Stephanie Sullivan: Review - The Last Bookshop in London

September 23, 2024

TITLE: The Last Bookshop in London (audiobook)

RATING: ★★★★

Summary (from Goodreads): 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.

REVIEW: So, for the past couple of months I've become obsessed with books narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. I don't know what to say other than she is absolutely incredible. The way she makes SO many character voices different and unique in one book recording is simply amazing. Her voice is also very soothing, and I love the many accents she uses. Madeline Martin is a new-to-me author, and The Last Bookshop in London captured this old librarian's heart right from the start. I believe anyone who treasures the written word will fall in love with this book. (I actually jotted down several titles mentioned in this story that I had never heard of and plan on reading soon). On another note, I always appreciate when an author does extensive research for their books, and it was obvious from the beginning that Madeline did her homework. My favorite types of historical fiction are set during World War II, and I learned many new things about the era while reading this story. The heroine, Grace Bennett, was a woman after my own heart, and it thrilled my soul to see her blossom into a voracious reader. And the last chapter...oh my goodness...I wept. Such beautiful writing that really tugs at the heartstrings. I look forward to reading more of Madeline's work in the future, and I would highly recommend The Last Bookshop in London to everyone.