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The Lions of Fifth Avenue
In nationally bestselling author Fiona Davis's latest historical novel, a series of book thefts roils the iconic New York Public Library, leaving two generations of strong-willed women to pick up the pieces.
It's 1913, and on the surface, Laura Lyons couldn't ask for more out of life—her husband is the superintendent of the New York Public Library, allowing their family to live in an apartment within the grand building, and they are blessed with two children. But headstrong, passionate Laura wants more, and when she takes a leap of faith and applies to the Columbia Journalism School, her world is cracked wide open. As her studies take her all over the city, she finds herself drawn to Greenwich Village's new bohemia, where she discovers the Heterodoxy Club—a radical, all-female group in which women are encouraged to loudly share their opinions on suffrage, birth control, and women's rights. Soon, Laura finds herself questioning her traditional role as wife and mother. But when valuable books are stolen back at the library, threatening the home and institution she loves, she's forced to confront her shifting priorities head on . . . and may just lose everything in the process.
Eighty years later, in 1993, Sadie Donovan struggles with the legacy of her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons, especially after she's wrangled her dream job as a curator at the New York Public Library. But the job quickly becomes a nightmare when rare manuscripts, notes, and books for the exhibit Sadie's running begin disappearing from the library's famous Berg Collection. Determined to save both the exhibit and her career, the typically risk-adverse Sadie teams up with a private security expert to uncover the culprit. However, things unexpectedly become personal when the investigation leads Sadie to some unwelcome truths about her own family heritage—truths that shed new light on the biggest tragedy in the library's history.
It's 1913, and on the surface, Laura Lyons couldn't ask for more out of life—her husband is the superintendent of the New York Public Library, allowing their family to live in an apartment within the grand building, and they are blessed with two children. But headstrong, passionate Laura wants more, and when she takes a leap of faith and applies to the Columbia Journalism School, her world is cracked wide open. As her studies take her all over the city, she finds herself drawn to Greenwich Village's new bohemia, where she discovers the Heterodoxy Club—a radical, all-female group in which women are encouraged to loudly share their opinions on suffrage, birth control, and women's rights. Soon, Laura finds herself questioning her traditional role as wife and mother. But when valuable books are stolen back at the library, threatening the home and institution she loves, she's forced to confront her shifting priorities head on . . . and may just lose everything in the process.
Eighty years later, in 1993, Sadie Donovan struggles with the legacy of her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons, especially after she's wrangled her dream job as a curator at the New York Public Library. But the job quickly becomes a nightmare when rare manuscripts, notes, and books for the exhibit Sadie's running begin disappearing from the library's famous Berg Collection. Determined to save both the exhibit and her career, the typically risk-adverse Sadie teams up with a private security expert to uncover the culprit. However, things unexpectedly become personal when the investigation leads Sadie to some unwelcome truths about her own family heritage—truths that shed new light on the biggest tragedy in the library's history.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2020
7650 people are currently reading
76340 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Davis
13 books9,216 followersFiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of several historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Oprah magazine.
She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.
She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.
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August 24, 2020
The Lions of Fifth Avenue Aug. 2020
What a great read. Five stars all the way. This is a historical mystery with two strong female protagonists, one from 1914 and one from 1992, alternating stories in two time periods linked by books and a mammoth library. What more could a read want, a story about books. The setting has equal weight the same as a main character with a fascinating library taking center stage. The first story deals with the oppression of women’s rights as they fight pitched battles for every right automatically guaranteed to men. The author makes this work so well because she describes the tyranny and shows the characters immersed in it. The women do not whine about their plight its accepted as a truth and they go about changing it. The author lets the reader see it and become incensed by it, adding to the conflict which equals emotions. I like books of this sort where I am able to learn while enjoying a wonderful work of fiction. This is my second book by this author and I will be reading all her others. Highly recommend.
David Putnam Author of The Bruno Johnson series.
What a great read. Five stars all the way. This is a historical mystery with two strong female protagonists, one from 1914 and one from 1992, alternating stories in two time periods linked by books and a mammoth library. What more could a read want, a story about books. The setting has equal weight the same as a main character with a fascinating library taking center stage. The first story deals with the oppression of women’s rights as they fight pitched battles for every right automatically guaranteed to men. The author makes this work so well because she describes the tyranny and shows the characters immersed in it. The women do not whine about their plight its accepted as a truth and they go about changing it. The author lets the reader see it and become incensed by it, adding to the conflict which equals emotions. I like books of this sort where I am able to learn while enjoying a wonderful work of fiction. This is my second book by this author and I will be reading all her others. Highly recommend.
David Putnam Author of The Bruno Johnson series.
July 23, 2020
Have I been reading too many books during the Pandemic or is the two person story in different time zones been done to death? I am so weary of it. It's become so common place that it is no longer an interesting twist. The problem is that one story always seems to suffer. This is true here too.
The story starts in 1914 when Laura Lyons is living with her family in the NY Public Library. Her husband is in charge there and a free apartment is part of employment. Can you imagine anything better? Living in a library especially one with such architectural interest sounds like heaven to me. Laura doesn't have the joy I do but she is trying to broaden her world. She decides to return to school at Columbia School of Journalism which is quite daring at the time especially with two small children. Her mother fills in with babysitting and her husband is busily working on a book.
She ends up meeting a woman doctor who treats the poor and introduces her to a group of women who are free thinkers. There is one rule. No one is to talk about the meeting. Laura, of course, does not think this means her and writes a story that gets published. She gets kicked out of the group and then fails her course at college. Her world is crumbling.
Meanwhile rare books are being stolen at the library and the family is understandably under suspicion. Laura becomes completely unlikable to me at this point. She has no sympathy for her husband and his situation and in fact calls him selfish when his dreams are destroyed. She totally mishandles her children, in my opinion, and then makes radical changes to the family that lasts for generations. She does go on to become a famous woman rights essayist.
Years later, in 1993, her granddaughter is working at the library and rare books are being stolen. She is a suspect too. As she tries to find the books she uncovers and deals with the family secrets. As you can tell, I thought her section was unnecessary.
In the end, I was slightly dissatisfied with the book. I thought it used an overworked gimmick. I didn't care for the main characters. I was disappointed. I thought it would have been so much better. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
The story starts in 1914 when Laura Lyons is living with her family in the NY Public Library. Her husband is in charge there and a free apartment is part of employment. Can you imagine anything better? Living in a library especially one with such architectural interest sounds like heaven to me. Laura doesn't have the joy I do but she is trying to broaden her world. She decides to return to school at Columbia School of Journalism which is quite daring at the time especially with two small children. Her mother fills in with babysitting and her husband is busily working on a book.
She ends up meeting a woman doctor who treats the poor and introduces her to a group of women who are free thinkers. There is one rule. No one is to talk about the meeting. Laura, of course, does not think this means her and writes a story that gets published. She gets kicked out of the group and then fails her course at college. Her world is crumbling.
Meanwhile rare books are being stolen at the library and the family is understandably under suspicion. Laura becomes completely unlikable to me at this point. She has no sympathy for her husband and his situation and in fact calls him selfish when his dreams are destroyed. She totally mishandles her children, in my opinion, and then makes radical changes to the family that lasts for generations. She does go on to become a famous woman rights essayist.
Years later, in 1993, her granddaughter is working at the library and rare books are being stolen. She is a suspect too. As she tries to find the books she uncovers and deals with the family secrets. As you can tell, I thought her section was unnecessary.
In the end, I was slightly dissatisfied with the book. I thought it used an overworked gimmick. I didn't care for the main characters. I was disappointed. I thought it would have been so much better. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2020
Love the premise of both plot lines. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of the execution. There was something about Davis’s writing style that left me cold. The characters, be it their motivations or their personalities or their conversations with one another, all felt stilted and unconvincing. I love the library setting, and the discussion on the importance of books in general and primary sources in particular. But I kept having to suspend my disbelief over the actions and internal struggles of the main characters. I have no problem suspending my disbelief when reading fantasy or magical realism or science fiction, but I feel that I shouldn’t have to when it comes to contemporary or historical fiction. While I enjoyed the mystery and the act of reading a book about books, this one just didn’t really work for me. Three stars for keeping me reading even when I wasn't enamored.
October 3, 2020
I love this author!
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
If you enjoy this genre, Fiona Davis’ books are a must to add to your shelves. She typically features iconic New York places and spaces in her works, and in this novel, it’s the New York Public Library. Doesn’t that make your bibliophile heart swoon?
The two timelines are 1913 and 1993. Two women narrate. Laura in the earlier timeline, and Sadie in the second. Laura is a famous writer, and Sadie is her granddaughter working in the infamous library. Of course secrets abound, and Sadie has her work ahead of her trying to save an exhibit and also her career she’s worked so hard for.
I lived for every depiction of this beautiful and historic library. The tasks Sadie completes, all the details. Love love love. I also loved the characters, and there’s so much heart in this story. On top of it all, there’s a thread of a mystery to try to solve. The Lions of Fifth Avenue. Another standout from Fiona Davis, and I think it may be her best yet.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
If you enjoy this genre, Fiona Davis’ books are a must to add to your shelves. She typically features iconic New York places and spaces in her works, and in this novel, it’s the New York Public Library. Doesn’t that make your bibliophile heart swoon?
