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The Last Bookshop in London
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.
August 1939: London 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.
August 1939: London 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.
325 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2021
5009 people are currently reading
158597 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Martin
76 books4,345 followersMadeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.
She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.
Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com
She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.
Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,907 reviews
June 30, 2021
I guess I'm going to have to use a word that I see floating around GR's every now and then. Yes, I'm an outlier. I just don't get the hype around this one.
I read a lot of historical fiction and WWII novels are a particular favourite. This one was just a bland storyline for me. I liked that it was set in London and told the story about the average person and how they coped during the war and the blitz. Too bad there wasn't a little more oomph!
I read a lot of historical fiction and WWII novels are a particular favourite. This one was just a bland storyline for me. I liked that it was set in London and told the story about the average person and how they coped during the war and the blitz. Too bad there wasn't a little more oomph!
April 6, 2021
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin is a lovely tribute to the people of London who survived the Blitz during World War II. The story emphasizes what true fighters Londoners were during this horrific time. Many of them had two jobs, first their regular employment, and second their numerous volunteer jobs such as firefighting, searching for survivors, bomb squads, and medical assistance.
The heroine of The Last Bookshop in London is Grace Bennett. She moves to London with her best friend, Viv, in 1939 prior to the start of the war. The two women live with Grace’s late mother’s best friend, Mrs. Weatherford, and her son, Colin. While Grace had worked tirelessly in her Uncle’s shop in the country, he refuses to give her the necessary letter of recommendation to obtain a department store position. Based upon Mrs. Weatherford’s insistence with the owner, Grace gets a job for six months at Primrose Hill Books. While Grace is not a reader, she dedicates herself to cleaning up and organizing the messy store in hopes of getting the much-needed letter of recommendation so she can go work with Viv at Harrods.
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.
On her website, the author, Madeline Martin, describes her writing style as follows: “I write books filled with twists and turns, adventure, steamy romance, empowered heroines and the men who are strong enough to love them.” Since I don’t normally read steamy romance novels, I was hesitant to request this book, which is her first World War II historical fiction. I am so glad I did. This charming book does not fit her usual writing style.
5-Stars. Book club recommended. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks to Hanover Square Press/Harper-Collins for my advanced reader copy in exchange for a review. This novel will be on sale on April 20, 2021.
The heroine of The Last Bookshop in London is Grace Bennett. She moves to London with her best friend, Viv, in 1939 prior to the start of the war. The two women live with Grace’s late mother’s best friend, Mrs. Weatherford, and her son, Colin. While Grace had worked tirelessly in her Uncle’s shop in the country, he refuses to give her the necessary letter of recommendation to obtain a department store position. Based upon Mrs. Weatherford’s insistence with the owner, Grace gets a job for six months at Primrose Hill Books. While Grace is not a reader, she dedicates herself to cleaning up and organizing the messy store in hopes of getting the much-needed letter of recommendation so she can go work with Viv at Harrods.
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.
On her website, the author, Madeline Martin, describes her writing style as follows: “I write books filled with twists and turns, adventure, steamy romance, empowered heroines and the men who are strong enough to love them.” Since I don’t normally read steamy romance novels, I was hesitant to request this book, which is her first World War II historical fiction. I am so glad I did. This charming book does not fit her usual writing style.
5-Stars. Book club recommended. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks to Hanover Square Press/Harper-Collins for my advanced reader copy in exchange for a review. This novel will be on sale on April 20, 2021.
April 18, 2021
This is WWII Historical Fiction. This was a solid 3 stars for me. I liked the idea behind the last bookshop in London. Grace, the MC, kind of fell into working there and was able to breathe life back into the store. She was also a strong character which was nice to see. And she had a strong moral compass.
The one thing that kept this from being 4 stars was the overly sweet nature of so many elements. Even though I liked the MC, she was just a little too "cotton candy" for me. Plus add in the polite children, adopting orphans, falling in love with Mr. Perfect, having so many warm and fuzzy parent like figures in life and Grace's King Midas touch. It was sprinkled liberally over everything. If this were a donut then fine....bring on the sprinkles, powdered sugar and the glaze, but it's not. So 3 stars.
The one thing that kept this from being 4 stars was the overly sweet nature of so many elements. Even though I liked the MC, she was just a little too "cotton candy" for me. Plus add in the polite children, adopting orphans, falling in love with Mr. Perfect, having so many warm and fuzzy parent like figures in life and Grace's King Midas touch. It was sprinkled liberally over everything. If this were a donut then fine....bring on the sprinkles, powdered sugar and the glaze, but it's not. So 3 stars.
February 20, 2025
Reading this book is like enjoying a perfect cup of tea - you just can’t fully describe the flavors and feelings. I felt so many emotions that when I tried to jot them down, I found myself completely lost for words.
Back on September 1, 1939, at dawn, Fascist Germany broke the German-Polish Non-Aggression Pact and launched a massive air raid on Poland’s main airports. That sudden attack kicked off World War II, with Germany coming out on top by nearly wiping out the Polish air force (aside from a few planes that ended up in Romania).
With such devastation all around, it’s hard to imagine anything staying intact. Even London wasn’t spared from Hitler’s forces. And it’s during these turbulent times that the story unfolds.
Grace and her friend Viv head to London - the city they’d always dreamed of. By a twist of fate, Grace ends up working as a clerk at Primrose Hill Bookshop. Even though she wasn’t much of a reader at first, meeting pilot George and stumbling upon a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo sparks something in her, and soon she falls in love with books.
