A Good Morning America Book Club Pick and a New York Times bestseller! “A page-turner for booklovers everywhere! . . . A story of family ties, their lost dreams, and the redemption that comes from discovering truth.”—Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Shoemaker’s Wife In New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis’s latest historical novel, a series of book thefts roils the iconic … 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 is 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. And 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-averse 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.
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Impeccable research and a compelling mystery side plot make this a fun read. I’ll confess I enjoyed the 1914 storyline more than the 1993 one, but they were both interesting. It’s the perfect long weekend read.
I like the characters well written keeps you reading.This author writes about historical places in New York very descriptive details of a landmark library.
This is a wonderfully written, incredibly interesting story. A thrilling tale of love, loss, and family told in two time periods. Each of the main characters is believable and likeable, the supporting characters are beautifully written, believable, and strong as well. The main branch of New York Public Library is a character all its own with secrets to hold your interest. Each timeline has its own mystery to share and heroine who tries to solve it. You come to find out that what happens in the past can definitely effect the future … or the present in this case. A wonderful book for those who love NYC, libraries, books, strong and independent women, and a bit of your not so stereotypical happily ever after. A truly great read.
The New York Public Library proves a worthy setting for Fiona Davis’s latest historical fiction as she takes us into the lives of Laura and Sadie, a grandmother and granddaughter who never got the chance to know each other.
Whereas Laura finds freedom from the constraints placed upon her by society, Sadie increasingly becomes trapped by her family’s legacy, both Laura’s well-known suffragette writings and secrets she kept and protected. Yet the two women approach the challenges they face–both inside and outside the library–in similar ways, not succumbing to outside demands, even as their families are at risk.
I enjoyed Laura’s narrative a little more than Sadie’s, if only because Laura inhabited a different time. This isn’t to say that Sadie disappoints; in fact, I quite enjoyed her (occasionally passive) feistiness. She is more like her grandmother than she realizes.
Fiona Davis’s books always make me yearn to have lived in their settings. She lets you experience her time periods as surely as if you were there, leaving you wistful when the book is over. When she delivers Laura’s perspective, she does so with the phrasing and tempo of 1913; Sadie’s, on the other hand, has the modernity of her time. It’s an impressive skill, and one that envelops you in her storytelling.
How could you not like a book set mainly in the largest public library in the US: New York City Public Library. This split time novel focuses in both time periods on rare book thefts as well as the connection between a grandmother and granddaughter.
The historical line is set in the library as Laura Lyons and her family reside in an apartment in the library as her husband is the Superintendent (who wouldn’t love being able to do this). Jack is so busy between his library work, missing rare novels, and writing his own novel and Laura is left as Susie homemaker keeping house and taking care of their 2 children. She wants to be a journalist. In her attempts to become one, she gets involved with a women’s rights group that is pretty radical. At the same time, she is neglecting both her husband and children. Meanwhile, Jack is neglecting both her and the children.
In the contemporary setting, Laura’s granddaughter, Sadie, is now temporary Superintendent of the same library and once again rare books are missing. In her quest, to discover what is happening to the missing books, she meets Nick, the detective, who is trying to discover who is stealing the books.
I loved the mystery aspect of this story and thought the solution was incredibly unique. The relationship between Laura and Jack never seemed to gel as they were both headed in different directions all of the time which led to Laura’s affair. I felt sorry for both the children as they seemed very neglected. The final ending was a surprise but I suspected that it might happen.
I would have given this book a 5, but I really didn’t care for Laura’s affair and the descriptive element it contained.
Content: Homosexual relationship
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Fiona Davis does it again! The Lions of Fifth Avenue features all of the elements that make her novels so wonderful – the backstory of an iconic New York City building, dual timelines, strong female characters, a mystery and commentary on the social issues of the times – and combines them in my favorite of her books so far.
