Allen Eskens’ standalone, The Quiet Librarian, is not an easy book to read with its descriptions of violence and war in Bosnia. But, like The Life We Bury, it’s a book we should read.
In 1995, Nura Divjak was a Muslim teenager living in Bosnia with her family until Serbian soldiers arrived at their farm, and slaughtered her parents and younger brother while she hid and watched. Fleeing her home to avenge the deaths, Nura joined up with a group of militia to take guerilla action against the Serbs. But, when she’s captured, she escapes, assisting another teen, Amina, as well.
The two young women are sent from the country for their safety. Given a new identity as Hana Babic, Nura ends up in Farmington, Minnesota, where she hides behind a sweater and bun as a librarian. Then a police detective informs her Amina was murdered, and left her grandson in Hana’s custody. With a warrant out for her as the Night Mora in Serbia, Hana realizes her past has caught up to her, and it’s up to her to protect Amina’s grandson, and finally take revenge on the men hunting her.
The author of The Life We Bury alternates timelines from 1995 Bosnia to contemporary Minnesota to tell the brutal story of war and repercussions thirty years later. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale or Kate Quinn’s books will be caught up in this violent story of a courageous woman.
The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens. Mulholland Books, 2025. ISBN 9780316566315 (hardcover), 320p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a copy through NetGalley to review for a journal.
I have read everything by Allen Eskens since THE LIFE WE BURY, and this book is on TBR “pile” (ie in my Kindle), waiting for an upcoming weekend away. Some of his books are much more violent than my usual stuff, but I think he’s an excellent writer, so it’s worth it to me. And to you, too, I see.
I have never read anything by this author but just looked up his body of work. Most of them sound like tough reads as you said Kim. I just downloaded THE LIFE WE BURY and will save it for when I have the mental bandwidth to tackle a difficult read. One of those times when the excellent writing overcomes the sadness.
What a beautiful summary, Susan. “One of those times when the excellent writing overcomes the sadness.” Perfect summary.
You’re right, Kim. Sometimes, it’s worth it. I don’t often read such violent books, but I needed to know this.
Wow, added that book to my list list. Also found an affordable earlier book that I can afford when I have enough saved up. Looking forward to reading all books by him.
Carol, I hope you like him. His writing is beautiful, as others said.
Yes, Eskens is a favorite and I will be reading this one too.
Probably sooner rather than later, Jeff, since you have better access right now to ebooks.
I’ve been utilizing the library pretty much 100% now due to our tight budget. I see that many people are interested in reading this book. There is already a wait list at my library. I’m number 25.
It doesn’t surprise me there’s a waiting list. He’s an excellent author, and it’s an excellent book, Bonnie.