timelines: one in 1913-14 New York City and one in 1993 New York City. Right now, his secretary said.. When I was a teen, I loved Clive Cussler books. ROMANCE | Digging through the librarys archives, she came upon letters that described the landmark, looked up artists renderings, and compared postcards of the statue over the decades, before pinpointing 1920 as the year it had weathered enough to turn completely green. Fiona Davis introduces the reader to some of the librarys most precious objects through the thefts. Harry is having difficulty with school. Together, she and Jack had decided to forgo the city lights for a quieter life, where Jack diligently oversaw the estate during the day and wrote at night. The NYPL has a special significance for three generations of the Lyons family, whose surname appears to be a nod to the institution's sentry lions. It has fiction and non-fiction picks of the heroes of the stacks. The Lions of Fifth Avenue Written by Fiona Davis Review by Nicole Evelina This dual-time period novel begins in 1913 New York, where the Lyons familyLaura, Jack, and their two childrenhave just moved into a hidden apartment in the New York Public Library. Hed spent the past decade trying to prove himself as a good husband and father. In between, Lily and Atlas steal away for romantic moments that are even sweeter for their authenticity as Lily struggles with child care, breastfeeding, and running a business while trying to find time for herself. Thanks Carla! Pearl ushered her brother into the kitchen. Certain topics like suicide should be treated with more care or not included at all. I just love the feel, and smell, of old books. Content Consideration: reference to a suicide, child neglect (in the sense of lack of attention paid due to preoccupied parents). Book of the Month: Get the months hottest new and upcoming titles from Book of the Month. He didnt. Then, today, shed learned the good news. Add the eggs, milk, vanilla and lemon extracts and mix until smooth. As he opened it wide, she gasped and stepped forward. But this book was the madlib version of her writing, and I am so sad. Another element to consider is the amount of modern thinking that infiltrates the story. Id be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Patience, south of the main steps Called "New York's most lovable Originally from Alabama, hed somehow mastered a vocal inflection that couldnt be pinned to particular place yet clearly signaled an upper-class upbringing, like Cary Grant in the old movies. Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library. Copyright 2020 by Fiona Davis. "A page-turner for booklovers everywhere! It was all out of proportion for the room, like a huge wooden barge squeezed into a tiny boathouse. Its rare for me to struggle with a review unless I finish a book in the middle of the night. Pearl.. In Mr. Hoopers office, she smoothed down the voluminous skirt of her dress, hoping Mr. Hooper didnt find her outfit too frivolous for someone whod just given a tour to trustees. Laura had whizzed through high school in three years and been accepted to college at sixteen, urged on by her mother to take hold of every opportunity. This is terrible timing, with the Berg Collection exhibit to open in May. Id completely forgotten and theyre already here. Never be late to the party again with the best new book releases. Find book releases throughout the entire year on this reading list. There was something about Daviss writing style that left me cold. The Best Jodi Picoult Books (All Books Ranked and Rated), 20 Climate Fiction Books: From Apocalypse to Budding Hope, 10 Rules & Expectations for a Smooth Running Book Club, Wish You Were Here Book Club Questions and Discussion Guide. Sadie stared down at the stick, as she had many times since shed begun working there. Rare books are being stolen from the library. and Mrs. Lyons, come in. As it happens, this novel is less a paean to architecture than a tale of two book heists, 80 years apart. Im only twenty-nine. She's vowed never to become like her mother, and volleyball is her way outall she needs is a place to stay for two months until her full ride to Penn State begins on Aug. 3. That same day, deep in the stacks of the Berg Collection, Sadie had come across an intriguing title she didnt remember seeing before: a first edition of Surviving Spinsterhood: The Joys of Living Alone, published in 1896, by Abigail Duckworth. He placed his pen down on the desk without looking up. Marlene, as you know, unexpectedly extended her vacation. However, things unexpectedly become personal when the investigation leads Sadie to some unwelcome truths about her own family heritagetruths that shed new light on the biggest tragedy in the librarys history. The duel story line thing is worn out for me. (Did you know their names are Patience and Fortitude? Or are there more earthboundand dangeroussecrets hidden within its walls? I want a passion, like you have for your manuscript. Maybe hed understand it if she put it that way. The club embraced some ideas that were radical for the time, such as access to birth control for women. Copyright 2023 The Uncorked Librarian LLC, Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Coming Summer 2020. Pearl had come down with a terrible influenza in January, and the doctors bills had almost done them in. The Main Reading Room on the third floor was the best place for a good late-night cry. Can you at least share how you and your colleagues go about curating a big exhibit like this one?, We sift through the collection and allow the objects that capture our attention and imagination to illuminate the theme. After that first time, though, hed gotten used to the idea, sometimes even joining in, offering up a yowl that echoed down the stairwells and probably frightened the rats rooting around in the basement. Polite nodding. A story of family ties, their lost dreams, and the redemption that comes from discovering truth."Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Shoemaker's Wife In New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis's latest historical novel, a series of book thefts roils the . Her character development was well developed and so believable. Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney. 1. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. That story within a story has a nice twist, and Billy's battered copy of Zola's book plays a part, too. The tension needle is hardly moved by flat characterizations or improbable plot developments while the writing is strictly functional: long on exposition, short on atmosphere. Theyd stared at each other in shock before doubling over with laughter. The cat, called Bob, was so beloved by Charles Dickens that he had his paw put on a letter opener after he died., Sadie stumbled through the explanation as Mr. Jones-Ebbing slid his finger lightly along the sharp end of the blade; she barely stopped herself from giving his knuckles a good rap. Additionally, it illuminates the significance of rare books and artifacts of great literary authors to our culture. When there was no sign of her early that afternoon, Sadie and Claude had approached the director of the library, Mr. Hooper, and been told to carry on with their workhed fill them in soon. All Rights Reserved. At her signal, the three of them would leap about the hallways, dancing and singing, Harry running laps and Pearl practicing her yodel, bringing the night watchman sprinting to the second floor to find out what on earth was going on. Sadie replaced the letter opener and looked around. She gave him a quick kiss, then turned and slid the letter that shed left out on the work03 table back into the pocket of her apron. Colleen Hoover Read them. The "Lions of Fifth Avenue," by Fiona Davis, is a novel set in the legendary New York Public Library; the storytelling alternates between the two smart, strong-willed women living 80 years apart: Laura Lyons, the wife of the librarys superintendent and a famous essayist, in 1913, and Sadie Donovan, a curator at the library in 1993. She cut up the roast beef and potatoes from the other night, glad to not have to turn on the stove in this heat, and was slicing apples for dessert just as Jack came in. It was perfect, with soaring ceilings, a fireplace, and a narrow stairway that led a generous sleeping loft. I invented a fictional family - the Lyons - and decided to tell the story from the wife's point of view in 1913, as well as from her granddaughter's in 1993. Soon after, shed seen an announcement in the newspaper about a school of journalism being started at Columbia University, open to both men and women. She could hear the chimes of the grandfather clock on the other sideof the wall, one of the many refined pieces on display. Eighty years later, in 1993, Sadie Donovan struggles with the legacy of her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons, especially after shes wrangled her dream job as a curator at the New York Public Library. Sadie is living the independent life that Laura dreams of. You can bet The Lions Of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis made the list. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry Hey there. Pinterest. Uncovering the truth drove Sadies story line, and her personal growth caused me to prefer the present day story line over the past. You remember he wrote a letter of recommendation?, Well, he wanted an update, and that was that., So then he went and arranged a scholarship for you?, I dont believe it myself, to be honest. Along with selecting a book a month, find terrific add-ons, both trendy and lesser-known titles.2. That means we dont lend the books out, they must be consulted on-site. . Pearl, Laura had said, and Jack had agreed, tears in his eyes. She didnt mention her encounter with Dr. Anderson in the Main Reading Room a few days back. Is that a cats paw stuck on the end of a knife? asked the wife. Is The Lions of Fifth Avenue on your TBR or have you read it? But the job quickly becomes a nightmare when rare manuscripts, notes, and books for the exhibit Sadies running begin disappearing from the librarys famous Berg Collection. Dont miss The Lions Of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis. He did something kind, that was all. If he brought her the crossword, shed say shed already finished it. Her landing was less than elegant, one knee skidding across the theater's floor as she dropped. Share these Lions of Fifth Avenue book club questions with your friends: Authored by Janelle