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THE LAST BOOKSHOP IN LONDON : A NOVEL OF WORLD WAR II
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 enduring power of literature.
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 backouts 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.
My Review:
First things first: this isn't a Christian Fiction book. I stumbled across it in my library's audio book collection and was beguiled by that alluring cover and the notion that stories help triumph over evil. That right there tugged at my bibliophile heartstrings! I'm happy to report that this is a clean read with the exception of a few (very few) mild expletives. So mild, that I'm guessing most readers won't even notice them or find them offensive if they do.
I waffled over including this title on my blog since we're all about Christian Fiction here but I know many of you are as enamored with WWII fiction as I am. Plus, the pivotal role the bookshop plays in the story and Martin's exquisite storytelling make this a 'Yipee, I just have to share this book!' kind of read.
What I loved:
The way this story captures the heart and spirit of ordinary Londoners during the Blitz. Honestly, I wept in places and am in awe of the resiliency and courage these ordinary citizens possessed. We watch it all unfold from Grace's perspective and it's funny and sad and poignant and heartwrenching and there's even a wee bit of romance. Exactly what you'd expect from a WWII novel...but with books!!!!
One of my favourite quotes:
"Reading is going somewhere without ever taking a train or ship. An unveiling of new incredible worlds. It's living a life you weren't born into and a chance to see everything coloured by someone else's perspective. It's learning without having to face consequences of failures and how best to succeed."
This whole story is a celebration of books and how they help and comfort us through the darkest times. I've experienced their healing power in my own life and watching Grace's journey of discovery shot thrills through me. Because...gasp...she starts out as a non-reader! And then she walks into this dusty old London bookshop and her life is forever changed.
The kind of spellbinding tale that leaves a reader euphoric by the end, weeping happy/sad tears and hiccup-sighing over the sheer beauty of it all.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice
If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Last Bookshop in London, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winners announced on Saturday May 1 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!