When the war breaks out, Viv and Colin decide to go to the front lines, while Grace squeezes in time at work to join the air raid wardens. Amidst flying bullets and falling bombs, books become her unexpected source of courage and strength. At Farringdon tube station, she even reads aloud to bring people together, offering a sense of unity and hope. Even when air raids and power cuts force everyone to sleep in the station, the stories in those books light a spark, helping them endure the darkest days of wartime London.
Madeleine Martin paints a vivid picture of how war changes everything. Home gardens turn into vegetable patches with makeshift air raid shelters; Hyde Park gets crisscrossed with trenches that look like open wounds; and after the bombings, walls crumble, exposing furniture that makes rooms look like a creepy dollhouse. These images really capture the pain the city went through, not just in its buildings but in the hearts of its people.
Men had to enlist to defend their homeland, and kids were sent off to the countryside, often ending up with strangers. All this silent suffering took a huge toll - living in constant fear and longing could easily break anyone.
Mrs. Weatherford, for example, loses her son Colin and transforms from a strong woman into someone frail and heartbroken, dreaming of joining him in the next air raid. Jimmy and his sister lose their parents, ending up as orphans scraping by day to day, and Mrs. Gideon is forced to send her child into foster care, tormented by the loss every minute.
War reduced people to walking shadows - alive, but completely drained of spirit and energy. That’s the most terrifying part: it destroys not just homes, but souls.
Amid all this chaos, reading becomes a little escape, a portable sanctuary. At first, Grace wasn’t into books at all, and she was even hesitant about working in a bookshop. But thanks to George and his love for reading, she starts to see books in a whole new light. Books let you live other people’s lives, see the world from different angles, and learn in ways you never imagined. We all have that empty space inside us, and for Grace - and for me - reading fills it.
It’s George’s words that help Grace rediscover the magic of reading, and thanks to The Count of Monte Cristo, she falls head over heels for it. She even begins putting together personalized book lists for customers, recommending the perfect reads for people like Mrs. Gideon, who’s still hurting from her loss.
All in all, it’s a truly beautiful story. I love it!
5 / 5 stars
Back on September 1, 1939, at dawn, Fascist Germany broke the German-Polish Non-Aggression Pact and launched a massive air raid on Poland’s main airports. That sudden attack kicked off World War II, with Germany coming out on top by nearly wiping out the Polish air force (aside from a few planes that ended up in Romania).
With such devastation all around, it’s hard to imagine anything staying intact. Even London wasn’t spared from Hitler’s forces. And it’s during these turbulent times that the story unfolds.
Grace and her friend Viv head to London - the city they’d always dreamed of. By a twist of fate, Grace ends up working as a clerk at Primrose Hill Bookshop. Even though she wasn’t much of a reader at first, meeting pilot George and stumbling upon a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo sparks something in her, and soon she falls in love with books.
When the war breaks out, Viv and Colin decide to go to the front lines, while Grace squeezes in time at work to join the air raid wardens. Amidst flying bullets and falling bombs, books become her unexpected source of courage and strength. At Farringdon tube station, she even reads aloud to bring people together, offering a sense of unity and hope. Even when air raids and power cuts force everyone to sleep in the station, the stories in those books light a spark, helping them endure the darkest days of wartime London.
Madeleine Martin paints a vivid picture of how war changes everything. Home gardens turn into vegetable patches with makeshift air raid shelters; Hyde Park gets crisscrossed with trenches that look like open wounds; and after the bombings, walls crumble, exposing furniture that makes rooms look like a creepy dollhouse. These images really capture the pain the city went through, not just in its buildings but in the hearts of its people.
Men had to enlist to defend their homeland, and kids were sent off to the countryside, often ending up with strangers. All this silent suffering took a huge toll - living in constant fear and longing could easily break anyone.
Mrs. Weatherford, for example, loses her son Colin and transforms from a strong woman into someone frail and heartbroken, dreaming of joining him in the next air raid. Jimmy and his sister lose their parents, ending up as orphans scraping by day to day, and Mrs. Gideon is forced to send her child into foster care, tormented by the loss every minute.
War reduced people to walking shadows - alive, but completely drained of spirit and energy. That’s the most terrifying part: it destroys not just homes, but souls.
Amid all this chaos, reading becomes a little escape, a portable sanctuary. At first, Grace wasn’t into books at all, and she was even hesitant about working in a bookshop. But thanks to George and his love for reading, she starts to see books in a whole new light. Books let you live other people’s lives, see the world from different angles, and learn in ways you never imagined. We all have that empty space inside us, and for Grace - and for me - reading fills it.
It’s George’s words that help Grace rediscover the magic of reading, and thanks to The Count of Monte Cristo, she falls head over heels for it. She even begins putting together personalized book lists for customers, recommending the perfect reads for people like Mrs. Gideon, who’s still hurting from her loss.
All in all, it’s a truly beautiful story. I love it!
5 / 5 stars
November 19, 2021
This lovely story was inspired by the few bookshops to survive the Blitz. Basically, it followed the typical life of a 20-something woman during the first years of WWII in London.
Why I enjoyed this book:
1. 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?
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.
Btw, Mrs. Weatherford was another character I greatly admired with her "take charge' attitude!
