The Last Bookshop in London: A Moving WWII Historical Fiction Novel of Community, Survival and the Sanctuary of Literature in Troubling Times

Like Belle in Beauty and the Beast, I have just read the most wonderful book. This is the story of Grace who has lost her home after her mother died. She moves to London with her best friend, Viv, to live in the home of her mother's best friend, Mrs. Weatherford. War is looming and London is not what they expected since everything is being prepared for Hitler's invasion. Grace gets a job at a bookshop. It is messy and disorganized, but she organizes it, and it becomes a place to come during the war. Even with the Blitz, Primrose Hill Bookshop is the place to go. I could not put this down. I loved and identified so much with Grace. Viv is the total opposite of Grace but best friends forever. Mrs. Weatherford and her son, Colin, are great. In her, Grace and Viv have found a mother. Colin is so gentle, not made for the war. Mr. Evans, owner of the bookshop, is full of wisdom but with a gruff exterior. Grace wins him over, and he trusts her with his bookshop and secrets. George Anderson, a customer at first, teaches her about books before going to war as a pilot. So many characters touch Grace's life as she does theirs. Grace becomes an air warden and I learned so much of what they did which is a lot more than telling people to douse their lights. Grace and Mr. Stokes, her partner during her scheduled times as a warden, become friends. There is so much here that I don't want to spoil the story. There are many layers and good feelings I got from this book. I will tell you keep a box of kleenex by your side. You'll never know when you'll need them. This is definitely on my top 5 list of books I read this year. I cannot encourage you enough to read this. It is wonderful!

This is not your typical WWII novel; the focus is not the war, the Holocaust, soldiers, battles, Nazi Occupation, etc. Instead it is a beautiful story about how books can unite, inspire, and encourage people even in the worst of times. Grace and her friend Viv move to London from the countryside hoping to begin a life of glamor and adventure only to find themselves drawn into the start of England's involvement in WWII. While Viv volunteers with the ATS, Grace stays in London with her late mother's best friend. We get a detailed account of what life was like in London during the Blitz. Grace works at a small Bookshop where she finds a new love of reading which she shares with others as her position in the store grows. This novel is a true testament to the power of books; how they provide an escape from reality and the strength to carry on. I know personally books have been my escape from reality when life is just too much. I know others feel the same way.

This was a good book! The characters produced the right emotions. The scenes were well described. The book had great ups and downs. I can't wait to read more from this author.

A beautiful book about hope, bravery, and friendship even in the darkest moments. An absolute must read for WW2 enthusiasts.

This was a very sweet, endearing story of a bookstore operated by lovely people during WWII. The facts of the war taking place in London were accurate. The heart of the English people was well described by the author. You felt as though you were right there with the characters. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be fully immerced in a great read.

This story of survival during war, caring for others, and learning to love books is appropriate for adults and youth. Well written and inspiring.

London is on fire. The world has gone crazy. Yet, books can link us to better times, distant lands, and new friends. Such an enjoyable read that touched the many feelings books have brought me as they carried me through my tough times.

I so enjoyed this book. It was so interesting to read about the people of London, and what they endured during Hitler's bombings. Grace Bennett takes a job in a ramshackle bookshop for a six month period, and learns to love reading and books while organizing the shop. As Hitler increases his nighttime bombing raids, Grace begins reading to ever increasing audiences while sheltering in the tube stations. She also works a night shift patrolling her neighborhood, at first to monitor for the blackout, then as the blitz continues, to put out fires, render first aid, etc. She ends up being a hero to the people she reads to, giving them respite from the horror of war, and hope they desperately needed in such dark times. Great read!

Reading this story gave me an in depth look at what London went through in the early years of WWII. I feel as if I was right there experiencing those awful sights and sounds along with the characters. I appreciated the old-fashioned romance developing as well as the British spirit that kept on going. What a terrible waste, an astounding loss of lives and property!

I have read hundreds of books about WW11 Britain but this one still had things to teach me. Not just facts about living through the war but about friendships founded on desperation, depression, disbelief and need. When all if these are made positive instead of negative, you get a fabulous, feel good story. I have never read an English War story written by am American, but I plan to read all her books now.

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。

Wow what a great book I absolutely loved it , a true account of the hardship and people’s mortality, at times I had tears in my eyes and also had a smile as I read on , an amazing 5 stars

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.