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The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II Paperback – April 6, 2021

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 21,190 ratings

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The New York Times bestseller—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!

“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 next heartwarming historical novel,
The Booklover's Library!

Also by Madeline Martin:
  • The Librarian Spy
  • The Keeper of Hidden Books
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From the Publisher

London, 1939
A city torn apart by war
And brought together by books.
9781335000392 image 9781335284808 image 9781335426918 image 9781335455024 image
The Booklover's Library The Last Bookshop in London The Librarian Spy The Keeper of Hidden Books
Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Reviews

Review

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

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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hanover Square Press; Original edition (April 6, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 133528480X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335284808
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.33 x 0.79 x 7.97 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 21,190 ratings

About the author

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

She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.

Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
21,190 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and heartwarming. They describe the book as charming and a treat to read. The characters are well-developed and relatable. Readers praise the writing quality as exceptional and easy to follow. They appreciate the resilience, resolve, compassion, and love depicted in the book.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

561 customers mention "Story quality"541 positive20 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it an easy, enjoyable read about the power of books. The book has their attention from start to finish and is a lovely little read about the realities of war. The last half is full of excitement and sadness, holding their attention from the start.

"...Once it got good, it got really good! The last half was full of excitement and sadness...." Read more

"...This story made it very real and I felt as if I was there living it with Grace. I smiled and I cried...." Read more

"Very engaging. Wonderful characters. The way they all matured and learned to love… I didn’t want the story to end." Read more

"...I listened to this historically detailed book and cried and smiled and loved this book so much. I do hope that you read it." Read more

261 customers mention "Readability"229 positive32 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it charming and well-written, with great characters that are likeable. The story builds a community around reading and literature, and is a tribute to the power of words and reading.

"...It really is a feel good novel!" Read more

"...Romance is a very tiny part but it’s very sweet and simple." Read more

"This book was a treat for me! Love of books, historical fiction and the message of hope during tough times...." Read more

"...The way her character comes to life and finds her passion for reading, for helping others, for making a difference in a world torn apart by war, and..." Read more

240 customers mention "Heartwarming story"233 positive7 negative

Customers find the story heartwarming and uplifting. They say it draws them into the spirit of humanity and determination of hopeful survival. The themes of hope, strength, and togetherness are well-developed and emotionally engaging. Readers appreciate the book's reminder of what Londoners lost and suffered during the Blitz.

"...The last half was full of excitement and sadness...." Read more

"Very engaging. Wonderful characters. The way they all matured and learned to love… I didn’t want the story to end." Read more

"...Love of books, historical fiction and the message of hope during tough times...." Read more

"I could not stop reading. It was well written. I loved the ending. I would recommend this book without hesitation." Read more

190 customers mention "Character development"177 positive13 negative

Customers enjoy the characters' development. They find the plots engaging and immerse themselves in the characters' lives.

"...The heroine’s growth and journey is relatable for all of us. Beautiful work." Read more

"Very engaging. Wonderful characters. The way they all matured and learned to love… I didn’t want the story to end." Read more

"I liked the atmosphere and characters. I didn’t like the inaccuracies of English terms...." Read more

"I fell in love with Grace from the beginning. The way her character comes to life and finds her passion for reading, for helping others, for making..." Read more

167 customers mention "Writing quality"139 positive28 negative

Customers find the writing quality engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the author's skill in crafting a well-written story with a simple yet charming narrative that has many moral lessons.

"...Carefully researched and written with a great deal of love, this book is exactly what I need right now...." Read more

"I could not stop reading. It was well written. I loved the ending. I would recommend this book without hesitation." Read more

"Wonderful little story set during WWII. Easy enjoyable read. I like the characters and how one learns to love books" Read more

"This book is well written. The story provides historical details leading up to, during, and after the German Blitz...." Read more

119 customers mention "Resilience"115 positive4 negative

Customers praise the book for its resilience. They find it a story of strength, resolve, compassion, and love in the face of adversity. The book depicts the efforts and bravery of its people. It is a marvelous story of survival and overcoming obstacles of war. Readers appreciate the character and spirit, the determination to withstand the Nazis no matter what got thrown at them. It has a solidity and comforting taste.

