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A review by izzalice
The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
3.75
This is an emotional and at times brutal YA novel that can easily be read in a single sitting. Despite the catastrophic event that has occured, the protagonist clings onto her morals and the softer aspect of her character which is refreshing to see.
This is a big contrast to Maeve who reacts in the opposite way as a survival instinct. Whilst, particularly at the beginning, these characters don't understand each other's way of living, this slowly grows into mutual respect and then something more.
Liz collects the stories of the stragglers that come into the store which show up as journal entries throughout the novel which I think is an impactful detail and gives the reader a better picture of the storm's wider impact. I appreciate that Braun-Arnold doesn't shy away from the more horrific aspects, with graphic scenes that come as a shocking reminder of what their world has come to.
I do feel that this book really would have benefited from the addition of Maeve's perspective, as I never felt like I actually got to know her character other than what Liz feels for her. Additionally, whilst I understand Liz's desperation to keep a sense of normalcy there came a point later on in the novel where her naivety and trusting nature bordered on unrealistic given the circumstances and quite frustrating.
Overall I think this a great novel that touches on a lot of important topics such as the dangers of ignoring our impact on the climate, changing human nature in the face of tragedy, and the meaning of home. I just didn't quite believe in the romance between Liz and Maeve and wish we could have gotten more of Maeve's story through her own perspective.
This is a big contrast to Maeve who reacts in the opposite way as a survival instinct. Whilst, particularly at the beginning, these characters don't understand each other's way of living, this slowly grows into mutual respect and then something more.
Liz collects the stories of the stragglers that come into the store which show up as journal entries throughout the novel which I think is an impactful detail and gives the reader a better picture of the storm's wider impact. I appreciate that Braun-Arnold doesn't shy away from the more horrific aspects, with graphic scenes that come as a shocking reminder of what their world has come to.
I do feel that this book really would have benefited from the addition of Maeve's perspective, as I never felt like I actually got to know her character other than what Liz feels for her. Additionally, whilst I understand Liz's desperation to keep a sense of normalcy there came a point later on in the novel where her naivety and trusting nature bordered on unrealistic given the circumstances and quite frustrating.
Overall I think this a great novel that touches on a lot of important topics such as the dangers of ignoring our impact on the climate, changing human nature in the face of tragedy, and the meaning of home. I just didn't quite believe in the romance between Liz and Maeve and wish we could have gotten more of Maeve's story through her own perspective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent