The Last Bookshop in London: A Moving WWII Historical Fiction Novel of Community, Survival and the Sanctuary of Literature in Troubling Times
The New York Times bestseller--for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!
"An irresistible tale which showcases the transformative power of literacy, reminding us of the hope and sanctuary our neighborhood bookstores offer during the perilous trials of war and unrest."--KIM MICHELE RICHARDSON, author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
August 1939: London prepares for war as Hitler's forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and drawn curtains that she finds on her arrival are not what she expected. And she certainly never imagined she'd wind up working at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop nestled in the heart of London.
Through blackouts and air raids as the Blitz intensifies, Grace discovers the power of storytelling to unite her community in ways she never dreamed--a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of the war.
"A gorgeously written story of love, friendship, and survival set against the backdrop of WWII-era London."--JILLIAN CANTOR, author of In Another Time and Half Life
"A love letter to the power of books to unite us, to hold the world together when it's falling apart around our ears. This fresh take on what London endured during WWII should catapult Madeline Martin to the top tier of historical fiction novelists."--KAREN ROBARDS, author of The Black Swan of Paris
Don't miss Madeline Martin's next heartwarming historical novel, A Time of Witches!
Discover more from Madeline Martin:
- The Secret Book Society
- The Booklover's Library
- The Keeper of Hidden Books
- The Librarian Spy
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Community Reviews
I absolutely loved this book. I love historical fiction set during World War 2 and this one is a definite Must Read for my recommendations. Each character is lively written and has an immense amount of detail into their personality.
There were plenty of times where I let out a laugh, but even more times where I cried like a baby.
Grace and Mr. Evans are written with so much passion that you feel like you know them. I loved being able to really feel each characters reaction and thought throughout each event. Grace was someone I could completely relate to and loved following in the book. There is so much emotion running through the book that you can’t help but love it.
There were plenty of times where I let out a laugh, but even more times where I cried like a baby.
Grace and Mr. Evans are written with so much passion that you feel like you know them. I loved being able to really feel each characters reaction and thought throughout each event. Grace was someone I could completely relate to and loved following in the book. There is so much emotion running through the book that you can’t help but love it.
While this is a well-written novel and I enjoyed the characters, setting and plot...it is not my favorite book about the power of literature in times of war/political instability (ex: favorites include "The Book Thief" and "Reading Lolita in Tehran")
This was a captivating and well-researched story about the everyday trials and horrors of the English during the Blitz and the small luxuries and triumphs that saw them through some of history 's darkest days...
I wish the characters had been a bit more developed and fleshed out - it would have made for a much more emotional reading experience and not just a pleasant one - I enjoyed the story but did not find it fully immersive...
Two country girls go to London during WWII for adventure.
Grace has no job experience. Her landlady helps her get a job at a bookstore with a curmudgeon for a boss. She is only scheduled to work there for 3 months in order to get a job recommendation.
Her friend, Viv, gets a job at Harrods Department store. Grace would like to work with her friend.
Grace is not much of a reader until someone gifts her a book.
great story
Grace has no job experience. Her landlady helps her get a job at a bookstore with a curmudgeon for a boss. She is only scheduled to work there for 3 months in order to get a job recommendation.
Her friend, Viv, gets a job at Harrods Department store. Grace would like to work with her friend.
Grace is not much of a reader until someone gifts her a book.
great story