Historical fiction has become a favorite genre of mine over the last few years and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, written by Fiona Davis, definitely fits that category. Set in 1913 and 1993, the dual storylines revolve around the New York Public Library – the epitome of a historical institution. Our 1913 main character is Laura Lyons (double L!) who is a writer (that’s fun!) and whose family lives in the library because her husband is the superintendent. Our 1993 heroine is Sadie Donovan – a curator at the New York Public Library who happens to be Laura Lyons’ granddaughter. In addition to various mysterious family ties, the storylines connect because they both deal with a thief who is stealing rare books, manuscripts, and notes from the library.
I’m a fan of dual storylines – as long as the author can handle them – and Davis does an excellent job. I appreciate that she doesn’t alternate between storylines every chapter because a) the volleying back and forth can get old and b) the writing can become borderline gimmicky. Instead, Davis offers two chapters in the same timeframe and then switches. She also has a way of making seemingly obvious statements like “It all came down to perspective, really” extremely insightful. On another note, Lions made me want to spend more time at libraries (which I already love doing) and that is a good thing.
While Laura learns that maybe she doesn’t have to just be a doting wife and mother – that she can have a writing career as well – Sadie is learning how to love again. 1913 was a tough time for women, as we weren’t even allowed to vote yet (insane), but Laura is determined to make a difference. One of the most infuriating aspects of the narrative is the impact one sexist teacher has on her journalism career. I don’t want to give anything away, but his unethical and antagonistic behavior filled me with rage because his actions took advantage of a talented writer based on gender and was a catalyst that results in life-changing ramifications for her family. It broke my heart.
On a positive note, the part where she makes a beeline for her typewriter to make sure she gets everything down on paper after an invigorating night is something I’ve done so many times throughout my career. I also like that “she could follow a trail and wasn’t afraid to ask questions” (necessary in journalism) and that she says this: “The world is changing, and I want to be out there, taking it all down.” I hear you.
Although in some ways history seems to repeat itself 80 years later, Sadie’s story goes from bumps and crashes to having a happy ending. She is cunning, motivated, and a good person who cares about preservation. You’ll see what I mean when you read Lions and – let me tell you – the last 100 pages are a barn burner. Pieces come together, stories begin to click, revelations are experienced, secrets are revealed, and history is made – all in the name of writing, books, and family.
Quotes:
“She experienced that restlessness in her bones every day.”
“Sadie had always preferred books to people.”
“Writing more succinctly, more like a journalist, was something she could learn.”
“The evening was beginning to crack wide-open.”
“Funny what kids noticed and what they didn’t.” So true.
“She took up space without apologizing for it.”
“How brave, to be on the front lines of change, the way these women around Laura were.”
“History is made by people in power making decisions, and their notes and writings reveal the decision-making process.”
“Your capacity for understatement never ceases to amaze me.”
“Leave it to a librarian to point out the alliteration in my life’s tragedies.” Solid gold.
“What if she wrote specifically to further a cause, in order to change minds?”
“It was embarrassing, getting so much wrong, when she usually prided herself on getting things right.”
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