The two timelines are 1913 and 1993. Two women narrate. Laura in the earlier timeline, and Sadie in the second. Laura is a famous writer, and Sadie is her granddaughter working in the infamous library. Of course secrets abound, and Sadie has her work ahead of her trying to save an exhibit and also her career she’s worked so hard for.
I lived for every depiction of this beautiful and historic library. The tasks Sadie completes, all the details. Love love love. I also loved the characters, and there’s so much heart in this story. On top of it all, there’s a thread of a mystery to try to solve. The Lions of Fifth Avenue. Another standout from Fiona Davis, and I think it may be her best yet.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
January 27, 2025
It’s rare for me to struggle with a review unless I finish a book in the middle of the night. But I can’t use that excuse here.
I adored the premise and had seen other highly rated reviews and therein lay (lies?) the problem. My expectations as a bookworm and lover of this historic and glamorous building of books in my favorite metropolis did me in.
I enjoyed the historical facts and some of the fictional threads but I was disappointed by the modern mystery. Sadly it was all too easy to connect the dots, even if they were wrapped in some drama and family disfunction that I could relate to. (The older I get, the less tolerance I have for a male-dominated domestic situation.)
Unfortunately, I wanted to like the characters more than I did. It’s really not a bad book, it’s just not what I wanted it to be—a great book!
(Reviewed 9/23/21)
I adored the premise and had seen other highly rated reviews and therein lay (lies?) the problem. My expectations as a bookworm and lover of this historic and glamorous building of books in my favorite metropolis did me in.
I enjoyed the historical facts and some of the fictional threads but I was disappointed by the modern mystery. Sadly it was all too easy to connect the dots, even if they were wrapped in some drama and family disfunction that I could relate to. (The older I get, the less tolerance I have for a male-dominated domestic situation.)
Unfortunately, I wanted to like the characters more than I did. It’s really not a bad book, it’s just not what I wanted it to be—a great book!
(Reviewed 9/23/21)
April 10, 2021
The Lions of Fifth Avenue is a dual timeline story beginning with Laura Lyons and her family in 1913 and ending with Sadie Donovan in 1993.
In 1913, the Lyons family lives in an apartment in the New York Public Library, where Jack works as the superintendent. Laura loves her husband and being a mother to Pearl and Harry, yet craves more. She applies to the journalism program at Columbia and quickly enjoys being immersed in a world beyond her home. She attends meetings of the Heterodoxy Club, a group of women discussing radical, untraditional ideas. While Laura is pursuing this new path, valuable books begin to go missing from the library, forcing her to evaluate her priorities.
In 1993, Sadie works at the New York Public Library. She remains curious about her grandmother, Laura Lyons, and her legacy as a writer, but there’s little left behind for Sadie to learn from. While Sadie is working on an upcoming exhibit, rare books and manuscripts are stolen, making her question everything.
I loved the library setting in this book! While I liked both timelines, I preferred Laura’s a little more. The library felt so grand in the early 1900s. It was interesting to see how the stories tied together and to discover the mystery surrounding the disappearing books.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue was my first Fiona Davis book and I look forward to reading more of her historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
In 1913, the Lyons family lives in an apartment in the New York Public Library, where Jack works as the superintendent. Laura loves her husband and being a mother to Pearl and Harry, yet craves more. She applies to the journalism program at Columbia and quickly enjoys being immersed in a world beyond her home. She attends meetings of the Heterodoxy Club, a group of women discussing radical, untraditional ideas. While Laura is pursuing this new path, valuable books begin to go missing from the library, forcing her to evaluate her priorities.
In 1993, Sadie works at the New York Public Library. She remains curious about her grandmother, Laura Lyons, and her legacy as a writer, but there’s little left behind for Sadie to learn from. While Sadie is working on an upcoming exhibit, rare books and manuscripts are stolen, making her question everything.
I loved the library setting in this book! While I liked both timelines, I preferred Laura’s a little more. The library felt so grand in the early 1900s. It was interesting to see how the stories tied together and to discover the mystery surrounding the disappearing books.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue was my first Fiona Davis book and I look forward to reading more of her historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2020
This book had me in the palm of its hand straight from the title, because I have always loved the lions outside the New York Public Library. (Did you know their names are Patience and Fortitude? Although at the time of the 1913 opening of the library at the center of this book, as the book taught me, they were called Astor and Lenox.)
My hands-down favorite part of this novel was our 1914 heroine, the intrepid aspiring reporter Laura Lyons.
We also spend some time in the grunge era, with Sadie, a latter-day family member investigating mysterious thefts of rare books from the library. This mystery was also great - but I was just utterly charmed by Laura and the visions of old New York pre-suffrage that her timeline was giving me and perpetually could not wait for the next Laura chapter. I loved reading about Laura finding her own voice through her reporting and submitting her feminist awakenings to men who were not yet ready for the ideas. I learned a lot more in this book about the men in academia in this time period who put up barriers to women's graduation, expression, and overall success in what was still very much a man's world. We also see how Laura is held back by the traditional opinions of her well-meaning husband. ("How about you type up my manuscript for me?" he says at one point, trying to find Laura "something meaningful to do" after she faces sexism at school.) And also, with many fun literary references of the era (Kate Chopin's "The Awakening" makes an appearance), Laura begins to have awakenings of her own.
This book is completely charming and captivating, and really makes you feel what it might have been like to be a woman trying to write in 1914 New York. The author's love of books and words really shines through at all times, as does her love and knowledge of New York and its history. This book was such a total pleasure to read, even though it was sad at times. I really felt like I was right there in the library, and the New York Public Library is one of my favorite places.
4.5 stars. Thanks to Penguin Random House, Fiona Davis and NetGalley for the advance copy. It was a New York born feminist booklover's dream.
My hands-down favorite part of this novel was our 1914 heroine, the intrepid aspiring reporter Laura Lyons.
We also spend some time in the grunge era, with Sadie, a latter-day family member investigating mysterious thefts of rare books from the library. This mystery was also great - but I was just utterly charmed by Laura and the visions of old New York pre-suffrage that her timeline was giving me and perpetually could not wait for the next Laura chapter. I loved reading about Laura finding her own voice through her reporting and submitting her feminist awakenings to men who were not yet ready for the ideas. I learned a lot more in this book about the men in academia in this time period who put up barriers to women's graduation, expression, and overall success in what was still very much a man's world. We also see how Laura is held back by the traditional opinions of her well-meaning husband. ("How about you type up my manuscript for me?" he says at one point, trying to find Laura "something meaningful to do" after she faces sexism at school.) And also, with many fun literary references of the era (Kate Chopin's "The Awakening" makes an appearance), Laura begins to have awakenings of her own.
This book is completely charming and captivating, and really makes you feel what it might have been like to be a woman trying to write in 1914 New York. The author's love of books and words really shines through at all times, as does her love and knowledge of New York and its history. This book was such a total pleasure to read, even though it was sad at times. I really felt like I was right there in the library, and the New York Public Library is one of my favorite places.
4.5 stars. Thanks to Penguin Random House, Fiona Davis and NetGalley for the advance copy. It was a New York born feminist booklover's dream.
December 9, 2020
Another day, another outlier review. I seem to be on a roll lately....
I just didn't love this book as much as I hoped I would, although to be fair, Fiona Davis books are rather hit or miss for me. I guess I just didn't think I would ever not gush over a book set in the New York Public Library, which I have visited and have been enamored with ever since. I figured what would there be not to love about a tale of book thefts in the NYCPL eighty years apart? As it turns out, quite a bit actually.
The book alternates between 1911, when the young Lyons family moves into an upstairs apartment at the library, after the father is been hired as the superintendent, and 1993, when Sadie Donovan is a curator at the library for a special collection. It just so happens that she's also the granddaughter of the original apartment tenants - although she doesn't know it. It all sounds intriguing, but the family dynamics were a miss for me. The characters just didn't resonate with me, as several of them had odd behavioral changes that seemed to come out of nowhere, and the reasons Davis used to explain their actions were puzzling to say the least. The plot "twist" was also way too foreseeable. I usually enjoy dual timelines, but in this one, it seemed to break up the coherency. In my opinion, Davis would have been better served to start the story in 1911 and follow it to present day, as the dueling timelines had too many moving parts that couldn't be realistically resolved.
Overall, the characters fell flat for me and there wasn't enough history of the library to hold my interest. I wish Davis had delved into the reasons why the library apartments existed and explored some of the myths surrounding them. I have read many 4- and 5-star reviews for this one, but for me, it barely hovers around the 3-star mark.
I just didn't love this book as much as I hoped I would, although to be fair, Fiona Davis books are rather hit or miss for me. I guess I just didn't think I would ever not gush over a book set in the New York Public Library, which I have visited and have been enamored with ever since. I figured what would there be not to love about a tale of book thefts in the NYCPL eighty years apart? As it turns out, quite a bit actually.