2. Author Madeline Martin plausibly injected various components of life in London during WWII within this story. Although I remember a former teacher colleague recalling, how as a child in England during the war, that she had to carry a gas mask to school and that vegetables were to be grown instead of lawns and flowers, I did learn more about the children's evacuations, Anderson (Andy) bomb shelters, household preparations for possible bombings, air raids, anti-gas ointment, Christmas celebrations, victory gardens, and the BBC radio competition called "The Kitchen Front". Some of these references reminded me of some books on my WTR list (e.g. The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen and The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan!)
3. Narrator Saskia Maarleveld's British accent really lent authenticity to this story!
Overall, this story had its share of realistic ups and downs during this difficult period in time, with the community rallying around each other through the love of books.
Why I enjoyed this book:
1. 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?
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.
Btw, Mrs. Weatherford was another character I greatly admired with her "take charge' attitude!
2. Author Madeline Martin plausibly injected various components of life in London during WWII within this story. Although I remember a former teacher colleague recalling, how as a child in England during the war, that she had to carry a gas mask to school and that vegetables were to be grown instead of lawns and flowers, I did learn more about the children's evacuations, Anderson (Andy) bomb shelters, household preparations for possible bombings, air raids, anti-gas ointment, Christmas celebrations, victory gardens, and the BBC radio competition called "The Kitchen Front". Some of these references reminded me of some books on my WTR list (e.g. The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen and The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan!)
3. Narrator Saskia Maarleveld's British accent really lent authenticity to this story!
Overall, this story had its share of realistic ups and downs during this difficult period in time, with the community rallying around each other through the love of books.
August 15, 2022
4.5 stars: Can a war story be a feel-good story? Yes! The proof? This book!
I'm not saying it's not a sad story, but it's heartwarming to see how people can be compassionate when times are hard and how books have the power to make us escape.
The plot was a bit predictable, but the details about the life in London during the Blitz were very interesting without being too heavy. Plus, the title isn't misleading : there is a lot of focus on the bookshop.
My verdict: I recommend it!
******
I'm not that much into historical fiction... But, you know, this one is about a bookshop, so I had to pick it up!😁📖
I'm not saying it's not a sad story, but it's heartwarming to see how people can be compassionate when times are hard and how books have the power to make us escape.
The plot was a bit predictable, but the details about the life in London during the Blitz were very interesting without being too heavy. Plus, the title isn't misleading : there is a lot of focus on the bookshop.
My verdict: I recommend it!
******
I'm not that much into historical fiction... But, you know, this one is about a bookshop, so I had to pick it up!😁📖
August 23, 2024
2 Stars
Interesting story idea and great cover but the characterizations were clichéd and the story, in spite of it's setting, was rather boring. This book also reads American rather than British. (I checked and the author is American) If you like your World War II stories dull and your characters Saccharine sweet you'll enjoy this one more than I did.
Interesting story idea and great cover but the characterizations were clichéd and the story, in spite of it's setting, was rather boring. This book also reads American rather than British. (I checked and the author is American) If you like your World War II stories dull and your characters Saccharine sweet you'll enjoy this one more than I did.
December 21, 2020
THE LAST BOOKSHOP IN LONDON is my kind of cuppa: The Blitz, lit, friendship, romance, and gutsy Brits who keep calm and carry on through constant bombings. Based on a true story, which shows that when all else fails, books and friends radiate hope in darkness. Especially apt during COVID times.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 20 Apr 2021
#TheLastBookshopinLondon #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U.S, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 20 Apr 2021
#TheLastBookshopinLondon #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U.S, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
May 8, 2022
Grace and Viv left their small home town of Drayton and moved to London to get away from an uncle and overbearing parents. They had no idea things would get as bad as they did.
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 funny thing was that Grace had no love of books, but that was the only job she could find since war was about to break out. She had to deal with the grumpy shop owner, but she made the best of the situation.
A handsome, helpful customer, George, that visited the book shop and smiled at Grace made the shop more bearable. He was also helpful and gave Grace ideas about getting the shop organized after all these years.
Grace brought new life and more business to Primrose Hill Books. Her organization had customers buying more and staying longer. She was a success and knew she would get a wonderful letter of recommendation if she could last for her required six months.
All things weren’t great, though. The children in London were taken from their parents and sent to the country, and George and Colin, their landlady’s son, were sent off to war leaving Grace, Viv, and Mrs. Weatherford alone.
As the women are alone, Grace learns the beauty of books and how they can take you to another place and keep the story with you.
Viv learns that she can’t work at Harrod’s when she knows other women are doing things for their country.
Mrs. Weatherford learns to cope with her son being gone and with helping others while continuing to take care of Grace.
Readers will hear of the London bombings which I didn’t know were so often and so devastating, but for the most part bookworms will not want to miss THE LAST BOOKSHOP IN LONDON.
It is a must read because of the bookshop setting, London, and the endearing characters. The characters are just so heartwarming and genuine.
This book would definitely be good for a reluctant reader because Grace shares how she turned from a non-reader to one who can’t stop reading and recommending and turning others into readers and book lovers.
THE LAST BOOKSHOP IN LONDON is a lovely, lovely read and a tribute to mankind in times of need.
You will need some tissues and many ways to tell everyone how wonderful this book is. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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 funny thing was that Grace had no love of books, but that was the only job she could find since war was about to break out. She had to deal with the grumpy shop owner, but she made the best of the situation.
A handsome, helpful customer, George, that visited the book shop and smiled at Grace made the shop more bearable. He was also helpful and gave Grace ideas about getting the shop organized after all these years.
Grace brought new life and more business to Primrose Hill Books. Her organization had customers buying more and staying longer. She was a success and knew she would get a wonderful letter of recommendation if she could last for her required six months.
