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“The Last Bookshop in London” by Madeline Martin is a timeless story of love, life's purpose. resilience and the enduring power of literature. The storyline was inspired by true events surrounding World War II history regarding the few bookshops that survived the London Blitz. It's 1939 and Grace Bennett, the protagonist, leaves her home n Drayton for London with her best friend Viv. They are looking forward to a new life and find rooms with Mrs. Weatherford, an old family friend. Grace finds a job as an assistant working at Primrose Hill bookshop with a grumpy old man whose shop is dusty, disorganized, and needs more customers. In the past, Grace did not enjoy reading, but this is an opportunity to work. She organizes and cleans the bookshop, gradually develops a new appreciation for literature, visits with customers, and learns about their tastes. Adrian, a love interest, enters Grace's life. His gift of a book and love of literature has a lasting impact on her life. Through blackouts and air raids as the Blitz intensifies, Grace discovers her power of storytelling unites her community in ways she never dreamed—a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of the war. Grace also takes on an unexpected war effort by being a neighborhood watchman. I found it interesting to think about how a small independent bookstore could become a beacon of hope during the Blitz bombing. It truly reinforces the belief books can bring people together in the best and worst of times.
The characters were endearing, spunky, and realistic. The story was a good balance between character-driven and plot-driven characters. Themes of determination, perseverance during difficult times, kindness, and the power of storytelling will keep you engaged throughout the story.
Obviously the author did her background research as the unfolding vivid details of the Blitz will put you right on the street and in the shelter. It also shows how ordinary people can make a difference in serving and helping others.
For those who enjoy historical fiction, you will find this the perfect book and it's surprisingly uplifting in light of war, a heavy subject matter.
I enjoy reading historical fiction especially that which takes place around WWII. I also like reading about the ordinary person just trying to survive as in some of the people in
ReplyDeleteThe Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson. He followed some of the "ordinary" people who actually lived during that time. This book reminded me of that. I've put it on my list.
yes historical fiction takes the readers to places and moments in history where people are and were forced to adapt and make new choices to survive. Writing historical fiction requires the writer to research and be accurate while crafting a fictional story. That in itself can be a challenge. -
DeleteThank you for sharing this book with us. It sounds like a good, and informative, read.
ReplyDeleteI was just reading this morning that John Steinbeck was asked to aid the war effort. The result was his book, The Moon Is Down. The storyline was about a country invaded by an evil regime. The book was apparently widely distributed in occupied countries and conveyed a message of hope. Quite interesting. Now I need to read that book, too.
READING HISTORICAL FICTION IS ALWAYS SO INFORMATIVE-YOU LEARN A LOT OF NEW THINGS IN THE CONTEXT OF HISTORY.
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