3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Allen Eskens’ latest standalone novel, The Quiet Librarian is a gripping, dual-timeline thriller that explores war, survival, and the price of vengeance. The novel follows Hana Babic, a quiet librarian in Minnesota, who has spent decades hiding from her past as Nura Divjak, a teenage soldier-turned-legendary assassin during the Bosnian War. When her best friend is murdered, Hana realizes she’s being hunted, forcing her to resurrect the ruthless warrior she once was.
Eskens doesn’t hold back in his portrayal of war-torn Bosnia, detailing the horrors Nura endured and the choices that shaped her. The historical sections are the strongest, offering compelling storytelling and emotional depth. The present-day plot, however, struggles to keep up. The romance feels unnecessary, and the pacing stumbles with short chapters that don’t always flow smoothly. Some plot points—like why an enemy from decades ago would suddenly resurface—don’t quite add up.
Still, Hana is a fascinating character, and the novel raises thought-provoking questions about justice and morality. Fans of historical fiction mixed with intense, character-driven thrillers will find much to appreciate, even if the execution isn’t perfect. The Quiet Librarian earns 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
** Thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for a complimentary review copy. The opinions are my own.