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The Lost Bookshop
‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’
On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…
For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.
But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.
This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers.
Book club questions for The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
Opaline’s love of books is what guides her through life, like talismans and passports of escape. As a reader, what do books mean to you? How have books impacted your life?
Were there any significant plot twists that surprised you?
Did the book provoke any emotional responses from you? Which scenes stood out in terms of their impact?
What did you make of the magical elements in the book? Did they add to your experience of the bookshop?
The plot highlights the impact of living in a patriarchal society in both timelines. What is your assessment of the male characters in the book and how their storylines developed?
Were there any lines or passages that stood out to you or that you highlighted?
Did the different settings make you eager to visit the locations mentioned in the book?
What was your impression of Saint Agnes’s and Opaline’s experience there? Have you read/seen anything on the topic of asylums before?
Magical feminism is one of the genres explored in this story, to challenge societal norms and give women agency and empowerment. How did you experience this aspect of the story?
Intergenerational trauma is another significant theme, with each character facing the repercussions of the previous generations actions. What is your opinion on the subject?
The novel includes a fictional excerpt from Emily Brontë’s second novel. If you could discover a missing manuscript, what would it be?
The book is full of references to other books. Have you read any of them or found any new recommendations?
What has changed for women, as regards opportunities and equality, from Opaline’s time to Martha’s? What has not changed?
There is some serious subject matter in this book - domestic violence, war, alcoholism to name a few. Do you feel like it was handled well? Were they balanced out by lighter moments?
Madame Bowden appears as a strong female archetype. In an allegorical sense, what do you think she represents?
The strange cracks in the basement of 12 Ha’Penny Lane, which grow into branches, are quite symbolic. What do you think the author’s purpose was here?
Emily Brontë, Sylvia Beach and Opaline were all women who lived beyond the conventions of their time. In this story, this matriarchal lineage is passed down through books. Why is this so significant, especially in light of Martha’s story?
Do you have a favorite line (or more!) from a book or a poem that you would consider having tattooed?
Why do you think the bookshop appears and disappears to certain people?
Ultimately, The Lost Bookshop is a hopeful story of healing and finding your path in life. Has the story inspired you in your own life?
The Lost Bookshop Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the The Lost Bookshop discussion questions
Consumer reviews:
“The characters are so very well developed that it makes you feel that you are there with them sharing their stories too… kept me turning the pages.”
“A true homage to books and book lovers everywhere.”
“A truly joyful, magical book…this story will capture your heart.”