The Last Bookshop In London (Madeline Martin)

A riveting story with an enriching & soulful feel. The Last Bookshop In London by Madeline Martin is the most beautiful book I have read this year and stands tall to be one of my all time favorites.

Set amidst World War 2 with London bearing the brunt of incessant bombing by the Nazi Germany, what they call the Blitz, The Last Bookshop In London is a heart wrenching story of the young Grace who has lost her mother to illness, and being unwanted in her own home ever since her uncle comes in with his family, she moves to London with her best friend Viv to her mom’s friend Mrs. Weatherford. While the two had always dreamt of living the big city life of London, never had they anticipated they would be doing so amidst the fury of the war. The story is beautifully carved with emotions, turmoil, strength, courage, belief and goodness. The Primrose Hill Books where Grace gets her temporary employment only to earn a letter of recommendation, so unexpectedly becomes the center of her life – transforming her from a non reader to a book lover.

Being a WW2 book, I was throughout skeptical and quite much expecting a heavy, saddening story with a tragic ending. But the beauty of this book lies in the hope and positivity that it shines with throughout. How books became such a source of distraction and happiness in time of adversity. How a simple book reading whilst surviving an air raid in the tube station becomes a daily routine with an ever increasing audience, providing the much needed, and probably the only respite in such times. How a small bookshop becomes a meeting point for the whole community, instilling that sense of togetherness & belonging. This is the most enriching and empowering read that you will get.

This book exemplifies the value of goodness & compassion in life. How a little goodness can go a long way in enriching someone else’s life. And how it comes back to you in the least expected way, at the time you need it most. How the same very audience of Grace’s daily readings rebuilt her devasted shop, when they had no obligation to do so. The young Jimmy and his little sister – would they have every thought life would be so beautiful after being orphaned in this ongoing war? And how they in turn make life worthy once again for Mrs. Weatherford in return.

The Last Bookshop In London makes me realize once again how much we need to value life. Even in such devastating times as WW2 with the city being bombed everyday, life goes on. No one stops living. The spirit of the Brits as they like to call it. But I feel it applies to all. People still steal their small moments of joy. People learn to live with the lurking danger. People come out and help each other rebuild & share their sorrow. Are we not so lucky to be living in the time that we are in? To have control of our lives. To be able to decide for ourselves. To be able to live the way we want. To enjoy the pleasures of life. To not be fearful each moment we are alive. We have so much we need to be grateful for. World Peace. May God let it be.

On a sidenote, this book reminds me so very much of The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak that came over a decade ago. Similar setting, similar premise. But I think this book takes the lead for me just for it’s positivity and the best takeaway of this book – the hope. Even in the worst of times, there always is hope. There always are good people around. The dark times shall not last forever and the brightness shall shine again. Thank you Madeline Martin for this most uplifting read.

Suggested Reading -> A historical fiction fan, are you one? Try out historical fiction with an Indian flavor The Vault Of Vishnu (Ashwin Sanghi)