The landmark the story revolves around this time is the New York Public Library. When it opens in 1913, the Lyons family lives in an apartment within the library where Jack Lyons is in charge of the building maintenance and its staff. Jack’s wife, Laura, like many Davis heroines, is a woman ahead of her time and when she is accepted into the Columbia School of Journalism, she’s exposed to aspects of life in New York beyond her somewhat privileged bubble and realizes she wants to be more than just a wife and mother.
Fast forward to 1993. Sadie Donovan works at the NYPL overseeing a collection of rare books and artifacts including a walking stick which belonged to Laura Lyons, who went on to become a renowned feminist writer and also happens to be Sadie’s grandmother. Sadie doesn’t know much about Laura or her own mother’s connection to the library but when rare books start disappearing, she discovers that something similar occurred back in 1913 when the Lyons family lived there as well. Sadie knows she has to find out who’s behind the thefts and her family’s possible connection to them before she becomes the main suspect.
I lived in New York for 15 years and the buildings featured in Davis’s books are usually ones I know well. I’ve never looked at Grand Central Station the same way after reading The Masterpiece and whenever I’m in Central Park, I look for the Dakota’s distinctive shape on the skyline thanks to The Address. The NYPL has always been one of my favorite places and I cannot wait until I can go back to visit to see it through the lens of this book. Davis paints such a vivid picture of the library and how it worked in 1913 as well as some of the changes that were implemented over the years. From the names of the lions out front (originally Astor and Lenox after the library’s founders but chanced to Patience and Fortitude by NYC Mayor Fiorello during the Depression) to the architectural choices and art in the spaces, the space comes alive even for readers who may never have seen it. I also loved all of the details about rare books and literary memorabilia and how important they are to properly preserve and make available to scholars. But most of all, I was drawn in by the characters – Laura and Sadie, of course, but also Laura’s mother, a woman whose future wasn’t her own and is determined to help her daughter find her happy ending; Amelia, a feminist doctor who sees things in Laura she can’t see in herself; Nick, the private investigator brought in to find the book thief; and Valentina, Sadie’s adorable niece.
I read this book in a single day and didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see which legendary NYC spot Davis takes on in her next one!
4.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Dutton Books and the author for an advanced review ecopy of the book
Awesome 100 Year Time Capsule Mystery
This book is so much more than a mystery that goes from 1914 to 1993. It is also the story of the early days of feminism with women wanting to fulfill their own dreams. A great deal of knowledge about old books and their preservation is also shared. There are so many facets to this story and all of them are important. I truly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting Well done! I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
As a book lover, and a book snob, I have been looking forward to this book for months. From the first few sentences, I wanted to crawl right in and stay! This story, with its rich flowing descriptions of the New York public library and the family that resided there in 1913, was indulgent as my accompanying hot cocoa. It was a constant tug of war between pacing myself for the sheer luxury of reading and racing through the intrigue and suspense because I just couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. It’s a dual story, so there’s also the fun of connecting the characters, their secrets, and the timelines prior to the reveal. Everything shines within the pages of this book, from the era, to the characters, to the subject matter and the storytelling, it is a stellar read!
A library is a home for everyone, and the New York Public Library was home to the superintendent and his wife.
Jack and Laura Lyons lived in the library in 1913. How fun would that be?
The library in 1993 is the workplace of Sadie who is the granddaughter of Laura and Jack.
When rare books go missing, Sadie is accused simply because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and because her grandfather was accused of stealing rare books back in 1913.
We go back and forth in time and find out family secrets as well as get treated to the hidden rooms and fun facts about the New York Public Library.
Ms. Davis did marvelous research and weaved interesting facts into the book.
Historical fiction fans and those who have visited the New York public library will be fascinated with this book and again get to enjoy the pull-in writing style of Fiona Davis.
THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE is another fabulous read that you do not want to miss. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Laura Lyons is married to the superintendent for the New York Public Library. Her husband and their family actually live in an apartment in the library. Laura decides to go back to school and become a journalist. Being a woman…and 1913…this is not an easy feat. Then some valuable books disappear from the library. This threatens everything she has worked for…including her family.
