The Last Bookshop in London: A Moving WWII Historical Fiction Novel of Community, Survival and the Sanctuary of Literature in Troubling Times
The New York Times bestseller—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!
“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 Creek
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 drawn curtains that she finds on her arrival are 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
Don’t miss Madeline Martin’s next heartwarming historical novel, The Booklover’s Library!
Also by Madeline Martin:The Librarian SpyThe Keeper of Hidden Books
From the Publisher
Add to Cart
Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars 24,461
4.5 out of 5 stars 24,461
4.5 out of 5 stars 24,461
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$12.95$12.95 $9.99$9.99 $0.00$0.00
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Publisher : Hanover Square Press
Publication date : April 6, 2021
Edition : Original
Language : English
Print length : 320 pages
ISBN-10 : 133528480X
ISBN-13 : 978-1335284808
Item Weight : 8.5 ounces
Dimensions : 5.33 x 0.79 x 7.97 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #18,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #85 in World War II Historical Fiction #104 in Historical World War II & Holocaust Fiction #931 in Literary Fiction (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (24,461) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Original price was: $18.99.$10.06Current price is: $10.06.
The New York Times bestseller—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!
“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 Creek
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 drawn curtains that she finds on her arrival are 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
Don’t miss Madeline Martin’s next heartwarming historical novel, The Booklover’s Library!
Also by Madeline Martin:The Librarian SpyThe Keeper of Hidden Books
From the Publisher
Add to Cart
Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars 24,461
4.5 out of 5 stars 24,461
4.5 out of 5 stars 24,461
Price
$12.95$12.95 $9.99$9.99 $0.00$0.00
no data
no data
no data
Publisher : Hanover Square Press
Publication date : April 6, 2021
Edition : Original
Language : English
Print length : 320 pages
ISBN-10 : 133528480X
ISBN-13 : 978-1335284808
Item Weight : 8.5 ounces
Dimensions : 5.33 x 0.79 x 7.97 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #18,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #85 in World War II Historical Fiction #104 in Historical World War II & Holocaust Fiction #931 in Literary Fiction (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (24,461) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
13 reviews for The Last Bookshop in London: A Moving WWII Historical Fiction Novel of Community, Survival and the Sanctuary of Literature in Troubling Times
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E. Frier –
A must read
One of the most heartfelt stories I’ve read this year so far. I have always loved stories about bookshops. “The Last Bookshop in London” has all the elements that draw a reader in. For example, historical content – WWII; a historical place – London, England. The characters tug at you heartstrings and get you vested in their emotions thru their words and actions. Every line of dialogue moves the story along. There are gems of wisdom on the meaning of why we love to read. For example, taking us somewhere we have never been or taking us away from our daily trials and tribulations. Most of all to remind us what is really important; what matters and unites us. Tragedy strikes in war times, lives and loved ones are lost, but life goes on. The quality of life depends on you and how you share with those in need, even if it as little as reading them a story. This is a must read.
Mugget –
It was pretty good
If you like to read historical fiction about day to day lives in the midst of war, you may enjoy this book. Set in London during World War II, a young woman from the countryside is forced to grow up overnight in the midst of the blitz. I’ve read a lot of novels set in the same location and time period, and this one didn’t suck me right in as some others have, but it was still worth reading. I liked the plot and the characters.
C. Wong –
A Book For Your Heart!
This book was a treat for me! Love of books, historical fiction and the message of hope during tough times. I am asking Madeline Martin to ” Please, please write more historical fiction. Carefully researched and written with a great deal of love, this book is exactly what I need right now.Set in London in August 1939, Grace Bennett and her best friend head from the countryside to inside London. Her uncle refused to give her a letter of recommendation even though she had worked at his store, not because she was a poor worker but to sum it up, he was a mean person. That made getting a job in London very tough but her landlord. Mrs. Weatherford, who I grew to love, made sure that she was hired at the Primrose Hill Bookshop. The owner only agreed to a six month job as a bookclerk for her. And it she had to really talk him into it. The shop was dusty and there were piles of books and even she wasn’t a reader, she set about cleaning, and putting the books in order, trying to get a good recommendation. A romance s began between her and one handsome male book browser.War comes, and many changes happen and Grace becomes an avid reader. Learning that during times of grief and suffering, books give you hope. I listened to this historically detailed book and cried and smiled and loved this book so much. I do hope that you read it.
