The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II

Product Information

This engaging mix of books, romance, and war is not without tragedy, but the unapologetically uplifting ending will find booklovers wiping away a tear or two." I Wish: I found myself wishing that the author would have included letter excerpts between Grace and George. It was mentioned that they exchanged letters and built a relationship…readers like me would have appreciated a glimpse! Letter excerpts would have added even more enjoyment for me. Therefore, I looked forward to hearing about her work life at Primrose Hill Bookshop, her volunteer work as an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) warden, and her personal life with her friends, her acquaintances, and her budding love interest. In spite of the Blitz, the retreat from Dunkirk, the deaths among Grace’s family of choice in London, The Last Bookshop in London is actually a hopeful story. Not just because as readers we know the result of war, but because of the way that the community that Grace has built around herself and the bookstore rallies ‘round and lifts her up – along with themselves – at even the lowest moments of the story.

But the dark clouds of war that have been looming on the horizon much longer than anyone wants to admit turn into a full blown storm of German bombs, just as Grace gets her feet under her in London. A London that is now on fire. Bomb damage from St. Paul’s towards Paternoster Row 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.” Martin writing is seamless and engaging. She writes a simple story, yet it conveys a powerful message. I have to say I loved all the characters in this story. Miss Bennett though is a standout, in her own mind, a timid introvert, she doesn't realise the massive impact she has on those around her, through her actions and compassion for others.A handsome customer named George explains to Grace the magic of reading and gives her his much-loved copy of The Count of Monte Cristo prior to leaving for war. Grace soon becomes an avid reader and the business at the bookshop grows. She and George correspond when possible during the war and bond over their love of books. Grace volunteers three nights a week as an ARP (Air Raid Precautions) warden, a job many deem unsuitable for a woman. Grace becomes known for her reading of books inside the local tube station during air raids. The struggles she faces in the midst of the destruction sometimes seem overwhelming. But Grace, like most Londoners, keeps calm and carries on. This was an utterly charming read, and I was definitely charmed by it. I’m saying that in spite of, just yesterday, claiming that I seemed to be suffering from a bit of WW2 historical fiction fatigue. It appears that that book just wasn’t the right book, where The Last Bookshop in London definitely was. With aspirations of working at a department store, Grace never imagined she’d wind up employed at Primrose Hill, an offbeat bookshop nestled in the heart of the city—after all, she’s never been much of a reader. Overwhelmed with organizing the cluttered store, she doesn’t have time to read the books she sells. But when one is gifted to her, what starts as an obligation becomes a passion that draws her into the incredible world of literature. I've read a lot of historical fiction novels which base themselves around WWII, but I think that this is the first time I've read a story totally from the perspective of a civilian. Someone non-military, not a doctor, not a nurse, not as someone working in the resistance movement. Grace Bennett is a young woman who has travelled to London in the hope of a better life. But Grace has something in common with a lot of people in these novels - she has resilience; she's brave, she's generous and, she's supportive.

It was a sad sight to behold, however, when a postman stood behind a home reduced to a pile of rubble with a letter held in his hand. Grace found a job in a bookstore....how fun to arrive in London and to work in a bookshop. Viv worked as a sales clerk at Harrod’s. The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin drew me in with its World War 11 time period and bookshop setting in London. Rich, captivating and well written Madeline Martin pulled me into the story and endeared me to these characters.

I really liked Grace Bennett, the protagonist! This particular "girl works in a bookshop/library - girl saves said bookshop/library" trope actually worked for me! After being gifted a book, Grace goes from being a non-reader to voraciously reading during her spare time. She also begins to share her love of particular books as she holds read-alouds during air raids and also during peaceful times at the bookshop. How can a reader like me not feel a kinship to Grace? After Viv, Grace’s best friend, went to serve in the active military and Weatherford’s son, Colin, was killed in the war, Grace began talking to Evans more and more about her fear that she was not doing enough to help with the war effort. Evans encouraged her to volunteer as an air raid warden. When Grace arrived at the store one morning to find Evans drunk, he admitted that Grace reminded him of his daughter, Alice, who was killed in a car crash. Evans had begun to think of Grace as a daughter and was afraid he might lose her as well. Grace promised to be careful, but she would not give up the job. I had many inspirations when writing my recently released New York Times bestselling historical fiction, The Last Bookshop in London . But then, it’s so easy to draw ideas from history with its powerful impact and incredible stories.

Recommended: I’m enthusiastically recommending The Last Bookshop in London for WW11 histfic fans, for readers who love stories set in London, for those looking for a story about regular people courageously facing life in difficult times, and for book clubs. The story is surprisingly uplifting in light of its heavy subject matter. An amusing, suspenseful, and uplifting historical with heart-warming motifs that have never felt more topical or vital."

Customer reviews

The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II by Madeline Martin provides a look inside London during the Blitz by German bombers and the impact on the local population. Inspired by the true World War II history of the few bookshops to survive the Blitz, The Last Bookshop in London is a timeless story of wartime loss, love and the enduring power of literature. Grace’s Primrose Books may not have actually been the “Last Bookshop in London” even in the story. But Paternoster Row, the center of the British publishing industry, was destroyed during the Blitz as described herein, taking most of London’s bookstores along with it. During times of crisis, who can deny the comfort of books and reading? Deftly written, and testament to survival in a challenging time, this book is a soothing and reassuring read." This novel is a pretty short historical fiction, but it takes you on an emotional roller coaster. The characters are charming and endearing. The main character Grace is very likable, but doesn’t really have any flaws. The novel has calamities, but it doesn’t have much conflict in the plot.

Grace needs a job but doesn’t have a reference – and isn’t brazen enough to fake it the way that Viv most definitely is. Mr. Evans needs someone to brighten up both the store and his life for reasons that are not apparent when we and Grace first meet him, although his need certainly is. Mrs. Weatherford learns to cope with her son being gone and with helping others while continuing to take care of Grace. As with many aspects of my life, I also drew on being a lifelong reader. I wanted this book to be a celebration of reading and so I reveled in all the aspects I love about reading. The countless times I stayed up way too late one-last-chaptering myself into dawn, how my thoughts dreamily float toward the book I’m reading at any given moment through the day, the way reading simultaneously offers a quiet moment while also opening the doors to the most amazing adventures and also the insight it gives us into how other people live and think.Grace needs Mrs. Weatherford’s help, in the form of Mrs. W’s ability to boss around pretty much everyone in her orbit – including Mr. Evans, the curmudgeonly owner of Primrose Books. Which is very much within the scope of her bossing. August 1939: London is dismal under the weight of impending war with Germany as Hitler’s forces continue to sweep across Europe. Into this uncertain maelstrom steps Grace Bennett, young and ready for a fresh start in the bustling city streets she’s always dreamed of - and miles away from her troubled past in the countryside.