KennedyJanelle is an avid reader who was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. In The Lions of Fifth Avenue, we follow two womenone in 1913, the other in 1993who are determined to defy society's expectations. That explained the unexpected goodbye hug that Marlene gave her the Friday before she left for vacation. Both timelines have a string of rare book thefts in common. When did Dr. Anderson find out about our financial issues? asked Jack. Ill get right on it., Thank you. Yes, said Sadie. After getting a masters degree at Columbia Journalism School, she fell in love with writing, leapfrogging from editor to freelance journalist before finally settling down to write fiction. The crazier the request, the more fun. Fiona Davis graduated from Columbia Journalism School and worked as a freelance journalist. As they walked through the Main Reading Room and into the adjoining Catalog Room, they spoke of the heat wave gripping the city and other mundane matters before she retreated to the apartment to put Pearl to bed. I like the quiet, sometimes., Me, too. At which point it had fumbled away from him, landing in the sink in a pile of ice-like shards. It would be over before they knew it, and then she could get a job at a newspaper and bring in her own salary. Yes. Discover a The Lions Of Fifth Avenue summary, book information, and reviews for this book set at the NYPL. Was your prediction correct. Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of six historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Magnolia Palace, The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. They form a book club and work secretly as code breakers during WWII. Never.. It was well narrated by Erin Bennett and Lisa Flanagan. It was certainly some kind of ominous sign, one that made Lauras heart beat faster. Where Pearl could be bossy, Harry was sweet, if sometimes dim when it came to the vagaries of human nature. Through Sadie we learn that her grandmother became a famous essayist, and Sadie is looking for more material on Laura Lyons to include in an exhibition of the Berg Collection. His nose scrunched up in a way that reminded her of Harry when he was miserable about something. The characters, be it their motivations or their personalities or their conversations with one another, all felt stilted and unconvincing. And will continue to do.. THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE Characters By Chapter: EDITOR: Remy Hale CH: FIRST NAME: LAST NAME: DESCRIPTION: 1 : New York City, 1913 : Jack: Lyons: The superintendent of the New York Public Library. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It was such an interesting journey to go on, and while the characters faced some challenging times, the ending was ultimately satisfying for me.. As she walked into the back-office space, her colleague Claude looked up from his desk. After looking into some of her other books, it seems that she likes to write historical fiction that is centered around a building in New York City. Read it for your book club and use ourdiscussion guidefor The Personal Librarian. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers. In high school, shed eaten her lunch in the library to avoid the confusing maze of social rules in the cafeteria. The main theme of the book was not as portrayed in reviews and synopsis. Harry interrupted to ask questions about the more ribald phrases, which Laura dodged as best she could. Rays of moonlight streamed through the giant casement windows , but not enough to see well by. As well as her extra-detailed instructions for while she was gone. Also, there is childhood neglect in this book, which is sad, and suicide too, which seemed inserted as merely a convenience to expedite the story line. Plus, Jack wanted to write. How will we control the climate inside the cases? Its a historical fiction inspired by true stories from WWII. The director of the library, Humphrey Hooper, MLS, PhD, spoke with a quick, flat cadence, something Sadie had noted when she first met him a decade ago. Goodreads The Book of Lost Names is a tense and compelling story of a community of people who risks their lives to help save the lives of Jewish people in need. Show her the tooth, Harry., He opened his palm, where a baby tooth sat like a rare jewel. Returning to her trademark depictions of historic Manhattan buildings, Davis has set her latest in the New York Public Library. A story of family ties, their lost dreams, and the redemption that comes from discovering truth."Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Shoemaker's Wife In New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis's latest historical novel, a series of book thefts roils the . And in the very middle of it all, their small family, tucked behind a hidden stairway. Jack is the librarys superintendent and is writing a novel. With her trademark blend of fact and fiction, Davis has written a memorable, atmospheric page turner. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. In alternating sections set in 1993, Sadie Donovan, Pearl's daughter, is also a library administrator, curating the Berg Collection of rare books. His palm, where a baby tooth sat like a rare jewel it your. 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