All things weren’t great, though. The children in London were taken from their parents and sent to the country, and George and Colin, their landlady’s son, were sent off to war leaving Grace, Viv, and Mrs. Weatherford alone.
As the women are alone, Grace learns the beauty of books and how they can take you to another place and keep the story with you.
Viv learns that she can’t work at Harrod’s when she knows other women are doing things for their country.
Mrs. Weatherford learns to cope with her son being gone and with helping others while continuing to take care of Grace.
Readers will hear of the London bombings which I didn’t know were so often and so devastating, but for the most part bookworms will not want to miss THE LAST BOOKSHOP IN LONDON.
It is a must read because of the bookshop setting, London, and the endearing characters. The characters are just so heartwarming and genuine.
This book would definitely be good for a reluctant reader because Grace shares how she turned from a non-reader to one who can’t stop reading and recommending and turning others into readers and book lovers.
THE LAST BOOKSHOP IN LONDON is a lovely, lovely read and a tribute to mankind in times of need.
You will need some tissues and many ways to tell everyone how wonderful this book is. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2023
I was drawn to this Chapter a Day selection because of this particular line in the summary: "Through blackouts and air raids as the Blitz intensifies, Grace discovers the power of storytelling to unite her community in ways she never dreamed." While the book delivers on this premise, it often does so in a descriptive rather than demonstrative way. So much is told in a rather colorless and listless way that when the final chapters came with their action and moving moments, I was unmoved. I often felt as if I was smack dab in the middle of a gray and dusty bookshop, but not quite so much in London surrounded by the bleakness and desolation of war. In spite of the changes in person and place, I never found the color of brightening up the bookshop, sharing books and reading, or of new friendships and a shared community.
I listened to this on Chapter a Day, and the reader, Jim Fleming, suited the tone and atmosphere. My time commitment was minimal each day and I had hope that each new segment would bring developments and vitality. But it's pretty slow moving theme-wise for the first ten chapters. The writing failed to pull me in enough to rate this higher than 1 star as I found this to be a rather unremarkable and uninvolving story. I will likely have forgotten everything about the storyline and its characters by tomorrow morning. 😦 This would have been a DNF if I had been reading it.
I listened to this on Chapter a Day, and the reader, Jim Fleming, suited the tone and atmosphere. My time commitment was minimal each day and I had hope that each new segment would bring developments and vitality. But it's pretty slow moving theme-wise for the first ten chapters. The writing failed to pull me in enough to rate this higher than 1 star as I found this to be a rather unremarkable and uninvolving story. I will likely have forgotten everything about the storyline and its characters by tomorrow morning. 😦 This would have been a DNF if I had been reading it.
October 23, 2021
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book indeed despite the obvious sadness of course being set in London, England during the blitz of WW2. However I was quite impressed at how so many characters showed kindness and compassion to one another during a devastating time to be living in. Their resilience and courage was no doubt evident as they worked together in helping others to survive and not just cower under Germany's siege! The author didn't use off color language nor took God's name which I was pleased with, showing how a book doesn't need that in order to be an excellent read.
Another aspect that stood out especially was how the kindly, older book shop owner taught Grace that often when people are mean and bitter, it was because they had been hurt themselves previously. She viewed others who had been nasty to her then with eyes of compassion instead of spitefulness as she extended kindness and graciousness towards so many. Her character truly made a difference in many other's lives, even though she hadn't always realized her wonderful impact until later! She didn't repay rotten actions but was merciful...a trait we could learn from.
While not classified as a Christian book per say, it definitely portrayed a admirable Christian like viewpoint and wonderful lessons as well as being a wholesome, marvelous story:) I would definitely recommend this and would gladly read another by this author!
Another aspect that stood out especially was how the kindly, older book shop owner taught Grace that often when people are mean and bitter, it was because they had been hurt themselves previously. She viewed others who had been nasty to her then with eyes of compassion instead of spitefulness as she extended kindness and graciousness towards so many. Her character truly made a difference in many other's lives, even though she hadn't always realized her wonderful impact until later! She didn't repay rotten actions but was merciful...a trait we could learn from.
While not classified as a Christian book per say, it definitely portrayed a admirable Christian like viewpoint and wonderful lessons as well as being a wholesome, marvelous story:) I would definitely recommend this and would gladly read another by this author!
May 19, 2021
Charming and uplifting, The Last Bookshop in London shows the beauty of what happens when people reach outside themselves and help others. With excellent research, Madeline Martin brings World War II London to life, and her characters are rich and varied. This novel has become a New York Times and USA Today bestseller with good reason. For my more sensitive readers – please note this is a clean read – enjoy!
March 28, 2021
We have read many books about heroes from WW II. They are inspiring and make us wonder what we would do if there were a national crisis. What we often forget is the role ordinary people play in helping their neighbors and keeping up morale. Grace Bennett is one of those people. When she came to London she was riding the coattails of her friend Viv. She was not a reader, but the bookshop job was available so she took it. Then war strikes and the air raids begin. In the midst of the tumult of war and the blitz, Grace Bennett shines. When she begins reading 'Middlemarch' aloud to fellow Londoners while taking shelter in the train station I had to grab my tissues. What a poignant reminder of the power of books! We can't all be a Nancy Wake ('Code Name Helene' by Ariel Lawhon) or a Virginia Hall ('The Invisible Woman' by Erika Rebuck), but we can be a Grace Bennett. We can show up. We can look out for our neighbors. We can be a light.
