Home / Arts and Entertainment / Librarian Becomes Spy to Fight Nazis in NYC
Librarian Becomes Spy to Fight Nazis in NYC
28 Sep
Summary
- A librarian in 1936 New York City goes undercover.
- She infiltrates Nazi rallies to gather intelligence.
- The novel is based on a real Jewish American librarian.
Betty Mannheim, a 31-year-old librarian in 1936 New York City, secretly spies on Nazis. Her mother worries about her unmarried status, unaware of Betty's clandestine activities. Betty accepts an undercover mission at a Friends of New Germany rally, choosing espionage over a conventional life.
She skillfully navigates dangerous meetings and self-defense, all while her mother arranges dates and Betty finds herself attracted to the wrong man. This new novel, The Librarian's Guide to Espionage, is based on the true events of Florence Mendheim.
Florence Mendheim was a real New York librarian who monitored Nazi activities in the 1930s. Author Lea Geller was drawn to this historical period and the story of a Jewish American woman who stepped outside societal norms. Geller highlights the significant Nazi presence in New York City during that era.
The Librarian's Guide to Espionage is set for release on March 23, 2027. The book is currently available for preorder.