The book alternates between 1911, when the young Lyons family moves into an upstairs apartment at the library, after the father is been hired as the superintendent, and 1993, when Sadie Donovan is a curator at the library for a special collection. It just so happens that she's also the granddaughter of the original apartment tenants - although she doesn't know it. It all sounds intriguing, but the family dynamics were a miss for me. The characters just didn't resonate with me, as several of them had odd behavioral changes that seemed to come out of nowhere, and the reasons Davis used to explain their actions were puzzling to say the least. The plot "twist" was also way too foreseeable. I usually enjoy dual timelines, but in this one, it seemed to break up the coherency. In my opinion, Davis would have been better served to start the story in 1911 and follow it to present day, as the dueling timelines had too many moving parts that couldn't be realistically resolved.
Overall, the characters fell flat for me and there wasn't enough history of the library to hold my interest. I wish Davis had delved into the reasons why the library apartments existed and explored some of the myths surrounding them. I have read many 4- and 5-star reviews for this one, but for me, it barely hovers around the 3-star mark.
September 1, 2020
4.5 stars
I've always loved how Fiona Davis brings something different to the historical fiction genre as a famous building is usually what she focuses on rather than a person or event. For this book most of the story took place at the New York Public Library and it was a perfect setting. I have read all of the author's books and this one by far is my favorite.
Back in 1913, Laura Lyons is married with two children. Her husband is the superintendent of the New York Public Library and the family lives in an apartment in the building. Laura is interested in a career in journalism and applies to the Columbia Journalism School. Her studies will lead her to the Heterodoxy Club. There she will meet women who share their opinions on such "radical" topics like birth control, suffrage, and other women's rights issues.
The story alternates between Laura in 1913 and Sadie Donovan who in 1993 is a curator at the NY Public Library. Some rare books have gone missing and she works with a private security expert to get answers. While trying to solve the case of the vanishing books, she unexpectedly is going to learn some interesting family history.
The library aspects of the story such as putting together exhibits, the handling of rare books and manuscripts, and dealing with library benefactors were fascinating to me. And the exploration of women's rights issues for the 1913 plot was an intriguing story line as well. I've enjoyed every book by this author but for me this book is the standout in terms of incorporating substance, heart and a little bit of mystery.
If you like this author, enjoy visiting the library, and/or are a book lover in general, I highly recommend taking the time to read this one.
I've always loved how Fiona Davis brings something different to the historical fiction genre as a famous building is usually what she focuses on rather than a person or event. For this book most of the story took place at the New York Public Library and it was a perfect setting. I have read all of the author's books and this one by far is my favorite.
Back in 1913, Laura Lyons is married with two children. Her husband is the superintendent of the New York Public Library and the family lives in an apartment in the building. Laura is interested in a career in journalism and applies to the Columbia Journalism School. Her studies will lead her to the Heterodoxy Club. There she will meet women who share their opinions on such "radical" topics like birth control, suffrage, and other women's rights issues.
The story alternates between Laura in 1913 and Sadie Donovan who in 1993 is a curator at the NY Public Library. Some rare books have gone missing and she works with a private security expert to get answers. While trying to solve the case of the vanishing books, she unexpectedly is going to learn some interesting family history.
The library aspects of the story such as putting together exhibits, the handling of rare books and manuscripts, and dealing with library benefactors were fascinating to me. And the exploration of women's rights issues for the 1913 plot was an intriguing story line as well. I've enjoyed every book by this author but for me this book is the standout in terms of incorporating substance, heart and a little bit of mystery.
If you like this author, enjoy visiting the library, and/or are a book lover in general, I highly recommend taking the time to read this one.
July 6, 2020
Hidden within the grand architecture of the New York Public Library, Laura Lyons lives in an apartment with her husband and their children. In 1913, Laura seems to have an idyllic life, but she yearns for the same passion that her husband has for his novel in progress. Hoping to find her drive in life and help with her family’s finances, Laura applies to the Columbia School of Journalism. The search for stories takes her across the city, where she wants to go beyond the “women’s assignments.” This leads to Laura connecting with an old classmate who introduces her to the new bohemia in Greenwich Village - where women discuss suffrage, politics, and traditional roles. As Laura’s world is expanding and changing, her home life threatens to fall apart when a string of thefts occur at the library. Laura must choose her path forward or risk losing what she has always known.
Sadie Donovan’s dream job as a curator in the library’s famous Berg Collection is disrupted when items for the upcoming exhibit begin to disappear, eighty years later in 1993. As she works to uncover the truth, Sadie must also grapple with her family history as the granddaughter of the famous feminist essayist Laura Lyons. Teaming up with the library’s private investigator leads Sadie to reveal shocking realities of her family’s involvement in those thefts eighty years earlier.
Fiona Davis, best-selling author of The Dollhouse, The Address, The Masterpiece, and The Chelsea Girls, delivers another carefully crafted historical fiction novel centered around a New York City landmark. This story encompasses mystery, women’s rights, and most of all a love for reading and books.
Sadie Donovan’s dream job as a curator in the library’s famous Berg Collection is disrupted when items for the upcoming exhibit begin to disappear, eighty years later in 1993. As she works to uncover the truth, Sadie must also grapple with her family history as the granddaughter of the famous feminist essayist Laura Lyons. Teaming up with the library’s private investigator leads Sadie to reveal shocking realities of her family’s involvement in those thefts eighty years earlier.
Fiona Davis, best-selling author of The Dollhouse, The Address, The Masterpiece, and The Chelsea Girls, delivers another carefully crafted historical fiction novel centered around a New York City landmark. This story encompasses mystery, women’s rights, and most of all a love for reading and books.
August 29, 2020
I am an outlier here. This book was not a favorite. Pretty predictable. Sad stories all around. Family disintegration, suicides, thievery, lost relationships, emotions and opportunities stymied, parental neglect, unlikely scenarios. The main theme of the book was not as portrayed in reviews and synopsis. It was not about the library so much or book theft but about women navigating free life choices and being denied opportunities, IMHO.
Overall, it was a big disappointment for me. No favorite quotes!
I did learn information about the NY Public library but it was scant. What I did learn, I greatly enjoyed and appreciate. I would like to visit and tour the library.
Having first read the non-fiction “The Man Who Loved Books Too Much” gave me background material on the problem of stolen valuable manuscripts and first-edition books.
Fiona Davis did a commendable job with a duel time plot line. It was easily followed and connected very well 👏👍
Overall, it was a big disappointment for me. No favorite quotes!
I did learn information about the NY Public library but it was scant. What I did learn, I greatly enjoyed and appreciate. I would like to visit and tour the library.
Having first read the non-fiction “The Man Who Loved Books Too Much” gave me background material on the problem of stolen valuable manuscripts and first-edition books.
Fiona Davis did a commendable job with a duel time plot line. It was easily followed and connected very well 👏👍
August 4, 2020
*now available
4 New York Public Library stars
This was a fascinating historical novel with an amazing setting – the New York Public Library. Filled with compelling characters and the thefts of valuable books, this one really drew me in. I loved learning that there once was a residence in the library for the superintendent and his family. Hidden passageways and secrets swirled in both storylines of this one.
The older storyline is set in 1913 and features Laura, her husband, and family who live in the New York Public Library apartment. Things are going very well with her husband as superintendent and wrapping up his novel and Laura is attending journalism school – only the second class with women at Columbia. Laura has gotten involved with a women’s group that causes her to question her place in the world and she fights for women’s rights. Then things start to fall apart when valuable books are being stolen from the library.
The second storyline is from 1993 and features Sadie, a librarian in the rare book collection area. History is repeating itself when rare books and items are stolen and suspicion falls on Sadie. A private detective is called in and the two try to get to the bottom of the thefts.
I found the second half of this book to be heart breaking as things have really fallen apart for both families. A fascinating look into history and the love of books. This was my first read from Fiona Davis, but it won’t be my last!
This was a fun buddy read with Susan.
Thank you to Fiona Davis, Edelweiss, and Dutton for the early copy of this one to read.
4 New York Public Library stars
This was a fascinating historical novel with an amazing setting – the New York Public Library. Filled with compelling characters and the thefts of valuable books, this one really drew me in. I loved learning that there once was a residence in the library for the superintendent and his family. Hidden passageways and secrets swirled in both storylines of this one.
The older storyline is set in 1913 and features Laura, her husband, and family who live in the New York Public Library apartment. Things are going very well with her husband as superintendent and wrapping up his novel and Laura is attending journalism school – only the second class with women at Columbia. Laura has gotten involved with a women’s group that causes her to question her place in the world and she fights for women’s rights. Then things start to fall apart when valuable books are being stolen from the library.
The second storyline is from 1993 and features Sadie, a librarian in the rare book collection area. History is repeating itself when rare books and items are stolen and suspicion falls on Sadie. A private detective is called in and the two try to get to the bottom of the thefts.
I found the second half of this book to be heart breaking as things have really fallen apart for both families. A fascinating look into history and the love of books. This was my first read from Fiona Davis, but it won’t be my last!
This was a fun buddy read with Susan.
Thank you to Fiona Davis, Edelweiss, and Dutton for the early copy of this one to read.
September 19, 2020
This book turned out to be very different than I expected when I began it.
