Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
A sweet little read! The setting was interesting, showing details of WWII that are not always considered, like the realities of the London blackout and the frequency of the air raids. I was happy with the romance aspect, and got a little teary-eyed at many parts. Worth reading, especially if you have an interest in WWII!
This was an engrossing novel that did a very nice job of putting the spotlight on the people of London during the Blitz. It showed the challenges of being bombed daily, the rationing, the fear and anxiety, the pain of separation and uncertainty, and- of course - loss. The fact that it was set in a bookshop was an added and very welcome bonus!
While the characters were somewhat “too good to be true” they weren’t all kindness and light. The author did a good job of keeping them from being unbelievable. And it was kind of a welcome change to see a world that wasn’t filled with murderers, sadists, molesters, thieves, and all-around fiends. It made the horrors of war so much more real as it intrudes on their world in very real ways, from small inconvenience to death.
While the characters were somewhat “too good to be true” they weren’t all kindness and light. The author did a good job of keeping them from being unbelievable. And it was kind of a welcome change to see a world that wasn’t filled with murderers, sadists, molesters, thieves, and all-around fiends. It made the horrors of war so much more real as it intrudes on their world in very real ways, from small inconvenience to death.
This was a quick and easy read but ultimately disappointing. The topic of a book shop in WWII was intriguing, but the story was rather flat and the writing wasn't terribly clever. It felt like the literary version of a Hallmark, made for TV movie.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This was a charming story with tons of details about what it was like in London during the Blitz. I enjoyed rooting for the protagonist, and the cast of characters was lively and a lot of fun to read about.
There was a bit of everything in this book, love, loss, fires, bombings, displaced children, looting... As well as some moral and ethical dilemmas for the characters to wrestle with. I found parts of it painfully predictable, but then I would be surprised at how the author managed to insert so many details that I hadn't read in other books (and lately I've read a LOT of WW2 fiction).
Recommended for fans of historical fiction, the power of literature, overcoming adversity, and people helping each other through tough times.
There was a bit of everything in this book, love, loss, fires, bombings, displaced children, looting... As well as some moral and ethical dilemmas for the characters to wrestle with. I found parts of it painfully predictable, but then I would be surprised at how the author managed to insert so many details that I hadn't read in other books (and lately I've read a LOT of WW2 fiction).
Recommended for fans of historical fiction, the power of literature, overcoming adversity, and people helping each other through tough times.
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Last year, a close friend with excellent reading tastes purchased this very-highly-rated (on Goodreads) book and only awarded the story two stars! Ouch! She recently lent me the book and I was also unsatisfied, but it is difficult for me to articulate the books's failings. The story arc is completely acceptable. The characters are winsome. Something in the execution, however, misses the mark and I found myself cringing in places. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
I read this because my book club prompt was to read a book where you share a name with a character. It was a sweet wartime story about books bringing people together. The middle dragged for me.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No