Now, fast forward to the 1990s. Sadie almost has her dream job of curator for the New York Public Library. She has kept hidden the fact that Laura Lyons, the famous essayist, is her grandmother. She does not want to use this as leverage. But, when valuable objects and books start missing from the library. Things start to cave in around her.
I enjoyed how the author incorporated the two time periods. And she did an excellent job with the differences for woman during both eras. I was extremely fascinated with just about every part of this book. The characters, the building of the library, the history around the objects…just amazingly well done!
No one does old New York like Fiona Davis! And this book is one of her bests! As most of you know…I love a book which has me researching. And this one had me looking up all kinds of stuff.
Do not miss this one! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
A captivating ode to the power of books, the bonds of family, and the beauty of finding the strength to be ourselves. Fiona Davis’s spectacular setting — the iconic New York Public Library — comes alive across the generations as two women — one in 1913 and one in 1993 — struggle with their own identities, a compelling mystery, and a tragedy that impacts both of them. What begins as a search for vanished rare books becomes, for both women, a quest to redefine themselves and open their hearts. This is a novel for all those who believe in the transformative magic of the written word.
Fiona Davis takes readers on a journey into the heart of one of New York’s most venerable landmarks, the New York Public Library, in a story that follows two generations of strong-minded women, both connected to a mysterious series of rare book thefts. This novel is brimming with juicy literary details and fascinating feminist history.
In this thrilling, poignant, and utterly irresistible novel, we are immersed in the secrets of the famed New York Public Library and the family whose lives are intertwined with it in 1913 and 1993. At once a breathtaking, page-turning mystery and a deeply personal story of women attempting to forge independent lives, it is, ultimately, a glorious tale of love. Love of family, love of vocation, and, above all, the love of the timeless power of the written word.
A love letter to literature, the New York Public Library, and the strength of women, The Lions of Fifth Avenue is classic Fiona Davis — a masterfully executed story about two women living decades apart, mysterious family secrets, and the quest to stake a place in society and history. Dazzling and evocative, with vibrant settings and unforgettable characters, this novel is perfect for fans of female-driven historical fiction. I loved it.
In a compelling novel that’s part family saga, part high-stakes heist, and part love story, Fiona Davis creates an intricate and beautiful puzzle that kept me turning page after page as I tried to solve its central mystery along with her characters. A gripping and satisfying story for book-lovers the world over.
Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Lions of Fifth Avenue” by Fiona Davis, Dutton, August 4, 2020
” I DON’T HAVE TO LOOK FAR TO FIND TREASURES. I DISCOVER THEM EVERY TIME I VISIT THE LIBRARY.” – MICHAEL EMBRY
WOW!, Fiona Davis, the author of “The Lions of Fifth Avenue” has written a captivating, unique, intriguing, enthralling, memorable, and thought-provoking novel. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, with suspense and family drama. The setting for this story is the New York Public Library, which coincidentally will be celebrating its 125th Birthday. There are two timelines for this story, 1913, and 1993. There are two sets of characters for each timeline. I love how Fiona Davis compares and contrasts the two timelines, and somehow combines the past, present, and future. The author describes the dramatic and colorful characters as complex and complicated. The themes in this story revolve around stolen literary masterpieces in both timelines and female empowerment and courage.
I love the way Fiona Davis vividly describes her characters, events, plots, and scenery. It is so enlightening to envision the architecture of the library in 1913, with people actually living on the premises. It is also fascinating to imagine the setting of the library in 1993, storing such literary treasures. There is suspense and a mystery to be solved. The lifestyles of both periods and the discrimination and inequality for women is evident.
I highly recommend this amazing, memorable, and thought-provoking story for all readers. Happy Reading!
THE LIONS ON FIFTH AVENUE by Fiona Davis is a fictional, historical story line focusing on the Lyons family of New York.
