The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin is a historical fiction novel for adults that takes place in London during World War II.
In 1939, the citizens of London know that war is on the horizon. The UK has yet to enter the war but Hitler's forces are sweeping across the continent and it is only a matter of time until war is waged across the whole of Europe.
Grace Bennett, has always wanted to move to London and now that she's finally there, her dream isn't quite what she had imagined. Air raid drills, pending rations, bunkers and blackout curtains darken the glamorous city she was expecting. That and working at a dusty, cramped Primrose Hill bookshop, just wasn't what Grace had in mind.
As war reaches English soil and the Blitz intensifies, Grace learns the power of books and the way stories may just save them all.
I listened to the audio book for this one and I quite enjoyed it. Being a librarian, any book about loving books, is probably going to get a good review from me.
One of the best parts about this book is the community and how everyone comes together during wartime. You can really feel this sense of fellowship and I love how the power of storytelling is sort of the glue that keeps the citizens sane during a time when chaos reigns.
Grace's relationship with literally every supporting character in this novel is just wonderful. She is such a strong female protagonist. She never gives up and is kind and caring. She also knows when "tough love" will save the day. We also get different views into her personality and insecurities with each relationship she builds. Mrs. Weatherford, Mr. Evans, George, Viv, even the grumpy Mr. Stokes all have a part to play in crafting Grace into the women she becomes by the end of the novel.
This was an easy read that kept me interested and should appeal to most historical fiction enthusiasts. The romance wasn't the focus of the book and I enjoyed the story. This one gets 4 stars from me.
That's all for now!
-M-
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