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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
3.75 stars. This was an enjoyable read, especially if you like the Jane Austen Society predecessor. It was fun to see the different female characters of the era come together. Fairly predictable, but pleasant just the same.
It was just not that great. Tried to list every name of the time and had to many characters.
Enjoyable historical fiction about women in a bookshop, women writers, and women in publishing. Drawing inspiration from 84 Charing Cross Road (one of my favorite books) and the female-writer focused Persephone books (another favorite), I was nervous that the author would let the story down. She rose to the challenge. I enjoyed this much more than her first book, The Jane Austen Society. However, the huge “problem” in the story, not being able to purchase a book in the store you work in, seemed silly and easily remedied. I had trouble believing that plot point.
Three women, Vivian, Grace, and Evie, are the heroines in this book. All have distinct personalities, problems, and desires. All find themselves working at a bookstore, Bloomsbury Books--the kind of store we can all imagine that we've visited and loved. The men are home from the war and these women all feel, in one way or another, that change is coming, change must come. As their stories unfold, we cheer them on and keep hoping that things will all work out, one way or another. If only the fellows they work with (or went to school with, or are married to, or are in love with) would straighten up and fly right.
This book is both similar to and quite different from Jenner's debut novel, but is definitely a worthy second offering and establishes her as an author I want to keep reading. Similar to, in that Evie Stone was one of those who was involved in the Jane Austen Society (she's still so young and untried, but definitely gets to grow here), and also similar as Evie, Vivian, and Grace stumble onto a few truths that band them together and give them a common goal and foe. Different from in that, it doesn't have anything to do with Jane Austen--except for an exciting spoiler I won't reveal. I'd like to think that something like Bloomsbury Girls could have happened back in the day, and even if not, it is certainly a fun caper to pull so many important female authors and such together. I loved how some modern themes were woven in, yet the book stayed authentic to its time.
Thank you to the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is both similar to and quite different from Jenner's debut novel, but is definitely a worthy second offering and establishes her as an author I want to keep reading. Similar to, in that Evie Stone was one of those who was involved in the Jane Austen Society (she's still so young and untried, but definitely gets to grow here), and also similar as Evie, Vivian, and Grace stumble onto a few truths that band them together and give them a common goal and foe. Different from in that, it doesn't have anything to do with Jane Austen--except for an exciting spoiler I won't reveal. I'd like to think that something like Bloomsbury Girls could have happened back in the day, and even if not, it is certainly a fun caper to pull so many important female authors and such together. I loved how some modern themes were woven in, yet the book stayed authentic to its time.
Thank you to the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars rounded down. This is a total ME book. Bookshop in post-war London? Yes please. It got a little too detailed at times but overall it was the read I needed post Thanksgiving!
Meh. I learned some interesting things about famous 20th century people (Orwell, Guggenheim), but this book mostly fell flat for me. The balance between build-up and climax was way off - the story should have continued past the climax instead of shoving the reader off a cliff at the end.
From the author of "The Jane Austen Society" comes a heartwarming and riveting story set in London after the war. Bloomsbury Books is a book store that has survived the test of time selling rare and new books. It's always been a "Boy's Club" and is run on a strict set of rules made by the men in charge.
The times are changing in the 1950s, and three women employees forever alter the direction of Bloomsbury Books.
A lighthearted tale of women's empowerment, perseverance, and respect. Vivien, Grace, and Evie slowly evolve the trajectory of the store through interactions with various literary figures of the time. They soon find they can have all that they desire, and more!
I love a book about books, historical fiction, and a women-led story. This is all of that and more! A delightful read.
The times are changing in the 1950s, and three women employees forever alter the direction of Bloomsbury Books.
A lighthearted tale of women's empowerment, perseverance, and respect. Vivien, Grace, and Evie slowly evolve the trajectory of the store through interactions with various literary figures of the time. They soon find they can have all that they desire, and more!
I love a book about books, historical fiction, and a women-led story. This is all of that and more! A delightful read.