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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I enjoyed The Last Bookshop in London. I was expecting it to be a romance because Martin writes some brilliant romances. It is not a romance, but a work of fiction. Grace Bennett arrives in London just before World War II and gets a job in a local bookshop. This story details Grace’s life during the war and its impact on her local community. I thought the storyline was compelling and insightful. There is a little romance in it, but mostly it is a daily account of life in war-torn London.
I received this book for free from the author for an unbiased review.
Let me share my first favorite quote, “I think within all of us, there is a void, a gap waiting to be filled by something. For me, that something is books and all their proffered experiences.” -Madeline Martin, The Last Bookshop in London.
Never has there been a more honest quote about how I feel about books!
Okay, I sat down at 9:00 Sunday night(last night) and at 11:30, I finished it. A mere three hours that caused me to laugh, sigh, cry, and have tons of happiness fill my soul. Let me start at the beginning, because according to Mary Poppins, the beginning is a very good place to start. 🙂 [author:Madeline Martin|16577122] is a phenomenal author/authoress, and I am a huge fan of hers. She generally writes romances that include strong feminine leads with Scottish men. Yeah, that is one of my favorite genres, but this book is a historical fiction, and not quite a romance at all. I am not saying there isn’t hint of romance in hit, but it is not the focus. The focus of this book, if I had to choose, would be hope. Hence the following second favorite quote from The Last Bookshop in London, “It is through books that we can find the greatest hope…”
The book opens with Grace Bennett and her best friend forever, Viv enroute to London, England to live with her deceased mother’s best friend, Mrs. Weatherford. The book begins in 1939 and ends in 1945. If you know me, you know that one of my favorite time periods to learn about is World War II. One of the best things about this author is that she does a crazy amount of research for all of her books, and the reader will undoubtedly learn something. Okay, I digress, back to Grace. Grace’s mother died and she has spent the entire time since then being belittled by her uncle and aunt and running their store. Her friend, Viv, is this stylish lady, who apparently had to work in the garden her entire life and was not happy in her childhood. Where Viv is stylish and has tons of confidence to boot, Grace is unsure of herself, what to do, and how she is going to survive without being a burden.
Mrs. Weatherford assists Grace in getting a job at Primrose Hill Bookshop, and the only catch, is that it is for six months and Grace isn’t a reader or a lover of books. At this point in the book, I was like, do what? Why am I reading this? I don’t understand non readers. But, I was super invested and had to know what would happen! World War II happens and you find out what kind of mettle Grace is truly made of. She is a hero in her own right and quite a champion, in her own way. I LOVE her! She is exactly what I want to be for the children I teach, and she isn’t a teacher. She is a beacon of hope! I daresay, if you have read this entire rating so far, you must go and purchase this book! It is amazing. In summary, it has the historical factor, it has the brilliant story, real characters, and action that keeps you anxiety up. It stirs you soul! Read it, my reader friends! This book is in my top ten favorite books of all time. It has this awesome quote in it that totally resounds with me, and I am sure with you. I have included it here-
“No one told her finishing the book would leave her so bereft. It was though she’d said goodbye for the last time to a close friend.” Madeline Martin, The Last Bookshop in London
The craziness of 2020 has left us needing hope, just like the people and dear Grace in this book. Also the amazing things about books are that we can go back and reread to say hi again to those dear friends!
This was such a stunning story, I pretty much devoured this book. The story was so captivating that it just begged to be read in one sitting. I couldn’t help but fall in love with each and every one of the characters. The author gives us a glimpse of the realities of living in London during WWII through the eyes of Grace and her friends. This is not entirely a love story; it is a story of love, loss, sorrow and selflessness. It also shows us the wonderful place literature can be in our lives and the lives of a community. I won’t get into a description of the story as the blurb does a good job of that and I’m sure many of the other reviewers will do so as well. I will say that this book is worthy of a place on your bookshelf. Bravo Ms Martin!
The book put the spotlight on reading/literacy. This is different storyline for historical fiction. Characters were like able and well developed.
It was a great presentation of the German bombings of London, told from a viewpoint that was informative. Some good historical information, especially of bookstores and their importance during that time. It held my interest to the end
One every one should know about the horror of war& resilience of the human spirit.
I enjoyed this WWII book, made London’s bombings and survival so much more realistic. Loved the sense of community the book evoked.
A poignant story about human resilience, and the power of books to nourish the mind and soul as well as bring people together during the darkest hours. Those in love with the written word will savor this book.
It’s August 1939 and war is hanging over England. Orphaned Grace Bennett comes to London with her friend Viv, hoping for a job in Harrods. Instead she gets one in a messy, cluttered and dusty bookshop in the heart of the city. Grace is no reader, but she’s a good worker and has a gift for organization and sales and soon the bookshop is attracting more customers. She meets an attractive man, but before their first date can happen, he’s called up. He gives her his favorite book, The Count of Monte Cristo, and that eventually starts Grace reading.
The war finally hits London, in nightly bombing raids, and one night Grace starts reading her current book aloud to the others sheltering in an underground station. And it becomes a regular thing.
I won’t tell you any more, except to say it’s a wonderful story. It’s very evocative of what it was like for people stuck in London during the Blitz, and while it doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war, it’s also heartwarming and ends on a positive note. As well, it’s an ode to the power of good books. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended.
I’ve read lots of WWII stories and I found this to be a different angle on the genre. I found the characters believable and the description of the bombing during the Blitz horrifying but necessary to the story. I also loved the bookshop angle to it. Highly recommend this book!
Great book. It pulls you in. You have to keep reading.
So many WW2 books…but this one drew me in because of the characters, their lives and and how they tried to cope, and their endurance.
Liked the characters , gave a look into a time in the past and made it real. Altogether a good read.
Written in a simple style with too many cliches, this book offers many details that take its readers to London during the Blitz. We can understand what Britain endured by sharing the hardships of the characters. It reminds us again why we read.
I loved it. I don’t usually read books with a World War II setting. However, something about the premise drew me in. I’m so glad. This author, with great characterization and a gentle touch with tension, has written a book i will never forget
I loved it and everyone who I recommended it to loved it also.
4.5 Stars!
This story was a different take on WW2 women’s fiction compared to the majority of what’s released. While this book didn’t shy away from some of the horrors of that time, it wasn’t explicit and it focused almost entirely on London during The Blitz. I’ve read numerous historical fiction books set during this time, but not with so much detail on London. I found it fascinating. I really enjoyed the different characters that are in and around Grace’s life and how so many are transformed due to the war, books, and the relationships that are formed. There was much poignancy, in many forms, as well as a sweet romance that lightly developed throughout the book, but wasn’t the main focus. Overall, I found it very well written and well worth my time.
A somewhat romanticized version of a young woman arriving in London just before the beginning of WWII. She becomes a reader because she is working in a bookshop and is also encouraged by a handsome man. Formulaic, mostly predictable, and simplistic. I prefer historical fiction to be well-researched and realistic. Some of the book was.
Wonderful story. You feel like you are in London during the bombing and get an idea of what it must have been like. The characters are likable and demonstrate the best of the human spirit.
Excellent characters, good WW II plot, realistic incidents, and some romance and lots of kindness.