The Last Bookshop in London

A Novel of World War II

By: Madeline Martin

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

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.

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.

With aspirations of working at a department store, Grace never imagined she’d wind up employed at Primrose Hill, an offbeat bookshop nestled in the heart of the city - after all, she’s never been much of a reader. Overwhelmed with organizing the cluttered store, she doesn’t have time to read the books she sells. But when one is gifted to her, what starts as an obligation becomes a passion that draws her into the incredible world of literature.

As the Blitz rains down bombs on the city night after night, a devastating attack leaves the libraries and shops of London’s literary center in ruins. Miraculously, Grace’s bookshop survives the firestorm. Through blackouts and air raids, Grace continues running the shop, discovering a newfound comfort in the power of words and storytelling that unites her community in ways she never imagined - a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of war-torn London.

©2021 Madeline Martin (P)2021 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

People really are good!

Even in the middle of war. With all its horrors.
There is no shortage of heroes. Bravery. People that will not stop helping.
People who can't stop helping.
This is a wonderful story for your heart. With beautiful narration.

I loved The Last Bookshop in London!

Usually, I wouldn't say I like books set in wartime but, this was such a sweet story, and the characters are well developed. I felt many emotions reading this book, crying happy and sad tears through a lot of it.

I will have to read more books written by Madeline Martin.

I wish there was a way to give this more than 5 stars?

This Is one of the best books I’ve ever read or listened to. I felt like I was in the story. I felt every emotion of all of the characters and also those that they interacted with. I was satisfied with the ending because it actually felt more like the beginning for everyone. It definitely renews your faith and confidence in the character of human beings.

Really loved it!

This is one of my favorite genres and time periods for a couple of reasons, I’m English & was born right after WWII so my parents lived through this period. My father had 4 homes bombed while he was away fighting in Europe & my mother, who worked in an ammunition’s factory, lived through the bombing in the north of England. Add to that, I’m an avid reader & London is my favorite city in the world, so this book checked lots of boxes for me.

Ms. Martin’s descriptive narratives taking us from pre-war London through the ravages of the worst of the bombing were excellent as were the emotions she unearthed in me as I lived vicariously through this period in history. The impact of food rationing was very real - it continued until I was 8 years old & impacted the growth (therefore the body stature) of an entire generation. The images described of efforts to live through this awful time were gripping.

Overall an excellent read, an accurate depiction of the conditions of the time which was enhanced by the ability of the narrator.

Very Entertaining

A very enjoyable book. World War II in Britain is the backdrop for Grace's story about coming to love reading. This is a heart warming story about how, despite deprivations and loss, small acts of kindness can bring people to hope and survival. I would love to visit, The Last Bookshop in London.

Heartwarming

Heartwarming and makes you appreciate books even more. I also found the details of living in London during the war interesting and it reminded me of my grandma who grew up in London and was evacuated to the countryside as a child.

A World War 2 story, and a love story

This is a feel good story that includes war, community, love, friendship, loss, and triumph. What more can you ask for?

Great car book!

I liked the setting, the characters’ characters, the historical context of London in the Blitz, and the focus on the value of books!

Book Lovers

if you love books, London history a d a good story you'll enjoy this book! Loved this narrator too.

A lovely story!

I couldn't wait to listen to this story of perseverance and hope. Loved it!