Shandi Sturgill

The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin tells the story of Grace Bennett. Grace has just moved to London with her best friend, Viv, as tensions  escalate and England enters WW2. The two women are living with a family friend, Mrs. Weatherford, and her son Colin. To receive a letter of recommendation Grace begins working at Primrose Hill books alongside it’s cantankerous owner, Mr. Evans. As the war, and the Blitz, progresses Grace finds her place in the war effort and discovers how literature can bring people together through tragedy. 

This book was so charming. Grace was an interesting main character. As the story progresses she finds her place in her career and the war effort. I enjoyed watching her develop and reevaluate her goals. 

Truly all the characters in the book were endearing. I just wish we had been able to see a bit more of  Viv and her dynamic with Grace. And while I liked George as a character, I almost wish the romance between him and Grace had been left out. They only interact a handful of times, and I felt it didn’t add anything to the story. Conversely the relationship that develops between Mr. Evans and Grace was really sweet and endearing. 

I thought the world building was immaculate. Particularly during the scenes while Grace is on duty as an ARP warden. Marin really builds the tensions and the stakes in these scenes. Also her descriptions paint a vivid picture of the events. 

I would highly recommend this book. It is an interesting piece of historical fiction. But most importantly it tells of the importance of community, and how literature has the power to bond us.