Told from dual third person perspectives using two different time lines THE LIONS ON FIFTH AVENUE follows housewife/mother/ and feminist Laura Lyons in 1913-1914 as she struggles with family, friendships and a direction in life. Having always wanted to be a journalist, Laura enrols at the prestigious Columbia Journalism School where she will discover that life as she knows it is about to change. From exposure to the Heterodoxy Club, the thefts of valuable books from the New York Public Library where she and her family lived, to her husband’s death and her son’s disappearance, Laura will have to face the reality that her world was spiralling out of control.
Fast forward to 1993, wherein we will meet Laura Lyons granddaughter, New York City Library curator Sadie Donovan, a woman whose own life will begin to mimic that of her grandmother’s when a series of manuscripts, notes and books go missing from a rare collection at the public library. With the investigation quickly focusing on Sadie Donovan, Sadie begins to research her family history only to discover that the truth is stranger than fiction.
THE LIONS ON FIFTH AVENUE is a slow building story that bounces between two time lines, one family, and a series of missing and stolen books. We are witness to but a few months in the life of both leading heroines yet Sadie has only skimmed the surface of her grandmother’s tale. THE LIONS OF FIFTH is an impassioned, dramatic and tragic story of one family, two women, and the New York Public Library.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis is Split Time Historical Fiction set 1913 and 1993. Mysteries in a library, family secrets that continue for 80 years and what really happened to the priceless books. It is a story of how family may be affected due to personal choices. I loved the library setting, realistic characters and a wonderful mystery about books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
A well researched and interesting novel, set in the magnificent New
York Public Library. The story spans two different eras, with a common theme, the theft of rare books and manuscripts. Laura Lyons lives with her husband Jack, the superintendent of the library, and their two young children, Pearl and Henry, in the beautiful apartment, contained in a wing of the grand old building. Laura has aspirations of becoming a reporter and attending the Columbia School of Journalism, a feat unheard of by woman in the early 20th Century. But the threat to their plans and security are threatened, when Jack comes under suspicion of the thefts.
80 years later, Sadie Donovan, a curator in the library, deals with thefts, as history seems to repeat itself, and a link between her and Laura will complicate the investigation.as she struggles to find out the truth of what happened to Laura and Jack, she must try to clear her own name.
This mystery had me trying in vein to sort now the connections and similarities of the thefts, while exploring the workings of a treasured NY landmark.
Fiona Davis is a wonderful storyteller, and her characters are well developed and interesting as well! My thanks to #PenguinPublishing and #NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own. I loved this book!
There’s nothing better than a well-written historical novel with two time-lines and strong women characters. “The Lions of Fifth Avenue” gives the reader all of this and more.
In this book, the central character is the New York Public Library located on Fifth Avenue. The lions of the title are the two iconic lions that grace the steps to the entrance of the library. Davis perfectly captures the sense of awe people entering the building for the first time feel.
The author also gives us two strong women, one, Laura Lyons, living in the library in 1913 and other, Sadie Donovan, is the granddaughter of Laura and lives 80 years later. As the book progresses both characters are fleshed out to the point of readers feeling like they “know” both these women. You can feel the boredom of Laura who wants and needs to be more than just a housewife. She has an opportunity to attend the new Columbia University School of Journalism, but her husband, the Superintendent of NY Public Library, tells her she can’t. The reader can sense the resentment Laura begins to feel when she is treated like a child. Sadie Donovan, in 1993, has worked hard to achieve her goals. When she is promoted to curate an exhibition of items in the renown Berg Collection, she believes she has arrived. However, things begin to go badly when rare books in the collection begin disappearing.
Davis has written a book that will intrigue the reader from page one to the last page. Her plotting is carefully managed moving between 1913 and 1993 with ease and without leaving the reader wondering where she is. Her characters are both likable and complex. The descriptions of the library will have you believing you’ve been there even if you’ve never visited it before.
If you like well-written historical novels with strong women characters with touches of romance and mystery, this book is for you and it deserves to be at the top of your to-be-read list.
My thanks to Minotaur and Edelweiss for an eARC.