Thank you to Hanover Square and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Hanover Square and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2021
A lovely but tragic 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.
The Last Bookshop in London tells the story of Grace who moves to London after losing her mother. While not being a reader, she happens to find work at a bookshop. She soon becomes an avid reader and uses the power of books to bring her community together. Grace also works an an aid raid protection (ARP) warden during the Blitz. She shows so much bravery and courage as London was continuously bombed and incinerated.
I hadn’t read a book about the London Blitz. It was both sad and interesting to learn about. Londoners were so tough during this time as devastating loss stuck them. They came together to help one another in times of need. This book showed that a little bit of kindness and compassion go a long way.
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.
The Last Bookshop in London tells the story of Grace who moves to London after losing her mother. While not being a reader, she happens to find work at a bookshop. She soon becomes an avid reader and uses the power of books to bring her community together. Grace also works an an aid raid protection (ARP) warden during the Blitz. She shows so much bravery and courage as London was continuously bombed and incinerated.
I hadn’t read a book about the London Blitz. It was both sad and interesting to learn about. Londoners were so tough during this time as devastating loss stuck them. They came together to help one another in times of need. This book showed that a little bit of kindness and compassion go a long way.
August 1, 2021
Predictable plot with many one-dimensional characters. A lot of telling and not enough showing.
July 14, 2025
Das war mal wieder ein Buch, in dessen Geschichte ich wirklich eintauchen konnte.
Es geht um Grace, die im Jahr 1939 nach London kommt und eine Anstellung in einem Buchladen findet. Eigentlich ist sie keine Leserin, aber mit der Zeit lernt sie Bücher zu lieben.
Die Geschichten helfen ihr und letztendlich auch ihren Mitmenschen, den Krieg zu ertragen.
Eine berührende Geschichte. Traurig und schön zugleich.
Es geht um Grace, die im Jahr 1939 nach London kommt und eine Anstellung in einem Buchladen findet. Eigentlich ist sie keine Leserin, aber mit der Zeit lernt sie Bücher zu lieben.
Die Geschichten helfen ihr und letztendlich auch ihren Mitmenschen, den Krieg zu ertragen.
Eine berührende Geschichte. Traurig und schön zugleich.
July 8, 2021
I listened to the audio CD of The Last Bookshop in London:A Novel of World War II by Madeline Martin. It was expertly narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. I have listened to Saskia Maarleveld narrate other audiobooks and audio CD’s and have never been disappointed in her performances including her performance on this one. The Last Bookshop in London was a well researched historical novel that portrayed the devastating effects The Blitz had on the city of London and on its ordinary average citizen. It was rich in details describing the insurmountable damage London underwent and the numerous deaths that occurred as a result. Through all their despair and fear, the one thing that came to sustain Londoners was books. The people of London, both young, old, rich or poor, were able to rise above their fears and find hope through books even in the darkest of times. The characters were well developed with some more likable than others.
In August 1939, two young women who happened to be best friends, made their way to London in search of interesting jobs that could only be found in a city like London. Grace Bennett had recently experienced the death of her mother, and her friend Viv, had high hopes for living an exciting life in London. They were greeted with the sight of blackout curtains and signs of the start of World War II. Mrs. Weatherford, Grace’s mother’s good friend, provided the women with a warm, cozy and friendly place to live. Since Grace arrived in London without any letter of reference she was coerced into accepting a job at Primrose Hill Book Store. It was a dusty old bookshop with a crotchety old owner who seemed to want no part of hiring Grace at first. Working in a bookshop was the last job Grace would have ever imagined for herself. She knew nothing about books and Grace rarely if ever read any books. Grace and the owner came to an understanding. Grace would work at Primrose Hill for six months after which time she would receive a letter of reference and be free to pursue any job she wished. Grace decided to make the best of her situation and started to develop ideas about how she could improve this quiet and dusty bookshop. Then one day, a very handsome and charming male customer, offered to help her with ideas about how she could improve Primrose Hill. That male customer would become someone that Grace would come to love. He also introduced her to the book, The Count of Monte Cristo. Grace’s life was about to change drastically. With the help of that encounter, Grace found a purpose to her life. She reorganized Primrose Hill and began to use advertising to attract more customers. Grace began to volunteer to help her fellow Londoners find safety during air raids. Perhaps the biggest change for Grace was her new passion for reading. She was now able to make suggestions to customers seeking reading material. Somehow, Grace began reading to audiences at the bookstore or during air raids. People sought her out and were in awe of her ability to bring books to life and allow them to escape from the terrors of war even if it was only a temporary escape. Grace and the owner of the bookshop ended up developing a relationship that was based on mutual respect, caring and friendship. Grace ended up looking upon him as a father figure. She grew very close to him and him to her. Grace tirelessly gave all she could to help others. She was a selfless person with a big heart.
The Last Bookshop in London was the first book that I have read by Madeline Martin. I hope she decides to write more historical fiction novels because this one was poignant, emotional and captivating. It was about friendships, love, survival, hope, bravery, romance, life, purpose, resilience, courage and tragedy. The Last Bookshop in London was beautifully written and touched upon an aspect of World War II that has not been written about a lot. Told from the point of view of Londoners, it was easy to imagine the fear, sadness, tragedy, frustration and trauma they must have been feeling at this time during their history. Having a true passion for reading, I really connected with this book. I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it very highly.