Amazon Customer –
Good read
This is an amazing book. Interesting and keeps you going.
sherrycogley –
Evens and Bennett
This was a very sweet, endearing story of a bookstore operated by lovely people during WWII. The facts of the war taking place in London were accurate. The heart of the English people was well described by the author. You felt as though you were right there with the characters.I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be fully immerced in a great read.
Mercedes Mead –
Heartwarming story with a bit of everything
This WWII historical fiction gives you a little bit of everything, a little drama, a little history, a little action, and a little romance. I was drawn to all the characters and could feel their emotions. I liked seeing the evolution of Grace and woman she became. Mr Evans holds a special place in my heart. And how could you not love Mrs. Weatherford! Even all the side characters were good. I learned a lot reading this book about The Blitz in London during WWII. Books helped provide an escape for many and bring people together. The power that books had could not be measured.
Teresa Smith –
Wonderful
Amazing. Wonderful read. Immediately bought others by this author.
Meppybn –
Ho hum – yawn
A great story idea but the writing left me out in the cold. Why do Americans think they can write books in English settings and then trip themselves up by saying ‘faucet’ instead of ‘tap’ or ‘sidewalk’ instead of ‘footpath’? Grrr, so annoying. Rosamunde Pilcher the author is not.
takako –
第二次世界大戦時のナチスドイツによるロンドン大空襲（The Blitz) 下でのロンドンの人々の生活を描いた物語。このテーマは、 Pat Barker の Noonday などを読んで、当時のロンドンの人々の苛酷な中にも勇敢な行動について知った。本書は、その時期、書店で働く若い女性を主人公として、読みやすく感動的な物語となっている。書店を少しでも居心地のよい場所にしようと、懸命にとりくむ Grace。最初はかたくなな態度だった書店主Mr. Evans とのやがて生まれる深い心の絆。書店を訪れる人々との交流。しかし温かな生活も束の間、戦争が始まる。Norfork の田舎町から一緒にロンドンに来た親友の Viv は Harrods に職を得ていたが、やがて ATS (国防婦人部隊）に入る。 寄宿先（亡き母親の友人）の息子 Colin は戦地へ赴く。Grace も昼間は書店で働く傍ら、夜間は ARP warden (空襲監視員）となって活動する。パートナーの Mr. Stokes に最初は疎んじられるが、命がけの行動を共にしていく中で、強い信頼関係が生まれる。空襲警報が鳴るたびに人々はシェルターに駆け込み、地下鉄 Farringdon Station のホームも避難所となる。書店で知り合った空軍兵士 George の影響で、読書に魅入られていった Grace は、書店で、あるいは地下鉄の避難所で、いろいろな本を朗読し、人々に安らぎを与えるのだ。本書は、Grace の成長とともに、人々との温かな繫がり、戦争の苛酷さ、その中でも勇気や希望を失わないロンドンの人々の気概を描いて、良質な作品となっている。
J. A. Knott –
I could not put this book down. An excellent and moving story in WWII London, a London my parents would have experienced but these characters are mainly civilians, coping as best they can and doing their best in incredibly difficult circumstances as tragically people still must in parts of the world.
ABnow –
If there are times when you need something to lift you from the mundane to the extraordinary, to inspire and cheer you up or to bring tears of sheer emotion to your eyes, then read this book. A study of human nature and the strength of the human spirit , it is a story to make you feel blessed, alive and motivated.
Amazon Customer –
It is magically unique in its portrayal of compassion and fortitude. Seldom one reads such an emotional, powerful, journey told in such a straightforward style, truly superb!
TimM –
What a wonderful read! Grace Bennett arrives with her lifelong best friend in London just as war breaks out. The next five years bring love, loss, and a whole new world of literature into Grace’s life, all written in a way that transports you back to an afternoon in Primrose Hill Books listening to Grace’s latest reading session. For anyone with a love of everything books, especially traditional bookshops, this is a must read that never failed to keep this reader spellbound from start to finish.