I have been in love with the New York Public Library for very long time. I’ve had the privilege to pat Patience and Fortitude, see the Winnie-the-Pooh toys, and explore as much of the building as visitors are allowed to see. When the book “The Story Seeker” was published, a story based on the lives of the Fedeler family who actually lived in the library as caretakers, I was absolutely intrigued! (The ultimate wish for a true bookaholic, to live in a library!)
I was expecting “The Lions of Fifth Avenue” to be written along the same lines, although on an adult level. And parts of it were; the depiction of living in the basement apartment, the descriptions of the marvelous rooms and treasures of the library, and the mystery of the stolen books were wonderful to read.
On the other hand, there were times when I thought I was reading a different book altogether. The scenes where Laura Lyons expresses dissatisfaction with her womanhood, her career, her marriage and even her sexual orientation gave the book an entirely different tone, one I did not really enjoy.
When I finished, which I actually considered not doing, I was very conflicted about the rating it should be given.
For the parts about the library- 4 stars
For the parts about Laura Lyons’ personal life-2 stars
Final rating- 3 stars. If the parts about the library hadn’t been as well-written as they were, it would have been 2 stars. Rather disappointing as I’d looked forward to reading this one for a long time.
Think I’ll stick with Kristen O’Donnell Tubb’s series!
I have been in love with the New York Public Library for very long time. I’ve had the privilege to pat Patience and Fortitude, see the Winnie-the-Pooh toys, and explore as much of the building as visitors are allowed to see. When the book “The Story Seeker” was published, a story based on the lives of the Fedeler family who actually lived in the library as caretakers, I was absolutely intrigued! (The ultimate wish for a true bookaholic, to live in a library!)
I was expecting “The Lions of Fifth Avenue” to be written along the same lines, although on an adult level. And parts of it were; the depiction of living in the basement apartment, the descriptions of the marvelous rooms and treasures of the library, and the mystery of the stolen books were wonderful to read.
On the other hand, there were times when I thought I was reading a different book altogether. The scenes where Laura Lyons expresses dissatisfaction with her womanhood, her career, her marriage and even her sexual orientation gave the book an entirely different tone, one I did not really enjoy.
When I finished, which I actually considered not doing, I was very conflicted about the rating it should be given.
For the parts about the library- 4 stars
For the parts about Laura Lyons’ personal life-2 stars
Final rating- 3 stars. If the parts about the library hadn’t been as well-written as they were, it would have been 2 stars. Rather disappointing as I’d looked forward to reading this one for a long time.
Think I’ll stick with Kristen O’Donnell Tubb’s series!
August 7, 2020
Thanks to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group and Fiona Davis for my copy of: The Lions of Fifth Avenue.
In 1913, Jack Lyons is the superintendent of the New York Public Library; he lives in an apartment on the top floor of the building with his wife Laura and his children Pearl and Harry. Jack has been writing his first book for ten years and despite living at the library the family struggle to make ends meet. Jacks plan is for him to receive a lucrative deal for his book when it’s finished and solve the family’s money problems.
His wife Laura is smart, she wants more for herself, she applies to study at the Columbia Journalism School and wants to work as a newspaper reporter. She discovers how hard it is to study and spend time with her husband, keep up with the house work and look after her children. She experiences terrible discrimination while studying because she’s a woman, by chance she meets Dr Amelia Potter and she introduces her to the woman’s suffrage movement. Women are fighting for equal rights, to earn their own money and to be able to legally use birth control. Constantly having children stops many women from being able to work, they are stuck living in a cycle of poverty and have to rely on their husband’s wage to feed large families. Laura is torn between two worlds; she loves her husband and children but is it wrong for her to want more out of life? When valuable books start going missing from the library, her husband is the obvious suspect, things start spiraling out of control and the once happy family is torn apart.
In 1993, Sadie Donovan works at the New York Public Library as a curator when a college leaves Sadie is promoted and she’s beyond excited. But her job is under threat when history repeats it's self, precious items start disappearing from the library and she’s considered a prime suspect. Sadie has no choice but to admit her grandfather is Jack Lyons and her grandmother is the famous essayist Laura Lyons and her family’s torrid history with the library. Sadie sets about clearing her name, but it’s not easy as she knows very little about her grandparents and her mother Pearl has just passed away.
I absolutely loved The Lions of Fifth Avenue; it’s a brilliant story that spans eighty years of hidden family history and secrets. In the perfect setting of a beautiful old distinguished building that’s a library full of history, memories, unsolved mysteries, classic books and collections. If only a building could talk, the combination of two strong female main characters plus all the intrigue and drama of precious and priceless treasures and books going missing! The Lions of Fifth Avenue is a book I couldn't stop reading, a big five stars from me, I have shared my review on Goodreads, Amazon Australia, Kobo, Edelweiss, Twitter and my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
In 1913, Jack Lyons is the superintendent of the New York Public Library; he lives in an apartment on the top floor of the building with his wife Laura and his children Pearl and Harry. Jack has been writing his first book for ten years and despite living at the library the family struggle to make ends meet. Jacks plan is for him to receive a lucrative deal for his book when it’s finished and solve the family’s money problems.
His wife Laura is smart, she wants more for herself, she applies to study at the Columbia Journalism School and wants to work as a newspaper reporter. She discovers how hard it is to study and spend time with her husband, keep up with the house work and look after her children. She experiences terrible discrimination while studying because she’s a woman, by chance she meets Dr Amelia Potter and she introduces her to the woman’s suffrage movement. Women are fighting for equal rights, to earn their own money and to be able to legally use birth control. Constantly having children stops many women from being able to work, they are stuck living in a cycle of poverty and have to rely on their husband’s wage to feed large families. Laura is torn between two worlds; she loves her husband and children but is it wrong for her to want more out of life? When valuable books start going missing from the library, her husband is the obvious suspect, things start spiraling out of control and the once happy family is torn apart.
In 1993, Sadie Donovan works at the New York Public Library as a curator when a college leaves Sadie is promoted and she’s beyond excited. But her job is under threat when history repeats it's self, precious items start disappearing from the library and she’s considered a prime suspect. Sadie has no choice but to admit her grandfather is Jack Lyons and her grandmother is the famous essayist Laura Lyons and her family’s torrid history with the library. Sadie sets about clearing her name, but it’s not easy as she knows very little about her grandparents and her mother Pearl has just passed away.
I absolutely loved The Lions of Fifth Avenue; it’s a brilliant story that spans eighty years of hidden family history and secrets. In the perfect setting of a beautiful old distinguished building that’s a library full of history, memories, unsolved mysteries, classic books and collections. If only a building could talk, the combination of two strong female main characters plus all the intrigue and drama of precious and priceless treasures and books going missing! The Lions of Fifth Avenue is a book I couldn't stop reading, a big five stars from me, I have shared my review on Goodreads, Amazon Australia, Kobo, Edelweiss, Twitter and my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
October 9, 2020
“The Lions of Fifth Avenue” by Fiona Davis is billed as a love story to the New York Public Library. I found it to be a fantastic women’s study story of the struggles of women in the early 1900’s. Additionally, it illuminates the significance of rare books and artifacts of great literary authors to our culture.
The story revolves around two book heists, 80 years apart, at the New York Public Library. In 1913 a family of four lives in a tiny apartment inside the New York Public Library. The father of the family is the superintendent of the library, and his wife, Laura, is “ambitious” and wants to get her advance degree in journalism at the Columbia Journalism school. Much of the story is concentrated about Laura’s journey as a wife, mother and student. Through her schoolwork, Laura inadvertently becomes involved in an emerging feminist group. Davis is known for her historical fiction, and some of Laura’s experiences as a student at the Columbia Journalism school is shocking; given Davis’s dedication to research, I’m assuming Laura’s experience was common in those times.
While Laura and her family lived in the library, there was a book theft. Her husband was accused of the crime which brought turmoil to the family. This was at the same time that Laura was attempting to launch her career as a journalist. Her lack of expected attention to her domestic duties becomes a focal point in the chaos that she carried. In Laura’s portion of the story, the reader gains insight into the repression of women at that time.
The alternating chapters involve Laura’s granddaughter, Sadie, who is a curator at the New York Public Library. On Sadie’s watch, rare books, artifacts, and manuscripts go missing. This is in 1993, and through Sadie the reader gets a grand education of the importance of rare novels and the under-ground world of illegal art thefts.
Davis does a great job of pacing her mystery of who is stealing the items and how they are doing it. I listened to the audio narrated by Erin Bennett and Lisa Flanagan. Both women do a fantastic job. I enjoyed listening to the story, and I like when historical fiction stories prompt me to do a bit of research, like this one did.
The story revolves around two book heists, 80 years apart, at the New York Public Library. In 1913 a family of four lives in a tiny apartment inside the New York Public Library. The father of the family is the superintendent of the library, and his wife, Laura, is “ambitious” and wants to get her advance degree in journalism at the Columbia Journalism school. Much of the story is concentrated about Laura’s journey as a wife, mother and student. Through her schoolwork, Laura inadvertently becomes involved in an emerging feminist group. Davis is known for her historical fiction, and some of Laura’s experiences as a student at the Columbia Journalism school is shocking; given Davis’s dedication to research, I’m assuming Laura’s experience was common in those times.