"This book carried me away into a time filled with war, sorrow and courage...." Read more

"This story had my attention from the start and held all the way to the end! I love historical fiction so I've ready many books in this genre...." Read more

"A lovely story about a heroine who learned to do things for others and became loved by others for doing right by others! Other worldly...." Read more

"...What a gem of an uplifting read! Triumph through adversity! We all need a dose of that right now…." Read more

85 customers mention "Visual content"85 positive0 negative

Customers find the book vivid and detailed in depicting life in London during the Nazi era. They appreciate the realistic portrayal of the blitz and the author's depiction of the constant threat of war. The book accurately portrays the lives of the characters and their experiences under constant threat.

"...The heroine’s growth and journey is relatable for all of us. Beautiful work." Read more

"...the first days and endless months of WWII in London to life in vivid detail, not from a strategic perspective but through the everyday lives of..." Read more

"...The book does a great job of illustrating what it was like to like under the constant threat of bombings, blackouts and air raids...." Read more

"...job of research, so that the feel, sounds, and experiences of London at war come to life, and the reader can find many things to research on his or..." Read more

54 customers mention "Education value"54 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's educational value. They find it informative, with wisdom and a vivid depiction of daily life during the war. The book is carefully researched and written with love. Readers expand their knowledge and learn interesting tidbits about daily life during the war from the book. It provides guidance and inspiration through the heroine's courage, determination, and resilience under fire.

"...Carefully researched and written with a great deal of love, this book is exactly what I need right now...." Read more

"...but overall I loved the characters, the flow, and the predictability that I wanted...." Read more

"...It has a simplicity to it, but it is charming and has many little morals to share within it. It will be a book I come back to more than once." Read more

"...There’s just so many golden nuggets of inspiration between its pages...." Read more

Historical Fiction WW2 era in London
3 out of 5 stars
Historical Fiction WW2 era in London
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 This book is just ok. Set in London in the early years of WW2, it tells a sweet story of a young woman, Grace Bennett who moves to London from the English countryside and becomes an assistant shopkeeper at a local bookstore. Grace endeavors to lift the spirits of Londoners during the Blitz by reading to them as they are forced into shelter every night. The heartbreaking moments in the book are balanced by the genuine kindness and goodwill of every single one of the characters. The book depicts not only the devastation of the Blitz, but more importantly the resiliency of Londoners who suffered unimaginable loss. One thing this book failed to do was to allow the characters to feel or express any real, raw emotions of anger or hate toward the Germans inflicting death and devastation. There was shock and sadness, but not the hate one would expect. This book was an easy read that flowed nicely. I do wish there had been a timeline of dates to help with historical perspective.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025
    This story kept me guessing all the way to the last chapters. The heroine’s growth and journey is relatable for all of us. Beautiful work.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
    This book started off slow and it took me awhile to get into it, almost halfway to be precise. Once it got good, it got really good! The last half was full of excitement and sadness. I wish there had been more of George Anderson, but I love all the other relationships that Grace has with the people around her. It really is a feel good novel!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
    This book carried me away into a time filled with war, sorrow and courage.

    I loved how Grace, who never had the time to read growing up, fell in love with reading and shared that love with everyone she met.

    I got a glimpse of a time in history that I didn’t fully understand. This story made it very real and I felt as if I was there living it with Grace.

    I smiled and I cried. It rugged at my heart many times throughout the book. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

    There are some small parts where things are described a bit graphic due to the bombings but nothing overly so. Romance is a very tiny part but it’s very sweet and simple.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025
    Very engaging. Wonderful characters. The way they all matured and learned to love… I didn’t want the story to end.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2022
    This book was a treat for me! Love of books, historical fiction and the message of hope during tough times. I am asking Madeline Martin to " Please, please write more historical fiction. Carefully researched and written with a great deal of love, this book is exactly what I need right now.

    Set in London in August 1939, Grace Bennett and her best friend head from the countryside to inside London. Her uncle refused to give her a letter of recommendation even though she had worked at his store, not because she was a poor worker but to sum it up, he was a mean person. That made getting a job in London very tough but her landlord. Mrs. Weatherford, who I grew to love, made sure that she was hired at the Primrose Hill Bookshop. The owner only agreed to a six month job as a bookclerk for her. And it she had to really talk him into it. The shop was dusty and there were piles of books and even she wasn't a reader, she set about cleaning, and putting the books in order, trying to get a good recommendation. A romance s began between her and one handsome male book browser.

