It is a must read because of the bookshop setting, London, and the endearing characters. The characters are just so heartwarming and genuine. But in reading those detailed accounts, characters began to take shape in my mind. The naysayer who always had an opinion (like Mr. Pritchard), the woman who unexpectedly finds purpose in her war efforts (like Viv) and then there is Colin’s character who is an especially dear one to me. 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.” 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.

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. The following version of the novel was used to create this study guide: Martin, Madeline. The Last Bookshop. Hanover Square Press, April 6, 2021. Kindle. Genre/Categories: Historical Fiction, WW11, London, Books About Books, “might also be a love story”

Customer reviews

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.” Inspiration as an author can come in many forms. It can be an event that once happened or a person you know or have read about, it can even be an experience you yourself have had that manifests itself into a scene for your next book. All it takes is a grain of sand caught in the folds of your brain to work itself into a gleaming pearl.

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. 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. 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. 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.Heroine Grace Bennett’s story is centered around a small, much older bookshop, Primrose Hill Books, during wartime London. This is a story of hope and courage during the darkest of days. Grace and her best friend move to London, but without any references Grace has to take the only job offered - a clerk at a bookstore. The problem she faces at her new job is she’s not a reader. She meets a customer George who introduces her to The Count of Monte Cristo. From there she goes on to more books, finding pleasure in reading and enjoying George’s frequent visits to the bookshop. Then Britain declares war on Germany. George is a pilot and is called into service. Through written letters, a romance blooms between Grace and George.