INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER“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 CreekAugust 1939: London prepares for war as Hitler’s forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always … prepares for war as Hitler’s forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and blackout curtains that she finds on her arrival were 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
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A great little novel with a different twist on World War 2 and it’s toll on London. I really enjoyed it.
A beautiful story where we get to meet these wonderful characters that brought The last bookshop in London alive.
The story of Grace Bennet starts by searching for a job that she was not really expecting, she really didn’t know anything about books or about managing a bookshop where she wasn’t really feeling welcome, the owner didn’t want anybody to help but with a little bit of help from an angel, Grace was able to show her true talents but mainly her kindness was what brought so much to this book shop and the people who frequent the place.
The war was taking place and was stealing so many things, the town didn’t felt happy anymore, they were in constant danger and stressed but Grace had a different plan to help people to continue their lives, by always narrating or telling tales, this was one of my favorite parts of the story whenever she had the time to infuse love and happiness to the whole town just by reading them tales.. it was the time they all got together and united forget about anything bad that was happening.
Another great thing about Grace’s character was, she brought many people together that maybe before wouldn’t even say hi or acknowledge one another but with her kindness, she was always spreading love made people stop before saying something terrible.. many people who were “jealous” or wanted to do some harm at the end were in awe of Grace’s sensibility.
This is a story where you would get to meet many stories many characters, that surround Grace, they will bring love, they will give her sadness at times but overall they are part of this magnificent story where people found the peace they needed in the walls and the people of the last book shop in London.
great book..
Sweet story set in London in WWII. Gas masks, air raids, bombings change the way of life for Grace and her best friend, Viv. The girls live in London with Mrs. Weatherford, Grace’s deceased mother’s dear friend. When Grace doesn’t receive a recommendation to be a sales agent at Harrod’s from her former employer, she relies on Mrs. Weatherford’s connections to get her a position at Mr. Evans’s Primrose Hill Books. Mr. Evans is initially grumpy, but over time, he and Grace form a wonderful partnership. Grace meets George who ignites a love of books in her. Through the war, Grace begins a series of book readings. Her kindness extends to other booksellers and it is wonderful to read how the community comes together.
Through the pages of this story I was awakened to life in London during WWII. I found the trials remarkably like what this last year of Covid slammed against our world. A tragedy that rampaged all no matter the race, social class, culture, gender. A tragedy that brought friends and enemies together.
Grace is an amazing fully developed main character, one everyone would love. We see her struggles, her fighting spirit, her defeats, her drive, her sacrifice.
Like the great classics that can be read again and again, this book is one that begs readers to comb the pages a second time, gleaming new themes and deeper parts of the story.
Kudos!
I highly recommend this book. If it were possible to give higher that 5 stars, I would.
I read a library copy.
I adored this story of WW2 and the blitz on London, beautiful characters, very well written. A definite page turner.