In August 1939, two young women who happened to be best friends, made their way to London in search of interesting jobs that could only be found in a city like London. Grace Bennett had recently experienced the death of her mother, and her friend Viv, had high hopes for living an exciting life in London. They were greeted with the sight of blackout curtains and signs of the start of World War II. Mrs. Weatherford, Grace’s mother’s good friend, provided the women with a warm, cozy and friendly place to live. Since Grace arrived in London without any letter of reference she was coerced into accepting a job at Primrose Hill Book Store. It was a dusty old bookshop with a crotchety old owner who seemed to want no part of hiring Grace at first. Working in a bookshop was the last job Grace would have ever imagined for herself. She knew nothing about books and Grace rarely if ever read any books. Grace and the owner came to an understanding. Grace would work at Primrose Hill for six months after which time she would receive a letter of reference and be free to pursue any job she wished. Grace decided to make the best of her situation and started to develop ideas about how she could improve this quiet and dusty bookshop. Then one day, a very handsome and charming male customer, offered to help her with ideas about how she could improve Primrose Hill. That male customer would become someone that Grace would come to love. He also introduced her to the book, The Count of Monte Cristo. Grace’s life was about to change drastically. With the help of that encounter, Grace found a purpose to her life. She reorganized Primrose Hill and began to use advertising to attract more customers. Grace began to volunteer to help her fellow Londoners find safety during air raids. Perhaps the biggest change for Grace was her new passion for reading. She was now able to make suggestions to customers seeking reading material. Somehow, Grace began reading to audiences at the bookstore or during air raids. People sought her out and were in awe of her ability to bring books to life and allow them to escape from the terrors of war even if it was only a temporary escape. Grace and the owner of the bookshop ended up developing a relationship that was based on mutual respect, caring and friendship. Grace ended up looking upon him as a father figure. She grew very close to him and him to her. Grace tirelessly gave all she could to help others. She was a selfless person with a big heart.
The Last Bookshop in London was the first book that I have read by Madeline Martin. I hope she decides to write more historical fiction novels because this one was poignant, emotional and captivating. It was about friendships, love, survival, hope, bravery, romance, life, purpose, resilience, courage and tragedy. The Last Bookshop in London was beautifully written and touched upon an aspect of World War II that has not been written about a lot. Told from the point of view of Londoners, it was easy to imagine the fear, sadness, tragedy, frustration and trauma they must have been feeling at this time during their history. Having a true passion for reading, I really connected with this book. I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it very highly.
November 7, 2022
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was so much more then I expected. I absolutely loved the story line and all the incredible characters. Lately I seem to have a passion to read about bookstores and the adventures of the books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was so much more then I expected. I absolutely loved the story line and all the incredible characters. Lately I seem to have a passion to read about bookstores and the adventures of the books.
May 11, 2021
One of the most precious things I get to do with my husband is read books. We love to sit in our favorite places and read together. We’re our own special book club.
This novel kept reminding me of this because in this people talk, read and gathered because of books. You see, a book shares things with us. It changes us, transports us into something else. Books makes me grateful, sometimes sad, but always grateful.
This all happened during the war in London and it was a wonderful story. I highly recommend it. The audiobook was done very well.
This was a library loan from my local library. Happy Reading.
This novel kept reminding me of this because in this people talk, read and gathered because of books. You see, a book shares things with us. It changes us, transports us into something else. Books makes me grateful, sometimes sad, but always grateful.
This all happened during the war in London and it was a wonderful story. I highly recommend it. The audiobook was done very well.
This was a library loan from my local library. Happy Reading.
August 14, 2021
Loved this story of the daily sacrifices and small kindnesses that make life beautiful. Some of my favorite scenes: The bookseller collecting books rescued from Nazi book burnings so no voices would be silenced. The young woman reading Middlemarch to folks cowering in the tube during a bombing raid. An RAF pilot carrying on a courtship by sending favorite novels to his intended. A charming, worthwhile, uplifting story! Top Pick!
I listened to this story via Hoopla, an app which I recently discovered. Hoopla has even more ebooks & audiobooks available to borrow with my library card. Yay!
I listened to this story via Hoopla, an app which I recently discovered. Hoopla has even more ebooks & audiobooks available to borrow with my library card. Yay!
April 4, 2021
All the stars! ALL THE STARS!! This book just took my heart out of my chest, stomped on it and put it back. Sad tears and some happy tears. There are not enough WW2 books centered on ordinary people. Not everyone was a spy in WW2. More books like this, please!
July 26, 2025
توی دوران جنگ، تا زمانی که اینترنت در دسترس بود طاقچه هر روز یک کتاب مرتبط با اوضاع اون روزها رو رایگان میکرد، مثل نسخه صوتی این کتاب.
من اصلا نمیتونم با نسخهی صوتی کتابها ارتباط بگیرم و جدای از اینکه تمرکز زیادی ازم میطلبه، حس میکنم دارم به نویسنده بیاحترامی میکنم :/
اما شنیدن این کتاب برام راحتتر بود چون انگار داشتم به خاطرات آدمهایی که میشناسم گوش میدم و با تجربهی مشترک همین 12 روز جنگ ما به هم مرتبط و نزدیکتر شدیم.
برای اولین بار، حال و هوای جنگ جهانی در لندن رو خیلی خوب درک میکردم. شبهایی که از ترس و نگرانی نمیتونستیم بخوابیم. دغدغهی غذا و پناهگاه و عزیزانمون. آیندهی نامعلومی که باعث میشد بیشتر و بیشتر نااُمید بشیم و توی خودمون فرو بریم. پیامکهای متوالی برای اینکه مطمئن شیم دوستانمون "زنده"ن.
