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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I’ve read quite a few novels with events taking place during World War 2, and this one is one of the best in describing it without unnecessary gory details, yet not romanticizing either. It’s not as devastating as when you are forced to house a German officer or relocated from your homeland and your possessions given to the enemy, but England suffered greatly as well. I’ve learned a good deal about how it felt for the Londoners.
I enjoyed the storytelling and storyline, too. I always get a bit annoyed over the redemptive, all-is-well parts, and the scene at the end with all the praise and such is in the realm of possibility, but made me scoff nonetheless. Like yeah, how likely is that? On the other hand, why not? And it did make me feel proud and touched and sentimental, so no complaints, really.
I enjoyed the storytelling and storyline, too. I always get a bit annoyed over the redemptive, all-is-well parts, and the scene at the end with all the praise and such is in the realm of possibility, but made me scoff nonetheless. Like yeah, how likely is that? On the other hand, why not? And it did make me feel proud and touched and sentimental, so no complaints, really.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
Inspirational book about finding hope in midst of WW2. Teared up in the end. Delightful read
I only read the occasional WWII historical fiction book, so felt like I learned a lot from this, told in a really engaging way. The storytelling was a bit saccharine and the only conflict was the war — all the characters were a bit too nice to each other. However, great audiobook narrator really sold this for me, so would recommend.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Uplifting war based novel surrounding books!
Grace moves from rural England to London with her bestie Viv, after her aunt and uncle let her know there isn’t a room for her to live in the only home she’s known.
This is why when her mum’s friend in London more than welcomes them. Looking around for jobs to pay her way (as you should). Grace accepts the only job she can obtain as a worker in the local bookshop.
Grace has completely changed throughout (FOR THE BETTER!) she has went from a non-reader to a reader.
Along the way, there was a slow build of the cranky characters coming out of their shell.
Details of the war in London was written about as well in a captivating way which made you care for the characters.
I enjoyed the romance that was a very slow one during it. However it wasn’t a burn, there wasn’t much infatuation in my opinion it was just there in the background of Grace’s life.
Overall, charming read.
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/06/21/book-review-the-last-bookshop-in-london-by-madeline-martin/
Grace moves from rural England to London with her bestie Viv, after her aunt and uncle let her know there isn’t a room for her to live in the only home she’s known.
This is why when her mum’s friend in London more than welcomes them. Looking around for jobs to pay her way (as you should). Grace accepts the only job she can obtain as a worker in the local bookshop.
Grace has completely changed throughout (FOR THE BETTER!) she has went from a non-reader to a reader.
Along the way, there was a slow build of the cranky characters coming out of their shell.
Details of the war in London was written about as well in a captivating way which made you care for the characters.
I enjoyed the romance that was a very slow one during it. However it wasn’t a burn, there wasn’t much infatuation in my opinion it was just there in the background of Grace’s life.
Overall, charming read.
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/06/21/book-review-the-last-bookshop-in-london-by-madeline-martin/
I'm calling this genre "cozy historical fiction." It's like if a Kate Quinn book was set in a Hallmark movie. I say this as a compliment! It gave me the feels like Ted Lasso or Schitt's creek....but with WW2 bombs falling in London. I really enjoyed reading it and loved the feel of being in the bookshop. Like Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail ....but war time. I would have loved for the correspondence between her and George to be a bigger part of the book. It was referenced at the end but it would have been the perfect mix for me if it had been a larger part of the story. It was mostly focused on Grace and her discovery of her love of books and creating a sanctuary for people during the war at her book store. The ending gave me the feels, a little bit like It's a Wonderful Life ( this is my last reference!). I really enjoyed this comfort read and wish I could go hang out in the bookstore right now.
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No