While Laura and her family lived in the library, there was a book theft. Her husband was accused of the crime which brought turmoil to the family. This was at the same time that Laura was attempting to launch her career as a journalist. Her lack of expected attention to her domestic duties becomes a focal point in the chaos that she carried. In Laura’s portion of the story, the reader gains insight into the repression of women at that time.
The alternating chapters involve Laura’s granddaughter, Sadie, who is a curator at the New York Public Library. On Sadie’s watch, rare books, artifacts, and manuscripts go missing. This is in 1993, and through Sadie the reader gets a grand education of the importance of rare novels and the under-ground world of illegal art thefts.
Davis does a great job of pacing her mystery of who is stealing the items and how they are doing it. I listened to the audio narrated by Erin Bennett and Lisa Flanagan. Both women do a fantastic job. I enjoyed listening to the story, and I like when historical fiction stories prompt me to do a bit of research, like this one did.
July 18, 2020
Having liked The Dollhouse by the same author, I was elated to receive an advance review copy of this her newest title.
The story covers two resourceful heroines set eighty years apart.
Sadie and Laura were related as granddaughter and grandmother but had never met. They were also entwined through the historic New York Library and each had a significant impact in their respective time periods.
As Sadie currates an exhibit for trustees and benefactors, rare books disappear. With her passion for the library, is she really under suspicion of theft? Who is responsible for the irreplaceable items?
Eight decades earlier, Laura wrestles with her desire to pursue journalism with her role as a wife and mother. Women’s issues and the suffrage movement are gaining momentum and she’s caught in a wave of change. How will she adjust to her exposure to new ideals?
There’s a lot going on in this book with family secrets buried by Sadie’s mother about her grandmother’s life. It was a subject not to be discussed and the details died with her. What happened so long ago?
I was absorbed into this book! I loved reading about the prestigious New York Library and especially enjoyed the explanations and descriptions of how archived and rare books were stored and viewed.
I recommend it to historical fiction readers and those liking women’s stories.
Thank you to Edeweiss, Fiona Davis, and Dutton Books for my electronic review copy.
The story covers two resourceful heroines set eighty years apart.
Sadie and Laura were related as granddaughter and grandmother but had never met. They were also entwined through the historic New York Library and each had a significant impact in their respective time periods.
As Sadie currates an exhibit for trustees and benefactors, rare books disappear. With her passion for the library, is she really under suspicion of theft? Who is responsible for the irreplaceable items?
Eight decades earlier, Laura wrestles with her desire to pursue journalism with her role as a wife and mother. Women’s issues and the suffrage movement are gaining momentum and she’s caught in a wave of change. How will she adjust to her exposure to new ideals?
There’s a lot going on in this book with family secrets buried by Sadie’s mother about her grandmother’s life. It was a subject not to be discussed and the details died with her. What happened so long ago?
I was absorbed into this book! I loved reading about the prestigious New York Library and especially enjoyed the explanations and descriptions of how archived and rare books were stored and viewed.
I recommend it to historical fiction readers and those liking women’s stories.
Thank you to Edeweiss, Fiona Davis, and Dutton Books for my electronic review copy.
August 27, 2020
When I was a teen, I loved Clive Cussler books. But eventually they became so tedious and formulaic that they were more like a madlib than a book and I just couldn't read them even though I would try from time to time out of loyalty and nostalgia. Before this book, Fiona Davis was the author I was most likely to tell you was my current favorite. I was so looking forward to this book as a treat. But this book was the madlib version of her writing, and I am so sad.
Here is the formula:
Take an iconic NYC building - the NYC public library
Have an old story line that teaches you cool history about that building - did you know there was an apartment inside the building where the superintendent's family lived when it opened?
Have a modern times story line that keeps the book going - a librarian in a rare collection with a connection to the apartment dwellers and to current rare book thefts
Tie them all together in the end
Come to think of it, that is roughly Clive Cussler's formula too (except with ships and nautical themes). Maybe that's why it got old in so few books instead of his lengthy run.
Sadly, this version of tying them all together was just so unbelievable. Way too many random extra stories had to come in to explain extra characters. People made the perfect choices for the plot but not for their character development. And one of the characters was so selfish and heartless that it was difficult to keep reading.
I should have stopped reading when one character met Margaret Sanger, the racist eugenicist who started Planned Parenthood, and she was presented as an amazing revolutionary feminist leader. It was a warning sign that the main goal of this book was to celebrate feminism in ways that were more important to the author than her craft. And even though it was a celebration of feminism, it didn't actually present the ideas and history of the feminists besides a few name drops and obsession with their bohemian lifestyles.
Being in company with Clive Cussler is a compliment. He has definitely made an empire and has a big following. I just see the warning signs and wish this author was willing to challenge herself to more.
Here is the formula:
Take an iconic NYC building - the NYC public library
Have an old story line that teaches you cool history about that building - did you know there was an apartment inside the building where the superintendent's family lived when it opened?
Have a modern times story line that keeps the book going - a librarian in a rare collection with a connection to the apartment dwellers and to current rare book thefts
Tie them all together in the end
Come to think of it, that is roughly Clive Cussler's formula too (except with ships and nautical themes). Maybe that's why it got old in so few books instead of his lengthy run.
Sadly, this version of tying them all together was just so unbelievable. Way too many random extra stories had to come in to explain extra characters. People made the perfect choices for the plot but not for their character development. And one of the characters was so selfish and heartless that it was difficult to keep reading.
I should have stopped reading when one character met Margaret Sanger, the racist eugenicist who started Planned Parenthood, and she was presented as an amazing revolutionary feminist leader. It was a warning sign that the main goal of this book was to celebrate feminism in ways that were more important to the author than her craft. And even though it was a celebration of feminism, it didn't actually present the ideas and history of the feminists besides a few name drops and obsession with their bohemian lifestyles.
Being in company with Clive Cussler is a compliment. He has definitely made an empire and has a big following. I just see the warning signs and wish this author was willing to challenge herself to more.
June 13, 2024
What a beautiful story! Book theft. Love. Libraries. 1915 vs. 1995. Times have changed, but they have not. Loved the character dynamics. Really enjoyed reading about the differences in life yet the approach to living without worrying about a single-threaded dream of finding love and settling down.
October 3, 2020
Fun tidbit: Listened to Fiona interviewed by Robin Kall from ‘Reading with Robin’ RWR, on her 9/29/20 webinar; and they were joking about the apartment within the NY Public Library should be turned into an Airbnb. Wouldn’t that be cool?! I’d sign up in a NY minute. 😊
Historical Fiction about a library just about tops the list for me. But when you get more specific and the library is one of the world’s best, “The New York Public Library,” you have my attention.
Fiona Davis said it best, “Early into my research on the building, I discovered that when the library
was built, the architects included s seven-room apartment, deep inside, where the superintendent
and his family lived for thirty years. He and his wife raised their three children there, and once I
learned that I knew it would make the perfect setting for The Lions of Fifth Avenue. 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 her granddaughter’s in 1993.”
I was already going to read this book, but when I read the above paragraph, I was sold.
Let us discuss the ‘elephant in the room,’ uhm, pardon me; I mean the ‘Lions on the steps’ first. They are icons for this beautiful building and were first named for two of the benefactors, “Leo Astor” for John Jacob Astor, and “Leo Lenox” for James Lenox. They were later changed by NY City Mayor Fiorella LaGuardia, during the Great Depression, as Patience and Fortitude, to reflect the virtues needed during that era. The names stuck. I can go on and on with facts about this marvelous marble masterpiece, but you will discover all the fun facts within the book. (I always want more.)
The Lyons family are living in the private, seven-room apartment snuggled within the library because Jack Lyons, husband and father, is the Library’s Superintendent. His wife, Laura, and two children, Harry, eleven years-old, and Pearl, seven years-old, live with him. Naturally, the kids adore living in the library, especially at night when they feel it is their private playground. Laura has to quickly set some rules where they visit one room a night accompanied by her. Her husband Jack is usually too busy with paperwork involving the entire library’s staff and budget. He is also working on writing his own book so that leaves all family duties to Laura. Even though it is 1913, women have become restless with discovering and nurturing their own intellects. Laura really wants to attend Journalism school but does not know how she can manage her household and the finances let alone talk to Jack about the subject.
During this time, their son, Harry begins to act out and gets involved with some ‘rough characters’ at his school. Unbeknownst to his parents, Harry stops going to school and starts swiping some books from the library. Laura does start going to Journalism school and gets involved in a women’s intellectual organization. Chaos ensues.
Advance eighty years to 1993 where we find Sadie, unaware she is Laura Lyons granddaughter, working at the same library as a curator and researcher. Sadie is quite intelligent but awkward in some of the social graces. She was married before to Phillip, who was not nice to her. Sadie’s mother Pearl is in ill health and living with her brother, Lonnie, all in Manhattan. Pearl never told her two children much about her parents, Jack and Laura Lyons, and her brother Harry. She has good reasons for this, but they were her personal decisions. Lonnie and his wife have an adorable young daughter that they have hired a babysitter for, Robin, since they are both professionals with demanding jobs. Robin might not be as nice as she seems.