    War comes, and many changes happen and Grace becomes an avid reader. Learning that during times of grief and suffering, books give you hope. I listened to this historically detailed book and cried and smiled and loved this book so much. I do hope that you read it.
    39 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2024
    I liked the atmosphere and characters.
    I didn’t like the inaccuracies of English terms.
    English don’t say townhouse they say terraced house. The author describes slugs and calls them cutworms. We don’t have sling chairs, we have deckchairs and so on. Even if the main audience is American the tale is set in London, England and the vocabulary should reflect that.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
    I could not stop reading. It was well written. I loved the ending. I would recommend this book without hesitation.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
    To preface: I recently, as in in the past year, rediscovered my love for reading due to Chelsea Fagan’s A Perfect Vintage buy in the past year I kept it light, reading mostly cute, feel-good Hallmark type books. Also, o have to mention that my favorite genre is historical fiction.

    And with this book I had a perfect re-introduction to my genre. I could barely put this book down. You can read in other reviews more about the plot and the MC, but for me this book was almost like I found my love for books again.

    Also, I generally don’t leave written reviews but this book is too special.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Doreen Husdon
    5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!
    Reviewed in Canada on June 19, 2024
    This is a very well written book, that is an account of basically two women in the war years. It is based on fact, as far as the history goes, but fiction in the lives of the people involved.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars a good tale well told
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2024
    It is magically unique in its portrayal of compassion and fortitude. Seldom one reads such an emotional, powerful, journey told in such a straightforward style, truly superb!
  • as_bakshi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, beautiful read
    Reviewed in India on December 9, 2021
    If there are times when you need something to lift you from the mundane to the extraordinary, to inspire and cheer you up or to bring tears of sheer emotion to your eyes, then read this book. A study of human nature and the strength of the human spirit , it is a story to make you feel blessed, alive and motivated.
  • J. A. Knott
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read.
    Reviewed in Australia on September 28, 2023
    I could not put this book down. An excellent and moving story in WWII London, a London my parents would have experienced but these characters are mainly civilians, coping as best they can and doing their best in incredibly difficult circumstances as tragically people still must in parts of the world.
  • takako
    4.0 out of 5 stars the power of books
    Reviewed in Japan on February 12, 2022
    第二次世界大戦時のナチスドイツによるロンドン大空襲(The Blitz) 下でのロンドンの人々の生活を描いた物語。このテーマは、 Pat Barker の Noonday などを読んで、当時のロンドンの人々の苛酷な中にも勇敢な行動について知った。本書は、その時期、書店で働く若い女性を主人公として、読みやすく感動的な物語となっている。

    書店を少しでも居心地のよい場所にしようと、懸命にとりくむ Grace。最初はかたくなな態度だった書店主Mr. Evans とのやがて生まれる深い心の絆。書店を訪れる人々との交流。しかし温かな生活も束の間、戦争が始まる。Norfork の田舎町から一緒にロンドンに来た親友の Viv は Harrods に職を得ていたが、やがて ATS (国防婦人部隊)に入る。 寄宿先(亡き母親の友人)の息子 Colin は戦地へ赴く。Grace も昼間は書店で働く傍ら、夜間は ARP warden (空襲監視員)となって活動する。パートナーの Mr. Stokes に最初は疎んじられるが、命がけの行動を共にしていく中で、強い信頼関係が生まれる。

    空襲警報が鳴るたびに人々はシェルターに駆け込み、地下鉄 Farringdon Station のホームも避難所となる。書店で知り合った空軍兵士 George の影響で、読書に魅入られていった Grace は、書店で、あるいは地下鉄の避難所で、いろいろな本を朗読し、人々に安らぎを与えるのだ。
    本書は、Grace の成長とともに、人々との温かな繫がり、戦争の苛酷さ、その中でも勇気や希望を失わないロンドンの人々の気概を描いて、良質な作品となっている。