The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II
Written by Madeline Martin
Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
“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 Keeper of Hidden Books!
Also by Madeline Martin:
- The Librarian Spy
- The Keeper of Hidden Books
Madeline Martin
Madeline Martin is a New York Times and International Bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance novels filled with twists and turns, adventure, steamy romance, empowered heroines and the men who are strong enough to love them.
More audiobooks from Madeline Martin
The Librarian Spy: A Novel of World War II Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Keeper of Hidden Books: A Novel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
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Reviews for The Last Bookshop in London
683 ratings46 reviews
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The historical view of London during World War II bombings was very good. The characters and plot seemed too good to be true.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5“The last bookshop in London” encouraged me to finish the books I have started.
This is One of my favorites, I loved it so much!1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The narrator was amazing making the written word come alive. A heart warming story of love and enduring strength during WW11. Loved it!
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A little predictable, but a sweet, light book perfect for summertime. I enjoyed the research the author put in to describe ordinary citizens’ lives during the Blitz.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Brilliant! Transported me to WWII London. I lived every page as though I were Grace.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Beautifully written and read. Thank you, Madeline for writing a gentle story from your heart, and the heart of History, that doesn't obnoxiously wring its hands over checking all of the 21st century boxes.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This was a pleasant read. A clean and very enjoyable historical story.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Endearing story and wonderful narration! To be enjoyed by all!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I absolutely loved that the theme of this book was about a love of reading. It takes place in London during WWII and how reading was used as a means of escape from the harsh realities of life for people during very hard and trying times. I really loved how it showed reading as such a beautiful thing and it made me feel happy inside to have reading described in such a way. I appreciated that I really felt for these characters while they were struggling through the horrors of war but it left out the gory and horrific details. Even though there were no intense details of the war casualties, I didn't need them to bring tears to my eyes and imagine in my mind how awful it must have been. But letting reading and stories and comradory be the light in trying time was beautiful.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great story, and enjoyable audiobook. I would recommend, for sure.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It's a World War II novel, but also a love story.
There's nothing I love more when reading a book than feeling an author's love of reading come through the pages. This is a book about hope, loss, strength, compassion, and fortitude. A must for anyone that has a wide and all-encompassing love of reading, books, and just the determination of strong, relatable protagonists. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I am at a loss for the proper words.
All I can say is just, wow. What an amazing story.
Thank you for sharing it.
Kat Browning
Misty Harbor Media - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This story beautifully articulates the power of books, reading aloud, and the bonds created when you travel together into a storied adventure .
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A well-written historical novel. As a book liver, I so enjoyed this book!
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5It was an okay book. Didn’t love it didn’t hate it.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It’s a beautiful and emotional story which the narrator read well
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I had a hard time getting through this one. Slow
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One of the best books ever read.highly recommend it. Good
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5So easy to listen to. Makes me want to live a simple life and run a bookshop
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One of the best historical fictions I've read. The narration was too good.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Loved this book! I too have recently been introduced to the wonder of what reading can do for you so this was so relatable. The community she created is so touching.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Precious…tough at times but a WONDERFUL book!! Definitely a keeper!!!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Nice to read a world war 2 story written from a civilian “ ground level’ point of view that captures the day by day reality of life in London during the blitz. Very believable, engaging, well told.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A brilliant story loved it good narrator and author lovely story
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Brilliant! Emotional account of the war, we’ll written and narrated.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Really nice, feel good historical fiction novel, easy to listen to.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Fantastic historical novel highlighting the beauty and power of books and reading!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Best book ever. I cried and I’m not a crier. Listen to it now! ❤️
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Well written story. It was captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This made learning about WWII history so much more exciting and from a completely new point of view for me! I’m not sure how historically accurate it is but I believe it to be pretty close.