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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This story is multi-generational and has a large timeline.
We hear the stories of Opaline, Martha, and Henry.
Why does the bookshop vanish and then be found when needed?
A little bit of magic, mystery, fiction, fantasy and romance.
We hear the stories of Opaline, Martha, and Henry.
Why does the bookshop vanish and then be found when needed?
A little bit of magic, mystery, fiction, fantasy and romance.
My biggest wish for this book is that it focused on one main character to follow with this plot line. It all felt too much to follow, to here, there, and everywhere. I also really could not get into the rapidly switching situations, one minute a genuinely huge issue would arise, the next minute it’s solved and onto the next.
** Spoilers from here on **
The brother being the dad, the missing Mrs Bowden without real outlining who she was (I may just be missing it but it didn’t click) , the asylum, the DV, the convenient death, the overseas fiance, paris, the war it all was just smushed into such a small book that it just fell flat for me. It’s as if I can see what the author was trying to achieve but it just felt rushed.
The writing itself, really good I actually enjoyed the tone of voice in which the author writes but the plot and characters were just not delivered or developed enough for me to enjoy the this book.
A fair attempt, but fell flat.
** Spoilers from here on **
The brother being the dad, the missing Mrs Bowden without real outlining who she was (I may just be missing it but it didn’t click) , the asylum, the DV, the convenient death, the overseas fiance, paris, the war it all was just smushed into such a small book that it just fell flat for me. It’s as if I can see what the author was trying to achieve but it just felt rushed.
The writing itself, really good I actually enjoyed the tone of voice in which the author writes but the plot and characters were just not delivered or developed enough for me to enjoy the this book.
A fair attempt, but fell flat.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Pregnancy
Minor: Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Suicide
The Last Bookshop was a beautifully written, emotionally rich read that really stayed with me. I found Opaline’s story absolutely captivating, at times, devastating. There were moments I almost didn’t want to turn the page because I was so scared of what she might have to endure. But despite everything, she remained such a powerful, resilient, and complex character. She made mistakes, yes, but they felt deeply human, and I understood every choice she made. I was completely drawn in by her strength and vulnerability.
Martha’s storyline was another standout for me. Her experiences with domestic abuse and the trauma she continued to carry, even after escaping, were portrayed with incredible sensitivity and depth. Her journey was heartbreaking, honest, and ultimately hopeful. I loved her character.
Henry’s storyline didn’t resonate with me quite as much, it felt less compelling compared to the richness of Opaline and Martha’s arcs. But I understood its place within the larger structure of the story and appreciated the way it tied threads together.
There’s a subtle thread of magic woven through this novel, nothing flashy or overdone, but just enough to give it a special, otherworldly feel. It’s the kind of book that quietly enchants you, and I found myself completely pulled into its world.
I believe there’s a second book out now, and I’ll definitely be picking it up. This was a poignant, powerful read with themes that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended.
Martha’s storyline was another standout for me. Her experiences with domestic abuse and the trauma she continued to carry, even after escaping, were portrayed with incredible sensitivity and depth. Her journey was heartbreaking, honest, and ultimately hopeful. I loved her character.
Henry’s storyline didn’t resonate with me quite as much, it felt less compelling compared to the richness of Opaline and Martha’s arcs. But I understood its place within the larger structure of the story and appreciated the way it tied threads together.
There’s a subtle thread of magic woven through this novel, nothing flashy or overdone, but just enough to give it a special, otherworldly feel. It’s the kind of book that quietly enchants you, and I found myself completely pulled into its world.
I believe there’s a second book out now, and I’ll definitely be picking it up. This was a poignant, powerful read with themes that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5 - I really enjoyed this up until the end and some of the twists felt witty despite becoming a bit predictable but the ending felt rushed and fell flat
4.5ish⭐️
Received this book as a gift, had never heard of it & wasn’t super interested in reading it but I was soooo wrong. I was so intrigued by the developing stories of the 3 main characters & the mystery of the lost bookshop. The cut-throat book dealing business of the 1920’s was so interesting. Opaline’s story of independence, love, heartbreak & trauma was captivating. I could not put this book down.
Received this book as a gift, had never heard of it & wasn’t super interested in reading it but I was soooo wrong. I was so intrigued by the developing stories of the 3 main characters & the mystery of the lost bookshop. The cut-throat book dealing business of the 1920’s was so interesting. Opaline’s story of independence, love, heartbreak & trauma was captivating. I could not put this book down.