48 pages • 1 hour read
The Lions of Fifth Avenue
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
464
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1910s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In 1913, Laura Lyons navigates her ambitions and family life while residing in the New York Public Library, getting involved in feminist movements and facing personal challenges. In 1993, her granddaughter Sadie Donovan, now a curator at the same library, grapples with a series of rare book thefts, uncovering family secrets that link past and present. The book contains a brief scene of violence against a child and mentions a death by suicide.
Mysterious
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
84,348 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis has been well-received for its compelling dual timelines and rich historical detail, particularly its vivid depiction of the New York Public Library. While many appreciate its engaging mystery and well-drawn characters, some critiques mention predictable plot twists and a slower pace at times. Overall, it offers an intriguing exploration of women's roles and literary history.
Who Should Read The Lions of Fifth Avenue?
Fans of historical fiction and book-centric mysteries will relish The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis. This novel will captivate readers who enjoyed The Library Book by Susan Orlean and The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles, blending rich historical details with riveting intrigue set in iconic New York City locales.
84,348 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sadie Donovan
Sadie Donovan
A dedicated library worker immersed in rare books and historical artifacts, she embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery behind a series of book thefts, which also leads her to rediscover personal connections and new experiences.
Jack Lyons
Jack Lyons
An aspiring novelist and Laura's husband, he supports her ambitions to a point but ultimately struggles with societal gender roles and his aspirations, becoming a complex figure in her life.
Dr. Amelia Potter
Dr. Amelia Potter
A trailblazing pediatrician and former classmate of Laura's, she introduces Laura to a world of progressive ideals and personal empowerment, influencing Laura's transformation.
Nick Adriano
Nick Adriano
A security consultant involved in investigating the library book thefts, he partners with Sadie, offering support and encouragement as she steps out of her comfort zone.
Robin Larkin
Robin Larkin
A woman with a challenging past, she becomes involved in a plan to steal rare books, complicating the lives of those around her despite her love for literature.
Pearl Lyons
Pearl Lyons
The daughter of Jack and Laura, she carries the weight of family secrets while struggling with memories from her past that affect her relationship with her daughter Sadie.
Harry Lyons
Harry Lyons
The son of Jack and Laura, his childhood experiences and complex history play a pivotal role in the unfolding of the novel's central conflict.
464
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1910s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.