Meanwhile, back at the library books are starting to ‘go missing.’ Everyone is suspecting everyone else; especially Sadie and her co-worker who have access to rare books and valuable collections. Again, chaos ensues.
So much happens within each time period I am merely glossing over basic story points to pique your interest. If you thought I was spilling the whole story, spoilers and all, you would be oh so wrong. I jest and am just joshing. ‘Har har!’
Both time periods tie together in amazing ways by our super sleuth, Sadie. Get ready for a bumpy ride through the decades plus new light on library thievery. I never realized, but it does make sense. All those valuable but precious rare books!
There was an article in mid-June from Pittsburgh, PA. concerning two men who stole over $8.1 million worth of rare books and artifacts from the Carnegie Library over twenty-five years. One man was a librarian and the other a bookshop owner. They were just caught last year, 2019. It is a serious business, unfortunately.
In summary, this might sound like an epic, but it moves quickly, and you can easily keep up with the characters. I would read any Historical Fiction book Fiona Davis writes; you can easily see she is passionate about her work. Highly recommend.
Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House, and Fiona Davis
My hardcover book of my very own was delivered yesterday, on pub. day. 😊
Historical Fiction about a library just about tops the list for me. But when you get more specific and the library is one of the world’s best, “The New York Public Library,” you have my attention.
Fiona Davis said it best, “Early into my research on the building, I discovered that when the library
was built, the architects included s seven-room apartment, deep inside, where the superintendent
and his family lived for thirty years. He and his wife raised their three children there, and once I
learned that I knew it would make the perfect setting for The Lions of Fifth Avenue. 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 her granddaughter’s in 1993.”
I was already going to read this book, but when I read the above paragraph, I was sold.
Let us discuss the ‘elephant in the room,’ uhm, pardon me; I mean the ‘Lions on the steps’ first. They are icons for this beautiful building and were first named for two of the benefactors, “Leo Astor” for John Jacob Astor, and “Leo Lenox” for James Lenox. They were later changed by NY City Mayor Fiorella LaGuardia, during the Great Depression, as Patience and Fortitude, to reflect the virtues needed during that era. The names stuck. I can go on and on with facts about this marvelous marble masterpiece, but you will discover all the fun facts within the book. (I always want more.)
The Lyons family are living in the private, seven-room apartment snuggled within the library because Jack Lyons, husband and father, is the Library’s Superintendent. His wife, Laura, and two children, Harry, eleven years-old, and Pearl, seven years-old, live with him. Naturally, the kids adore living in the library, especially at night when they feel it is their private playground. Laura has to quickly set some rules where they visit one room a night accompanied by her. Her husband Jack is usually too busy with paperwork involving the entire library’s staff and budget. He is also working on writing his own book so that leaves all family duties to Laura. Even though it is 1913, women have become restless with discovering and nurturing their own intellects. Laura really wants to attend Journalism school but does not know how she can manage her household and the finances let alone talk to Jack about the subject.
During this time, their son, Harry begins to act out and gets involved with some ‘rough characters’ at his school. Unbeknownst to his parents, Harry stops going to school and starts swiping some books from the library. Laura does start going to Journalism school and gets involved in a women’s intellectual organization. Chaos ensues.
Advance eighty years to 1993 where we find Sadie, unaware she is Laura Lyons granddaughter, working at the same library as a curator and researcher. Sadie is quite intelligent but awkward in some of the social graces. She was married before to Phillip, who was not nice to her. Sadie’s mother Pearl is in ill health and living with her brother, Lonnie, all in Manhattan. Pearl never told her two children much about her parents, Jack and Laura Lyons, and her brother Harry. She has good reasons for this, but they were her personal decisions. Lonnie and his wife have an adorable young daughter that they have hired a babysitter for, Robin, since they are both professionals with demanding jobs. Robin might not be as nice as she seems.
Meanwhile, back at the library books are starting to ‘go missing.’ Everyone is suspecting everyone else; especially Sadie and her co-worker who have access to rare books and valuable collections. Again, chaos ensues.
So much happens within each time period I am merely glossing over basic story points to pique your interest. If you thought I was spilling the whole story, spoilers and all, you would be oh so wrong. I jest and am just joshing. ‘Har har!’
Both time periods tie together in amazing ways by our super sleuth, Sadie. Get ready for a bumpy ride through the decades plus new light on library thievery. I never realized, but it does make sense. All those valuable but precious rare books!
There was an article in mid-June from Pittsburgh, PA. concerning two men who stole over $8.1 million worth of rare books and artifacts from the Carnegie Library over twenty-five years. One man was a librarian and the other a bookshop owner. They were just caught last year, 2019. It is a serious business, unfortunately.
In summary, this might sound like an epic, but it moves quickly, and you can easily keep up with the characters. I would read any Historical Fiction book Fiona Davis writes; you can easily see she is passionate about her work. Highly recommend.
Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House, and Fiona Davis
My hardcover book of my very own was delivered yesterday, on pub. day. 😊
October 11, 2020
I thought the setting and plot had such great possibilities. For me these possibilities were not realized. I found the time frame transitions to be clunky. The author never captured the wonderful, almost sacred atmosphere of the NYPL. The characters seemed flat—-too many, not enough depth. The plot was full of unlikely turns. The writing seemed uninspired.
I eked out the two stars because I liked learning that there were living quarters inside the library at one time and a bit about the lions. Overall I agree with the Kirkus review’s conclusion; “A story as lively as those stone lions.’
I eked out the two stars because I liked learning that there were living quarters inside the library at one time and a bit about the lions. Overall I agree with the Kirkus review’s conclusion; “A story as lively as those stone lions.’
June 11, 2020
Fiona Davis is at the top of her form in this captivating historical novel about a family who lives inside the stone fortress known as New York Public Library in the early years of the twentieth century. The matriarch, Laura Lyons, finds herself drawn to a bigger life and must ultimately figure out a path that includes both her family and her larger ambitions. Many years later, her granddaughter, Sadie Donovan, a curator at the library, learns more than she ever could have imagined about her family history. In the past as well as the present day, a series of thefts roil the library. With her trademark blend of fact and fiction, Davis has written a memorable, atmospheric page turner.
August 13, 2020
Love the characters, the setting and the story.
SUMMARY
1913 - Laura Lyons and her husband Jack and their two children live in a seven room apartment tucked in a corner of the grand New York Public Library. Jack Lyons is the library superintendent and an aspiring novelist. Laura, a graduate of Vassar, wants more out of life than just being a wife and mother. She was recently accepted to the newly established Columbia School of Journalism. Her studies take her all over the city and ignite a desire to write about women”s rights, birth control and suffrage. But when some valuable books go missing from the Library Laura is force to reevaluate her priorities
1993 - Sadie Donovan struggles with the legacy of her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons. Particularly after she has lands her dream job as the curator of the New York Public Library, Berg collection. But the job quickly becomes a nightmare when rare manuscripts, notes, and books for the exhibit Sadie is curating begin disappearing. Determine to save the exhibit and her career Sadie teams up with a private security expert to uncover the thief. Things unexpectedly become personal when the investigation forces Sadie to face some unwelcome truth about her own family heritage..
REVIEW
The Lions of Fifth Avenue is an intriguing and poignant read. I savored every page. The New York Public library setting is absolutely delightful. Who wouldn’t want to live in a famous library! But can you imagine rare library books being stolen? It hurts my heart, but I know it’s happens. There was even a recent news story of this very same topic where extremely rare books and documents, like the Christopher Columbus letters were stolen and replaced with forgeries from the most prestigious national libraries in the world. Anyone who loves and values books and libraries will enjoy this creative historical fiction/mystery novel.
The writing is smart, enjoyable and bounding with interesting architectural details. One of my favorite parts was how Laura would allow her children, Harry and Pearl to have a ten minute “stomp” every evening after the library was closed. The three of them would leap about the hallways dancing and singing. Harry would run laps and Pearl might practice her yodeling. What fun!
Laura and Sadie are both delightfully strong-willed and smart women characters Laura was way ahead of her time in 1913, by wanting to work outside the home. It was this work that opened her eyes to a whole other world and lifestyle. When books were stolen from Sadie’s upcoming exhibit in 1993, she was certainly no shrinking violet. She was able to uncover the truth about the thief and at the same time discover the truth about her family’s history with the library.
Author Fiona Davis had me with her initial description of the immense lions that stand guard over the entrance. I even have pictures of the lions from a recent trip to NYC. She is is the nationally bestselling author of five novels, including The Dollhouse (2016), The Address (2017), and the Chelsea Girls (2019). She lives in New York City and is a graduate of the College of William & Mary in Virginia and the Columbia Journalism School.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Dutton Books
Published August 4, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
1913 - Laura Lyons and her husband Jack and their two children live in a seven room apartment tucked in a corner of the grand New York Public Library. Jack Lyons is the library superintendent and an aspiring novelist. Laura, a graduate of Vassar, wants more out of life than just being a wife and mother. She was recently accepted to the newly established Columbia School of Journalism. Her studies take her all over the city and ignite a desire to write about women”s rights, birth control and suffrage. But when some valuable books go missing from the Library Laura is force to reevaluate her priorities
1993 - Sadie Donovan struggles with the legacy of her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons. Particularly after she has lands her dream job as the curator of the New York Public Library, Berg collection. But the job quickly becomes a nightmare when rare manuscripts, notes, and books for the exhibit Sadie is curating begin disappearing. Determine to save the exhibit and her career Sadie teams up with a private security expert to uncover the thief. Things unexpectedly become personal when the investigation forces Sadie to face some unwelcome truth about her own family heritage..
