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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Grace Bennett is such an interesting character. She arrives in London in 1939 with her friend, Viv, to live with her late mother’s friend, Mrs. Weatherford and her son Colin. Working at a bookstore with a rather grumpy Mr. Evans was supposed to be for only six months. Grace doesn’t know much about books since she’s never had much time to read but she does know organization so she sets about making changes. A handsome young man introduces her to the love of reading and romance. The exciting, fun time Viv and Grace expected to have in the city changes drastically when war with Germany is declared. All of their lives are drastically changed. I could relate to the role books played, giving an escape and hope. I loved the way Grace and Mr. Evans’ relationship developed and her strengh and compassion for others. This is a lovely story of a horrible time in history that sometimes made me smile and often made me cry. I highly recommend it.
I loved it
I loved the character development and the positive role models for women during conflict
I really enjoyed this story that followed Grace Bennett as she comes to London from the country, hoping to find a job and a place in this new world. Although unsure about working in a bookshop since she hardly had time to read for pleasure while growing up, Grace knows she can definitely clean and organize the dusty old place. Mr. Evans takes her on reluctantly but eventually comes around to appreciate her work ethic and her kindness.
As the war comes ever closer, Londoners try to prepare, but nobody is prepared for the boredom of waiting for something to happen, the horrors of the blitz, and the deprivations of the rationing. I liked seeing how the ordinary people prepared and participated in the various volunteer services that helped with everything from food, clothing, and bandages, to caring for orphans, to warning of air raids, to fighting fires.
As Grace reads more and more, her passion for reading spills over into the community. She recommends her favorites to the patrons and then begins reading aloud to help pass the time and provide a distraction during air raids. The bookshop becomes a real beacon of hope in the community.
While there are vivid descriptions of the bombing of London, it isn’t overly graphic. Tragedies occur but they are met with grit and determination and a sense of community to get through the war.
I listened to the audiobook version and highly recommend the narrator, Saskia Maarleveld.
World War II in London. Very compelling, and seemed quite realistic. I am very glad to have read it.
Madeline Martin’s story perfectly captures the plucky nature of young women on the British Home Front! Intricately researched and beautifully told, readers will be hard-pressed not to fall in love with Grace’s story, rooting for her until the very end!
Great book, loved the story and how they resolve their problems as adults.
This was a great WWll book! I usually like the stories with more of the resistance groups and efforts but this one was different in a good way- I loved the main character- her strength, bravery and moral compass. Some foreshadowing and some great figurative language. Well written- couldn’t put it down.
I love books so I enjoyed a story about someone learning to love books. And then using that love to care for others was inspiring, especially when it was a dark time in their lives. Books gave them an escape & something to look forward to.
The last bookshop in London had me captivated from the first page to the last! Every emotion was touched through out the book. The characters were wonderful. This is a wonderful historical novel!!! Very very good!!!!
I liked the characters in this book and the historical story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Madeline Martin created such rich and engaging characters I could not tear myself away from the book. Her research completely enmeshed me in London during this war torn time. At the same time I didn’t want it to end. I hope for a sequel.
It is a glimpse of the life of people living through the bombing of London during WWII and how they coped with those bombings in order to survive and keep their sanity. They were heroes! Barbara
The Last Bookshop in London is a gorgeously written story of love, friendship, and survival set against the backdrop of WWII era London. Madeline Martin’s beautiful novel is a poignant and emotional love letter to books and bookshops themselves, and ultimately a testament to the power of stories to sustain us in even our darkest hours.
Tried reading but couldn’t get into. Want to try again when I have less books on my TBR
A heartwarming tale. I could not put it down. Beautifully done.
A well done presentation of the reality of wartime London, poignantly presented.
A shy out of town young woman comes into the big city and we see her grow into the person she can be.
The use of literature as the focal point is chosen well.
Heartwarming characters abound.
There is plenty of sadness (how could there not be given the time period?), but there is also a bright light of humanity shown throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A wonderful reminder about the power of books even in the toughest time.
I’ve read many books about WW2 but never from the perspective of those not fighting battles but doing their best to survive bombings, rationing, loss of loved ones. Good read.