Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry Why? Davis paints an indelible picture of two Manhattans and of her two dynamic heroines, whose fates are inextricably linked by a long-standing mystery. It's about the magic of the written word and the power of women's voices, and it's dedicated to some of my favorite people: librarians. When not reading or writing, shes working at a rural elementary school as an instructional aide, helping kids learn to read and write. While the library had lived up to its founders expectations as the largest marble building in the world, an inspired example of classical design that took sixteen years to complete, Laura hadnt realized how remote their lives inside the white fortress would be. And at the very top, Jack Lyons, superintendent. 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. Sadie is Laura Lyonss granddaughter but her mother Pearl never talks about living at the library. 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. He was already working his way down the rows of the ledger, filling in each one with the name, position, and monthly salary of the eighty people under his employ at the New York Public Library. The writing is solid and genericno remarkable writers voice, but I enjoyed it the way I enjoy watching. She looked over his shoulder at the list: attendants, porters, elevator runners, carpenters, steamfitters, electricians, stack runners, janitors, coal passers. They were bored. Sadies skittishness around strangers, her worry that she was somehow lacking, disappeared at work. Lauras view of the giant oak tree outside the caretakers cottage window had been replaced with the harsh whiteness of twelve- inch-thick blocks of marble. She became a formidable collector and curator, and a captivating fixture on the New York society scene. Hed asked me about it a few days ago, but I told him Id decided not to attend because of the children. GENERAL FICTION, by Trouble signing in? The characters seemed flat-too many, not enough depth. Having liked The Dollhouse by the same author, I was elated to receive an advance review copy of this her newest title. "A page-turner for booklovers everywhere! Shed hoped hed forgotten about it, as shed first mentioned it way back in the spring, when shed applied. Fiona Davis books feature iconic buildings in New York City. Laura wants more and applies to attend the newly established School of Journalism at Columbia. Discover a The Lions Of Fifth Avenue summary, book information, and reviews for this book set at the NYPL. Well consult with top scholars to determine whats the most important thing to mention, what should be revealed. Glass cabinets showed off valuable editions and manuscripts by Thackeray, Dickens, and Whitman, generously donated by the brothers Henry and Albert Berg back in the fifties. Its a historical fiction inspired by true stories from WWII. The Lions of Fifth Avenue Information Meet the Author, Fiona Davis Fiona Davisis the New York Times bestselling author of historical novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE (a GMA book club pick) and THE CHELSEA GIRLS. These are interesting points to ponder (for book nerds!) A door opened, and there stood Dr. Anderson, squinting over the railing. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The first story deals with the oppression of womens rights as they fight pitched battle for every right automatically guaranteed to men. When she's not breaking up fights over Legos and juice boxes, she remains fully committed to sharing a less serious look at the world of parenting. I welcome your comments on my site. Set in the beautiful and historic New York Public Library, The Lions of Fifth Avenue is a dual timeline tale about two women living 80 years apart who both must deal with the theft of valuable books from the librarys collection. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Come this way. She followed him through yet another door, this one implanted in the marble slabs between the second and third window. Sadie Donovan leaned against the stone lion named Patience and waited for the line of tourists entering the library to subside. The miserable-looking child who typically filled her lap was missing. She enjoys reading and writing in her spare time. 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. But still, just two terms. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". What was it like? The novel alternates between Laura Lyons in 1913 and her granddaughter Sadie Donovan in 1993. One year. 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. Theyd stared at each other in shock before doubling over with laughter. Its a terrific story., Jacks smile spread slowly. Read them. Had she shared too much with Dr. Anderson the other night? Even if we could, what about the children?, Shed been expecting the question. Family disintegration, suicides, thievery, lost relationships, emotions and opportunities stymied, parental neglect, unlikely scenarios. So when she's quickly evicted from the trailer she and her mother shared, she calls her father; he books her a ticket on the earliest possible flight to Houston. Theyre quite delicate, you know. He held one up to the light to check for spots, his enormous hand like a bears paw. Get fast delivery as well as movies, music, Originals, shows, and more.4. She created a coded book of lost names to preserve the real names of the children. I found it to be a fantastic womens study story of the struggles of women in the early 1900s. But Lauras time spent back in the city, among greater minds than her own, had brought her quickly down to earth. She could see shed said the wrong thing by the way he blinked twice. 