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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Set against the backdrop of World War II London, The Last Bookshop in London is an inspiring tale of resilience, love, and the power of literature to illuminate even the darkest times. Madeline Martin crafts a moving and immersive historical fiction that pays tribute to the enduring magic of books and the strength of human spirit.
I listened to the audiobook on Libby, and the narration brought Grace Bennett’s story to life in a beautifully engaging way. Grace arrives in London with dreams of a fresh start, taking a job at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop. Initially uninterested in reading, she soon discovers the transformative power of storytelling. As bombs fall during the Blitz, Grace’s growing love for literature offers hope to herself and her community.
Martin’s writing is richly descriptive, immersing the reader in war-torn London, with its blackout curtains, air raid sirens, and quiet moments of courage. The novel’s references to beloved literary works feel like a warm embrace for fellow book lovers, making this story feel like a love letter to the magic of books.
Balancing danger, friendship, and the quiet resilience of everyday heroes, this book is both heartwarming and inspiring. If you adore stories about the power of words to heal and connect, The Last Bookshop in London is a must-read—or, better yet, a must-listen.
I listened to the audiobook on Libby, and the narration brought Grace Bennett’s story to life in a beautifully engaging way. Grace arrives in London with dreams of a fresh start, taking a job at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop. Initially uninterested in reading, she soon discovers the transformative power of storytelling. As bombs fall during the Blitz, Grace’s growing love for literature offers hope to herself and her community.
Martin’s writing is richly descriptive, immersing the reader in war-torn London, with its blackout curtains, air raid sirens, and quiet moments of courage. The novel’s references to beloved literary works feel like a warm embrace for fellow book lovers, making this story feel like a love letter to the magic of books.
Balancing danger, friendship, and the quiet resilience of everyday heroes, this book is both heartwarming and inspiring. If you adore stories about the power of words to heal and connect, The Last Bookshop in London is a must-read—or, better yet, a must-listen.
I never expected a WWII story to also be a feel-good one.
Such a compelling story of human perseverance in even the most chilling situations and the escape and hope of books.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin drew me in with its World War 11 time period and bookshop setting in London. Rich, captivating and well written Madeline Martin pulled me into the story and endeared me to these characters.
It’s 1939 and with the threat of an impending war with Hilter, Grace Bennett and her best friend Viv, set out to London to live in the home of her late mother’s best friend. Without a letter of referral from her Uncle, Mrs. Weatherford secures her a position at the Primrose Hill Book Store with its owner the, curmudgeon Mr. Evans.
Grace dreamed of working in the department stores like Viv, and knows nothing about books, but a handsome young man gifts her a book before he is called up to war and opens the door to a passion for the written word.
From the bookish goodness, to the rich details of life in London during the bombings and the goings on in Grace’s life. We have a slow-burn side of romance, but the primary focus is Grace, the bookshop and her impact of the surrounding community during these dark and difficult times.
Grace is wonderful and felt genuine. She affects the lives of everyone she touches. I found myself swept up and transported to London. I could smell the musty books and the fires that burned. I imagined myself in the bomb shelters, and after shortages from the pandemic, wondered at rations and conditions folks endured during the war. Martin touched on the losses too, and I swiped the tears from my eyes more than once.
Fans of historical fiction with historical details of WWII in London will want to add this story to their bookshelves. Fans of bookshop tales who haven’t dabbled in historical fiction should give this one a try. The bookshop is central to the story with talks about some fantastic titles. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
It’s 1939 and with the threat of an impending war with Hilter, Grace Bennett and her best friend Viv, set out to London to live in the home of her late mother’s best friend. Without a letter of referral from her Uncle, Mrs. Weatherford secures her a position at the Primrose Hill Book Store with its owner the, curmudgeon Mr. Evans.
Grace dreamed of working in the department stores like Viv, and knows nothing about books, but a handsome young man gifts her a book before he is called up to war and opens the door to a passion for the written word.
From the bookish goodness, to the rich details of life in London during the bombings and the goings on in Grace’s life. We have a slow-burn side of romance, but the primary focus is Grace, the bookshop and her impact of the surrounding community during these dark and difficult times.
Grace is wonderful and felt genuine. She affects the lives of everyone she touches. I found myself swept up and transported to London. I could smell the musty books and the fires that burned. I imagined myself in the bomb shelters, and after shortages from the pandemic, wondered at rations and conditions folks endured during the war. Martin touched on the losses too, and I swiped the tears from my eyes more than once.
Fans of historical fiction with historical details of WWII in London will want to add this story to their bookshelves. Fans of bookshop tales who haven’t dabbled in historical fiction should give this one a try. The bookshop is central to the story with talks about some fantastic titles. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
I absolutely loved this novel, set in London during WWII. Grace has to leave her home after her mother dies and her Uncle moves in with his family. Alomg with her best friend, Viv, the two women move in with Mrs. Weatherford, Grace’s late mother’s best friend. It is 1939, with preparations underway due to the expectation of a war declaration. Once the “bore war” of waiting for something to start actually comes to an end, and the blitz begins, Grace will face losses and challenges she never expected. Her only solace is Mr. Evans’ bookstore,where she works and begins to immerse herself in reading. I can’t recommend this book enough, with the characters you will love and their heartfelt stories. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Oh how I loved this book. Exquisite prose, a gamut of characters I truly cared about and who developed amid the horror, heartbreak and heroism of London during the Blitz, and all linked by a love of literature and the desperate need for community.