REVIEW
The Lions of Fifth Avenue is an intriguing and poignant read. I savored every page. The New York Public library setting is absolutely delightful. Who wouldn’t want to live in a famous library! But can you imagine rare library books being stolen? It hurts my heart, but I know it’s happens. There was even a recent news story of this very same topic where extremely rare books and documents, like the Christopher Columbus letters were stolen and replaced with forgeries from the most prestigious national libraries in the world. Anyone who loves and values books and libraries will enjoy this creative historical fiction/mystery novel.
The writing is smart, enjoyable and bounding with interesting architectural details. One of my favorite parts was how Laura would allow her children, Harry and Pearl to have a ten minute “stomp” every evening after the library was closed. The three of them would leap about the hallways dancing and singing. Harry would run laps and Pearl might practice her yodeling. What fun!
Laura and Sadie are both delightfully strong-willed and smart women characters Laura was way ahead of her time in 1913, by wanting to work outside the home. It was this work that opened her eyes to a whole other world and lifestyle. When books were stolen from Sadie’s upcoming exhibit in 1993, she was certainly no shrinking violet. She was able to uncover the truth about the thief and at the same time discover the truth about her family’s history with the library.
Author Fiona Davis had me with her initial description of the immense lions that stand guard over the entrance. I even have pictures of the lions from a recent trip to NYC. She is is the nationally bestselling author of five novels, including The Dollhouse (2016), The Address (2017), and the Chelsea Girls (2019). She lives in New York City and is a graduate of the College of William & Mary in Virginia and the Columbia Journalism School.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Dutton Books
Published August 4, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
October 22, 2021
2.5 Stars for The Lions of Fifth Avenue (audiobook) by Fiona Davis read by Erin Bennett and Lisa Flanagan.
This was my least favorite of the author’s books. I think the two timeline stories are hard to do well. The premise of this story is interesting but having unlikeable characters making bad decisions and letting others suffer from there selfishness didn’t set well with me.
This was my least favorite of the author’s books. I think the two timeline stories are hard to do well. The premise of this story is interesting but having unlikeable characters making bad decisions and letting others suffer from there selfishness didn’t set well with me.
October 24, 2020
I honestly can not understand why so many readers gave this book such high ratings. While I’ve read worse, I’ve also read MUCH better. To compare this book with those is incomprehensible to me.
The writing is average at best. Dialogue is flat and boring. Characters are frustrating and annoying. The two stories set 80 years apart do not add to the over arc of the book - they contrast negatively. The modern day story is largely uninteresting and adds nothing to the vintage story. The lover scenes were much to graphic for me - seemingly thrown in so we wouldn’t catch the poor writing and uselessness of this book. No beautiful sentences to ponder. No great thoughts to contemplate. Not even an amazing story to witness. Just an average “mystery” with grandiose feminism and zero personal responsibility. Yawn.
The writing is average at best. Dialogue is flat and boring. Characters are frustrating and annoying. The two stories set 80 years apart do not add to the over arc of the book - they contrast negatively. The modern day story is largely uninteresting and adds nothing to the vintage story. The lover scenes were much to graphic for me - seemingly thrown in so we wouldn’t catch the poor writing and uselessness of this book. No beautiful sentences to ponder. No great thoughts to contemplate. Not even an amazing story to witness. Just an average “mystery” with grandiose feminism and zero personal responsibility. Yawn.
December 19, 2021
Fiona Davis’ books feature iconic buildings in New York City. In 1913, Laura Lyons is living in an apartment within the New York Public Library with her husband, Jack, and two children, Harry and Pearl. The two stone lions, Leo Lenox and Leo Astor, named after John Jacob Astor and James Lenox, two of the library’s founders, flank the outdoor entrance. Jack is the library’s superintendent and is writing a novel. Laura has her own dreams and gets a scholarship to the Colombia Journalism School. However, the few women in the classroom are assigned to report on charities and crying children, not the political or criminal matters pursued by the men. While following the professor’s edict but trying to prove that she can write on important current events, she runs into Dr. Amelia Potter, a fellow Vassar College alumna. Amelia introduces her to Greenwich Village and the Heterodoxy Club, a group of women, whose members are diverse in their political views and sexuality, that meet and debate progressive feminist issues. As Laura’s mind and world broaden being exposed to different viewpoints and ideas, her home life begins to unravel. Harry is having difficulty with school. Rare books are being stolen from the library. Laura begins to question her traditional role as a wife and mother.
In 1993, 43-year-old Sadie Donovan, is divorced, delights in perusing the 1896 edition of Surviving Spinsterhood: The Joys of Living Alone, and loves her job with the Berg Collection at the New York Public Library. It is a research library, not for circulation. The lions are now called Patience and Fortitude. She is the granddaughter of Laura. After being thrust into the position as the temporary curator of the Berg Collection, rare writings start to disappear and everyone is under suspicion. A consultant, Nick Adriano, is brought in to investigate the thefts.
I enjoyed the blend of historical fact and fiction set in the famed New York library. However, some of the plot and actions seemed farfetched to me, especially during the more modern setting. Setting aside my disbelief, I enjoyed the story and loved the setting. This is my first book of hers I have read, and I plan to read more. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
In my research, the Heterodoxy group existed from 1912 until it disbanded in the 1940s and met bi-weekly for lunch. To become a member, the applicant had to be “not orthodox in his or her opinion.” It was one of the founding organizations of American feminism. Charlotte Perkins Gilman, author of The Yellow Wallpaper and Herland, was a member. Several members were arrested during the suffrage protests. Also, as the author wrote, there was a seven-room apartment in the library, which the library superintendent and his family lived for three decades. How cool would it be to live in a library!
In 1993, 43-year-old Sadie Donovan, is divorced, delights in perusing the 1896 edition of Surviving Spinsterhood: The Joys of Living Alone, and loves her job with the Berg Collection at the New York Public Library. It is a research library, not for circulation. The lions are now called Patience and Fortitude. She is the granddaughter of Laura. After being thrust into the position as the temporary curator of the Berg Collection, rare writings start to disappear and everyone is under suspicion. A consultant, Nick Adriano, is brought in to investigate the thefts.
I enjoyed the blend of historical fact and fiction set in the famed New York library. However, some of the plot and actions seemed farfetched to me, especially during the more modern setting. Setting aside my disbelief, I enjoyed the story and loved the setting. This is my first book of hers I have read, and I plan to read more. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
In my research, the Heterodoxy group existed from 1912 until it disbanded in the 1940s and met bi-weekly for lunch. To become a member, the applicant had to be “not orthodox in his or her opinion.” It was one of the founding organizations of American feminism. Charlotte Perkins Gilman, author of The Yellow Wallpaper and Herland, was a member. Several members were arrested during the suffrage protests. Also, as the author wrote, there was a seven-room apartment in the library, which the library superintendent and his family lived for three decades. How cool would it be to live in a library!
December 8, 2020
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis is named for the world-renowned pair of marble lions that guard the Beaux-Arts building of the New York Public Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan. The novel is a dual timeline story about the Lyons family which has two generations that worked in the library.
The first timeline starts in 1913 with Laura Lyons. Because her husband is the superintendent of the library, they and their two children live in an apartment inside the library. Laura wants to be an independent woman and attends Columbia journalism school. While researching a story, she runs into a female doctor who invites her to the Heterodoxy Club for Women in Greenwich village. Laura learns first hand of the women who are fighting for equal rights, politics, suffrage, and the freedom to live as they please. Laura suffers discrimination from her chauvinist and plagiarizing professor at Columbia.
The second timeline is about Sadie Donovan, who is the granddaughter of Laura Lyons. Sadie never met her grandmother, and Sadie’s own mother rarely spoke of her. In 1993, Sadie lands her dream job as the curator for the New York Public Library’s Berg Collection. In her research, she learns that rare books were stolen when her grandparents lived in the library. Then, when rare books that will be used in a new exhibition start disappearing, Sadie is determined to find the culprit. The mystery of the missing books from both generations takes center stage in the novel.
The history of the library and the historical value of rare books were interesting topics. I found parts of the book to be melodramatic. I did not like Laura Lyons. Her family suffered while she was off pursuing her journalism degree. Her mistakes had some tragic consequences. She does admit her mistakes. She is also forgiving of other people’s mistakes. Sadie’s character was much more relatable and I enjoyed her storyline. I wasn't able to figure out whodunit or how they did it in either of the timelines, so that made the story more fun.
The first timeline starts in 1913 with Laura Lyons. Because her husband is the superintendent of the library, they and their two children live in an apartment inside the library. Laura wants to be an independent woman and attends Columbia journalism school. While researching a story, she runs into a female doctor who invites her to the Heterodoxy Club for Women in Greenwich village. Laura learns first hand of the women who are fighting for equal rights, politics, suffrage, and the freedom to live as they please. Laura suffers discrimination from her chauvinist and plagiarizing professor at Columbia.