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She, too, is on the cuspof love, tragedy, and an awakening of her own. My review of Lions of Fifth Avenue here. . Sometimes she wondered what would have happened if they hadnt met. That morning, shed chosen a marigold-colored fifties shirtdress with thin orange stripes, admiring the way the full skirt fell away from her hips. I love the library setting, and the discussion on the importance of books in general and primary sources in particular. Get help and learn more about the design. Laura reached into her shopping basket and pulled out two apples. I even have pictures of the lions from a recent trip to NYC. Read it for your book club and use ourdiscussion guidefor The Personal Librarian. As the mystery behind the thefts continues, Fiona Davis shows what it meant to be an independent woman in 1913 and in 1993. The Main Reading Room on the third floor was the best place for a good late-night cry. As well as her extra-detailed instructions for while she was gone. He knew all the secrets, every nook and cranny. Fiona Davis breathed life into the library and placed it at the heart of the story. I just love the feel, and smell, of old books. We are witness to but a few months in the life of. I loved learning new details about this historic structure. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). But you see, if Ive graduated by then and have a position, youd be able to quit no matter what.. Hed stood there, panting, hands on his knees, and Laura had worried he might collapse from the fright. I was able to secure a scholarship for Mrs. Lyons at the Columbia Journalism School for the first term. The choice kept the building cool on steamy September days like this one, even if in winter it was like walking into an icebox, particularly in the evenings when the library was closed and the furnaces only lightly fed. Laura had discovered this soon after theyd moved in. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. In a work of escapism that's eerily prescient for these times, as we read books from the confines of the homes we've barely left in . In the modern day storyline, the book resurfaces at a library in Berlin, bringing Evas past rushing back to her. I seem to be on a roll lately. Hidden within the grand architecture of the New York Public Library, Laura Lyons lives in an apartment with her husband and their children. Even if she had to put up with a preening Claude repeatedly tossing his hair out of his eyes like a horse in the dressage ring, it was the perfect job. Over the past four years, Marlene had proved a kind and generous advisor and friend to Sadie. Dr. Anderson appeared and ushered them inside. My review here. Yesterday, Marlene Jenkinson, the Bergs curator and Sadies mentor, hadnt shown up for work as expected from the week-long trip to New England shed taken with her husband. Laura had done her part to stay true to the continuum, softening the hard floors with a mishmash of Oriental rugs and hanging thick drapes over the giant windows. 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. 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. All went smoothly, until he reached the Ls. But when valuable books are stolen back at the library, threatening the home and institution she loves, shes forced to confront her shifting priorities head on . Every day there was yet another dinner to cook, yet another sock to mend.She took a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her eyes, enjoying the stillness of the space, the dark quiet. Once Beyah settles in, Sara and her boyfriend, Marcos, begin trying to set her up with their friend Samson. A sound up on the walkway that ran along the length of the room above the shelves made her jump. In The Lions of Fifth Avenue, we follow two womenone in 1913, the other in 1993who are determined to defy society's expectations. ***SPOILER ALERT for following questions/answers!***. Ive always been curious about this author, especially those titles that scream historical fiction but if theres little historical fiction to it, theres a huge chance that Ill feel more than cheated and disappointed by it all! Through connections, he and his mate Billy broke in with a crowd of wealthy young men and women who fancied themselves budding literary giants. It was a toss-up. " With The Lions of Fifth Avenue, author Fiona Davis proves she is the master of the duel timeline! Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. During the 1913-14 timeline, a first edition of Walt Whitmans Leaves of Grass goes missing, along with Tamerlane by Edgar Allan Poe. Her family had moved to New York, hoping to pass as White in order to gain a more secure economic life. The focus is on pieces that have retained their value to scholars and historians over time. Both timelines have a string of rare book thefts in common. Praise for The Lions of Fifth Avenue "Davis delves into the history of the New York Public Library in this delightful mystery. 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. It is too bad this is not one of her stronger stories (others have felt that as well) and perhaps that is why I have not rushed to read this one yet. . But I cant use that excuse here. Laura Lyons, despite her husband's protests, wants to be a wife, a mother and a dedicated journalism student. 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