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

by Madeline Martin

Overview

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“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 newest historical novel, The Librarian Spy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781335284808
Publisher:	Hanover Square Press
Publication date:	04/06/2021
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	5,460
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA TODAY, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty different languages.

Editorial Reviews

The Last Bookshop in London is 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, New York Times-bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek


“The Last Bookshop in London is a gorgeously written story of love, friendship, and survival set against the backdrop of WWII era London. Madeline Martin’s beautiful novel is a poignant and emotional love letter to books and bookshops themselves, and ultimately a testament to the power of stories to sustain us in even our darkest hours.” —Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of In Another Time and Half Life


“I devoured this story! I loved Grace and Primrose Hill Books! At its heart, The Last Bookshop in London is 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. I highly recommend it.”
—Karen Robards, author of The Black Swan of Paris


"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." -Booklist


“The Last Bookshop in London is a wonderful story of friendship, loss and love, and Martin cleverly balances the hardships and heartbreak of wartime London, while at the same time creating an uplifting read. This is the type of story that will have you close to tears one moment, and then somehow smiling the next. An absolutely delightful read.” - Soraya M. Lane, bestselling author of Wives of War and The Last Correspondent

"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." -Library Journal


"An amusing, suspenseful, and uplifting historical with heart-warming motifs that have never felt more topical or vital." -Vannessa Cronin, Amazon Book Review

"With... countless nods to classic literature and a heroine possessed of both compassion and grit, The Last Bookshop in London is a treat for historical fiction fans." -Katie Noah Gibson, Shelf Awareness

From the Publisher

04/23/2021

Grace and Viv, two young women from Norfolk, travel to London on the eve of World War II to lodge with Mrs. Weatherford, the best friend of Grace's mother. Viv is hopeful of a job at Harrods; Grace doesn't have proper references, so she must content herself with a job at the local shop Primrose Hill Books (although she's not much of a reader). Primrose Hill's owner, Mr. Evans, grudgingly hires Grace at Mrs. Weatherford's behest. Mr. Evans sets out some conditions: Grace may stay for only six months, after which he will provide her with references and she can seek employment elsewhere. He didn't count on Grace's entrepreneurial and community spirit, or the imminent war, or people's insatiable need for words and stories during hard times. Grace's first task is to make effective blackout curtains for the shop, as the war and air raids begin. Decency prevails in Martin's (Borderland Ladies) historically accurate book, despite the horrors of the London Blitz, which Grace, as an air raid warden, witnesses firsthand. VERDICT 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.—Penelope J.M. Klein, Edinburgh, Scotland

Library Journal