گریس که به تازگی به لندن اومده، به طور موقت شروع به کار در یک کتابفروشی میکنه و مدتی بعد لندن درگیر جنگ میشه.
توی یکی از شبهای بمبارون، وقتی که مردم توی پناهگاه جمع شدند، گریس شروع میکنه کتاب "میدل مارچ" رو برای مردم میخونه و همه اینقدر درگیر داستان میشن و به قدری توی اوضاع نیاز به دوری از واقعیت داشتن که روز بعد مردم به کتابفروشی میرن و از گریس میخوان که باقی کتاب رو براشون بخونه و این شروع جلسات کتابخوانی در دل جنگ جهانیه.
برای من خیلی خیلی زیبا بود که گریس هر روز بیدار میشد و تلاش میکرد امروز رو هم زندگی کنه و زندگیها رو نجات بده. کتابهایی که آدمها رو به زندگی وصل کرد، تغییرشون داد و به هم نزدیکتر کرد.
تصویری که از این کتاب توی ذهنم ثبت کردم، یه دنیای خاکستریه با کتابفروشی رنگی که ویترینش با گلهای کاغذی تزئین شده.
پ.ن: توی تاریکی نشستم و منتظرم برق بیاد و به این چند سال جنگ ناتموم و آیندهی نامعلوم فکر میکنم و دوست دارم این تاریکی منو ببلعه و ناپدید بشم.
من اصلا نمیتونم با نسخهی صوتی کتابها ارتباط بگیرم و جدای از اینکه تمرکز زیادی ازم میطلبه، حس میکنم دارم به نویسنده بیاحترامی میکنم :/
اما شنیدن این کتاب برام راحتتر بود چون انگار داشتم به خاطرات آدمهایی که میشناسم گوش میدم و با تجربهی مشترک همین 12 روز جنگ ما به هم مرتبط و نزدیکتر شدیم.
برای اولین بار، حال و هوای جنگ جهانی در لندن رو خیلی خوب درک میکردم. شبهایی که از ترس و نگرانی نمیتونستیم بخوابیم. دغدغهی غذا و پناهگاه و عزیزانمون. آیندهی نامعلومی که باعث میشد بیشتر و بیشتر نااُمید بشیم و توی خودمون فرو بریم. پیامکهای متوالی برای اینکه مطمئن شیم دوستانمون "زنده"ن.
گریس که به تازگی به لندن اومده، به طور موقت شروع به کار در یک کتابفروشی میکنه و مدتی بعد لندن درگیر جنگ میشه.
توی یکی از شبهای بمبارون، وقتی که مردم توی پناهگاه جمع شدند، گریس شروع میکنه کتاب "میدل مارچ" رو برای مردم میخونه و همه اینقدر درگیر داستان میشن و به قدری توی اوضاع نیاز به دوری از واقعیت داشتن که روز بعد مردم به کتابفروشی میرن و از گریس میخوان که باقی کتاب رو براشون بخونه و این شروع جلسات کتابخوانی در دل جنگ جهانیه.
برای من خیلی خیلی زیبا بود که گریس هر روز بیدار میشد و تلاش میکرد امروز رو هم زندگی کنه و زندگیها رو نجات بده. کتابهایی که آدمها رو به زندگی وصل کرد، تغییرشون داد و به هم نزدیکتر کرد.
تصویری که از این کتاب توی ذهنم ثبت کردم، یه دنیای خاکستریه با کتابفروشی رنگی که ویترینش با گلهای کاغذی تزئین شده.
پ.ن: توی تاریکی نشستم و منتظرم برق بیاد و به این چند سال جنگ ناتموم و آیندهی نامعلوم فکر میکنم و دوست دارم این تاریکی منو ببلعه و ناپدید بشم.
September 22, 2021
This is a lackluster novel about a bookshop that survives the London Blitz. The characters are stereotypical at best with little or no dimension. A reader can predict the outcome with just the slimmest imagination. There are many excellent historical fiction novels set in London during the Blitz-unfortunately this work leaves the reader unfulfilled.
May 7, 2023
This is the first book I have read by Madeline Martin. I am very impressed and will add her to my list of authors to follow. This is a historical fiction that takes place in London in 1939 to 1941. I have a personal interest in the London Blitz as most of my mother’s family died when a bomb hit their house in London.
This is a story about ordinary people rising to the occasion and managing through adversity. They helped their neighbors and did what the English have always done calmly carrying on through it all. This is also a story about the power of books and the importance of a local bookshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and thirteen minutes. Saskia Maarleveld does an excellent job narrating the book.
This is a story about ordinary people rising to the occasion and managing through adversity. They helped their neighbors and did what the English have always done calmly carrying on through it all. This is also a story about the power of books and the importance of a local bookshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and thirteen minutes. Saskia Maarleveld does an excellent job narrating the book.
January 10, 2022
Corro o risco de me tornar repetitiva mas... Que livraço!!! A amizade, a nossa força (por vezes desconhecida), o poder dos livros... o que os livros conseguem fazer... Leiam-no se faz favor 😊
November 23, 2021
Very Personal
“The last book shop in London” is absolutely fantastic. I have read many world war two books and this one takes entirely different twists than the ones I’ve read in the past.
It’s personal, the characters are absolutely spectacular and most of all the storyline is realistic.
I love this book and I hope you do too.
I’ll give it my top recommendation
“The last book shop in London” is absolutely fantastic. I have read many world war two books and this one takes entirely different twists than the ones I’ve read in the past.
