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A review by bringmybooks
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley, Hanover Square Press, and Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
I. Loved. This. Book. SO. MUCH. I requested this book on a whim, loving the synopsis but not really knowing what to expect, and MAN OH MAN did Madeline Martin deliver.
I don't often find myself wanting to re-read WWII hist fics, but this is one that I will definitely read again - both in print AND audio (I just sampled it, and the new-to-me narrator Saskia Maarleveld has a FAB voice - I've just bought it!).
The plot is contained in a very small world - just a couple of blocks of London - but it feels expansive in how well these blocks are explored and described, and how vibrant every character, every incendiary device, every book, every sunny day, every lost friend, every night in a subway shelter was written. I was completely absorbed in every part of this story, and in every character - and although it travels some well worn roads, this WWII novel felt unique to me.
Lastly, the BOOKSHOP. The STORIES. The BOOKS. The READERS. The way that these characters share their lives through the books they read and the way they talk about both reading itself and the books they've read - it was so dang good. I loved that the main character, Grace, was not a reader in the beginning of the book. I loved - beyond measure! - watching her grow into one. I loved watching her find her affinity for literature and the written word. There was one entire chapter that I read with tears silently coursing down my cheeks, because I felt so connected to this world and these characters.
If I *still* haven't convinced you (HOW?), here's two quotes that have been living rent free in my heart for weeks:
Uncorrected Proof Quote:
I. Loved. This. Book. SO. MUCH. I requested this book on a whim, loving the synopsis but not really knowing what to expect, and MAN OH MAN did Madeline Martin deliver.
I don't often find myself wanting to re-read WWII hist fics, but this is one that I will definitely read again - both in print AND audio (I just sampled it, and the new-to-me narrator Saskia Maarleveld has a FAB voice - I've just bought it!).
The plot is contained in a very small world - just a couple of blocks of London - but it feels expansive in how well these blocks are explored and described, and how vibrant every character, every incendiary device, every book, every sunny day, every lost friend, every night in a subway shelter was written. I was completely absorbed in every part of this story, and in every character - and although it travels some well worn roads, this WWII novel felt unique to me.
Lastly, the BOOKSHOP. The STORIES. The BOOKS. The READERS. The way that these characters share their lives through the books they read and the way they talk about both reading itself and the books they've read - it was so dang good. I loved that the main character, Grace, was not a reader in the beginning of the book. I loved - beyond measure! - watching her grow into one. I loved watching her find her affinity for literature and the written word. There was one entire chapter that I read with tears silently coursing down my cheeks, because I felt so connected to this world and these characters.
If I *still* haven't convinced you (HOW?), here's two quotes that have been living rent free in my heart for weeks:
Uncorrected Proof Quote:
'"Reading is...' His brows knit together and then his forehead smoothed as the right words appeared to dawn on him. 'It's 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 everything colored by someone else's perspective. It's learning without having to face consequences of failures, and how best to succeed.' He hesitated. 'I think within all of us, there is a void, a gap waiting to be filled by something. For me, that something is books and all their proffered experiences.'"
Uncorrected Proof Quote:
"Deeper still was the profound understanding for mankind as she lived in the minds of the characters. Over time, she had found such perspectives made her a more patient person, more accepting of others. If everyone had such an appreciation for their fellow man, perhaps things such as war would not exist."
I absolutely recommend this to everyone, whether historical fiction is your jam or not - if you love reading, I think you'll love this book just as much.
Content Warnings