The second timeline is about Sadie Donovan, who is the granddaughter of Laura Lyons. Sadie never met her grandmother, and Sadie’s own mother rarely spoke of her. In 1993, Sadie lands her dream job as the curator for the New York Public Library’s Berg Collection. In her research, she learns that rare books were stolen when her grandparents lived in the library. Then, when rare books that will be used in a new exhibition start disappearing, Sadie is determined to find the culprit. The mystery of the missing books from both generations takes center stage in the novel.
The history of the library and the historical value of rare books were interesting topics. I found parts of the book to be melodramatic. I did not like Laura Lyons. Her family suffered while she was off pursuing her journalism degree. Her mistakes had some tragic consequences. She does admit her mistakes. She is also forgiving of other people’s mistakes. Sadie’s character was much more relatable and I enjoyed her storyline. I wasn't able to figure out whodunit or how they did it in either of the timelines, so that made the story more fun.
September 15, 2024
This was a fascinating historical novel with an amazing setting – the New York Public Library.
And... Filled with compelling characters, it became an interesting page-turner from the beginning.
Also...This story was told in dual timelines about two women living 80 years apart who both must deal with the theft of valuable books from the library’s collection.
And...While investigating the missing books, each woman makes discoveries that…well, no spoilers allowed.
Readers will eat up the details about the superintendent’s apartment in the library (in earlier eras they were able to live in the library – can you imagine living in the New York Public Library?! - or any library, for that matter!!!).
We are also given access to other less-known tidbits about this iconic and historic building.
Finally... It is a fascinating read, and one I recommend to those who are tantalized by historical fiction, libraries, and mysteries without murders!!!!
And... Filled with compelling characters, it became an interesting page-turner from the beginning.
Also...This story was told in dual timelines about two women living 80 years apart who both must deal with the theft of valuable books from the library’s collection.
And...While investigating the missing books, each woman makes discoveries that…well, no spoilers allowed.
Readers will eat up the details about the superintendent’s apartment in the library (in earlier eras they were able to live in the library – can you imagine living in the New York Public Library?! - or any library, for that matter!!!).
We are also given access to other less-known tidbits about this iconic and historic building.
Finally... It is a fascinating read, and one I recommend to those who are tantalized by historical fiction, libraries, and mysteries without murders!!!!
June 8, 2020
I love this latest novel by Fiona Davis! She weaves together the stories of Laura (1913) and Sadie (1993), two women who are connected for very different reasons to the New York Public Library. There's intrigue, disappointment, hope, romance, and so many surprises. A wonderful read full of wonderful characters.
September 2, 2023
This is an entertaining, well-written, dual time line, historical fiction novel which takes place in an iconic library. It has mystery, intrigue, female empowerment, heartbreak, betrayal, and a bittersweet ending. I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narrators, Erin Bennett and Lisa Flanagan, have lovely voices and are truly talented.
January 16, 2021
Fiona Davis has done it once again! The Lions of Fifth Avenue was a delightful historical fiction mystery that was fast paced and captivating. The New York Public Library was the backdrop for this compelling story. Expertly, she managed to weave her story around this spectacular setting. The library became more than a building. Fiona Davis breathed life into the library and placed it at the heart of the story. I loved learning new details about this historic structure. Her character development was well developed and so believable. The plot was told in a dual time line that transported the reader between the 1910’s and 1990’s. It was a gripping and satisfying story about two strong women that lived eighty years apart. I listened to the audiobook of The Lions of Fifth Avenue on Overdrive. It was well narrated by Erin Bennett and Lisa Flanagan.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue began in 1913. Women in those days were expected to marry, have children and keep home for their husband and children. During that time in our history, women were considered inferior to men. There were most definitely double standards during that time. Men were expected to be the bread winners and the jobs they held were gender specific. Even if a woman was seen as being as capable as a man, the male always was granted the position, was paid more and was more respected. Laura Lyons was happily married and easily fit the mold of being a good mother and wife. Upon graduation from Vassar College, she had immediately gotten married. She had two children. Harry was eleven and Pearl was seven. Her husband was the superintendent for the New York Public Library and was also writing a book. One of the perks of being the superintendent of the library was that the family got to live in the apartment that was located within the confines of the library. It was a sprawling seven room apartment. Laura’s husband did not make much money as superintendent. His book, that he had been working on for years, was a labor of love but was not ready for publication. They hoped that the publication of the book would alleviate their financial difficulties. At about this time, Laura started to feel restless. She wanted to do more with her life than being a homemaker, wife and mother. She applied to the Journalism School at Columbia. To Laura’s delight, she was accepted but there was one problem. Laura was denied financial assistance. Luckily, some strings were pulled and Laura was granted the financial assistance she required to attend. Her class was comprised mostly of men. There were only a few women. Again, double standards were implicated. The men in Laura’s class got to write about politics and other important issues. The women could only write about non sensitive issues. Laura was frustrated but one thing led to another and Laura found herself searching for stories all over the city. Her searches led her to Greenwich Village where she discovered the Heterodoxy Club that was comprised of all female members. It was a very progressive group of women who voluntarily shared their opinions about women’s suffrage and women’s rights to choose. Laura found their ideas refreshing and quite intriguing. She found herself drawn into their world. Her writing began to reflect their plight. Laura’s life was becoming meaningful and satisfying until a rare book was discovered missing or possibly stolen from the library. Her life spiraled downward as a result.
Sadie Donovan, the granddaughter of Laura Lyons, who went on to become a famous essayist, found herself working at the New York Public Library eighty years later. It was now 1993, and Sadie, recently divorced, was just named the curator of the library. History was about to be repeated. Rare books, manuscripts and pages from books started to disappear. These rare artifacts were all part of the Berg Collection, the exhibit that Sadie had been chosen to head. Sadie teamed up with the private investigator the library had hired. She was determined to find out what happened to these books and manuscripts. Sadie tirelessly worked to find the thief and save her job. As the investigation progressed, the past and the present collided. Little by little the pieces of the mystery that surrounded the missing books came together.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis was about family, friendship, loyalty, discovery, vocations, courage, lies, women seeking independence and love. It portrayed the struggles many women had with identity. It was beautifully written and well researched. I was totally absorbed in the two interlocking stories. I loved the dual narratives. I look forward to Fiona Davis’s next book. She has yet to disappoint me. I highly recommend this book.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue began in 1913. Women in those days were expected to marry, have children and keep home for their husband and children. During that time in our history, women were considered inferior to men. There were most definitely double standards during that time. Men were expected to be the bread winners and the jobs they held were gender specific. Even if a woman was seen as being as capable as a man, the male always was granted the position, was paid more and was more respected. Laura Lyons was happily married and easily fit the mold of being a good mother and wife. Upon graduation from Vassar College, she had immediately gotten married. She had two children. Harry was eleven and Pearl was seven. Her husband was the superintendent for the New York Public Library and was also writing a book. One of the perks of being the superintendent of the library was that the family got to live in the apartment that was located within the confines of the library. It was a sprawling seven room apartment. Laura’s husband did not make much money as superintendent. His book, that he had been working on for years, was a labor of love but was not ready for publication. They hoped that the publication of the book would alleviate their financial difficulties. At about this time, Laura started to feel restless. She wanted to do more with her life than being a homemaker, wife and mother. She applied to the Journalism School at Columbia. To Laura’s delight, she was accepted but there was one problem. Laura was denied financial assistance. Luckily, some strings were pulled and Laura was granted the financial assistance she required to attend. Her class was comprised mostly of men. There were only a few women. Again, double standards were implicated. The men in Laura’s class got to write about politics and other important issues. The women could only write about non sensitive issues. Laura was frustrated but one thing led to another and Laura found herself searching for stories all over the city. Her searches led her to Greenwich Village where she discovered the Heterodoxy Club that was comprised of all female members. It was a very progressive group of women who voluntarily shared their opinions about women’s suffrage and women’s rights to choose. Laura found their ideas refreshing and quite intriguing. She found herself drawn into their world. Her writing began to reflect their plight. Laura’s life was becoming meaningful and satisfying until a rare book was discovered missing or possibly stolen from the library. Her life spiraled downward as a result.
Sadie Donovan, the granddaughter of Laura Lyons, who went on to become a famous essayist, found herself working at the New York Public Library eighty years later. It was now 1993, and Sadie, recently divorced, was just named the curator of the library. History was about to be repeated. Rare books, manuscripts and pages from books started to disappear. These rare artifacts were all part of the Berg Collection, the exhibit that Sadie had been chosen to head. Sadie teamed up with the private investigator the library had hired. She was determined to find out what happened to these books and manuscripts. Sadie tirelessly worked to find the thief and save her job. As the investigation progressed, the past and the present collided. Little by little the pieces of the mystery that surrounded the missing books came together.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis was about family, friendship, loyalty, discovery, vocations, courage, lies, women seeking independence and love. It portrayed the struggles many women had with identity. It was beautifully written and well researched. I was totally absorbed in the two interlocking stories. I loved the dual narratives. I look forward to Fiona Davis’s next book. She has yet to disappoint me. I highly recommend this book.
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