It’s personal, the characters are absolutely spectacular and most of all the storyline is realistic.
I love this book and I hope you do too.
I’ll give it my top recommendation
April 4, 2021
This uplifting novel of WWII contains no spies, battles, or decorated war heroes. Instead, this is a warm and hopeful novel of the perseverance of Londoners during the worst of the Blitz.
It is 1939 and Grace Bennett, along with her best friend Viv, have escaped from their humdrum lives in rural England to conquer London. Settled in with Mrs. Weatherford, an old friend of Grace’s mother, they are looking for a new life of glamour and adventure. Viv soon lands the job she has craved at Harrod’s, but without the much hoped for reference from her uncle, Grace must take a six-month position at a bookstore that Mrs. Weatherford has arranged for her.
Faced with the recalcitrant Mr. Evans, owner of the Primrose Hill bookshop, Grace soon puts to use the skills she honed at her uncle’s store to bring some order and much needed cleanliness to the disorganized and neglected stacks of books she finds herself faced with. Not a reader herself, she is at a loss as to what to recommend to the devoted cliental she encounters. This soon changes when she makes the acquaintance of a handsome young man who introduces her to the Count of Monte Cristo. When the bombs start dropping on London, Grace finds herself reading aloud to her fellow shell-shocked neighbors in the underground during the bombing raids. Eventually, they follow her to the store to hear more of the stories she reads aloud.
Inspired by real events, this heart-warming story is a delight to read. Depicting quiet triumph or tragedy, and the universal need of us all to find friendship, hope and a place where we can make a difference. This is a story that will leave the reader with a few tears, but still a feeling of warmth.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
It is 1939 and Grace Bennett, along with her best friend Viv, have escaped from their humdrum lives in rural England to conquer London. Settled in with Mrs. Weatherford, an old friend of Grace’s mother, they are looking for a new life of glamour and adventure. Viv soon lands the job she has craved at Harrod’s, but without the much hoped for reference from her uncle, Grace must take a six-month position at a bookstore that Mrs. Weatherford has arranged for her.
Faced with the recalcitrant Mr. Evans, owner of the Primrose Hill bookshop, Grace soon puts to use the skills she honed at her uncle’s store to bring some order and much needed cleanliness to the disorganized and neglected stacks of books she finds herself faced with. Not a reader herself, she is at a loss as to what to recommend to the devoted cliental she encounters. This soon changes when she makes the acquaintance of a handsome young man who introduces her to the Count of Monte Cristo. When the bombs start dropping on London, Grace finds herself reading aloud to her fellow shell-shocked neighbors in the underground during the bombing raids. Eventually, they follow her to the store to hear more of the stories she reads aloud.
Inspired by real events, this heart-warming story is a delight to read. Depicting quiet triumph or tragedy, and the universal need of us all to find friendship, hope and a place where we can make a difference. This is a story that will leave the reader with a few tears, but still a feeling of warmth.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
March 15, 2023
With so many books set in this period, finding a new hook must be challenging, but Madeline Martin succeeds with her charming characters and bookshop setting. The hardships of wartime London and the tragedy of loss are balanced by the courage, compassion, and grace of everyday citizens.
October 2, 2023
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
Synopsis /
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.
August 1939: London 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.
My Thoughts /
“Reading is going somewhere without ever taking a train or ship, an unveiling of new incredible worlds. It’s living a life you weren’t born into and a chance to see something coloured by someone else’s perspective. It’s learning without having to face consequences of failures, and how best to succeed.”
August 1939 London, England, Grace Bennett and her best friend, Viv, have just stepped off the train which has pulled into Farringdon Station. Collecting their suitcases, each one stuffed to the point of bursting, they headed off to their new lodgings only a two-minute walk away.
Martin's writing immerses you into the streets of London during the Blitz. I've never had much luck reading stories with a book within a book theme; but I found this one different, I suppose you could say it was a book about books. Whichever way you like to look at it, it was a big tick from me.
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.
The other thing which I loved about reading Martin's story is that she highlighted the parts of the war from the 'other' side.
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.
I'd never given that much thought before, how it might have felt for the serving person sending a letter home, only to find out their home, and loved ones, were no longer there. This one passage certainly made me stop and reflect.
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.
If you love spending time with books, give some thought to spend a little of your time at The Last Bookshop in London.
Synopsis /
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.
August 1939: London 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.
My Thoughts /
“Reading is going somewhere without ever taking a train or ship, an unveiling of new incredible worlds. It’s living a life you weren’t born into and a chance to see something coloured by someone else’s perspective. It’s learning without having to face consequences of failures, and how best to succeed.”
August 1939 London, England, Grace Bennett and her best friend, Viv, have just stepped off the train which has pulled into Farringdon Station. Collecting their suitcases, each one stuffed to the point of bursting, they headed off to their new lodgings only a two-minute walk away.
Martin's writing immerses you into the streets of London during the Blitz. I've never had much luck reading stories with a book within a book theme; but I found this one different, I suppose you could say it was a book about books. Whichever way you like to look at it, it was a big tick from me.
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.
The other thing which I loved about reading Martin's story is that she highlighted the parts of the war from the 'other' side.
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.
I'd never given that much thought before, how it might have felt for the serving person sending a letter home, only to find out their home, and loved ones, were no longer there. This one passage certainly made me stop and reflect.
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.
If you love spending time with books, give some thought to spend a little of your time at The Last Bookshop in London.
July 22, 2023
My heart. ❤️😭
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