The Last Bookshop in London

A Novel of World War II

By: Madeline Martin

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

The New York Times bestseller—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!

“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 next heartwarming historical novel, The Booklover's Library!

Also by Madeline Martin:

• The Librarian Spy
• The Keeper of Hidden Books

People really are good!

Even in the middle of war. With all its horrors.
There is no shortage of heroes. Bravery. People that will not stop helping.
People who can't stop helping.
This is a wonderful story for your heart. With beautiful narration.

I loved The Last Bookshop in London!

Usually, I wouldn't say I like books set in wartime but, this was such a sweet story, and the characters are well developed. I felt many emotions reading this book, crying happy and sad tears through a lot of it.

I will have to read more books written by Madeline Martin.

I wish there was a way to give this more than 5 stars?

This Is one of the best books I’ve ever read or listened to. I felt like I was in the story. I felt every emotion of all of the characters and also those that they interacted with. I was satisfied with the ending because it actually felt more like the beginning for everyone. It definitely renews your faith and confidence in the character of human beings.

Really loved it!

This is one of my favorite genres and time periods for a couple of reasons, I’m English & was born right after WWII so my parents lived through this period. My father had 4 homes bombed while he was away fighting in Europe & my mother, who worked in an ammunition’s factory, lived through the bombing in the north of England. Add to that, I’m an avid reader & London is my favorite city in the world, so this book checked lots of boxes for me.

Ms. Martin’s descriptive narratives taking us from pre-war London through the ravages of the worst of the bombing were excellent as were the emotions she unearthed in me as I lived vicariously through this period in history. The impact of food rationing was very real - it continued until I was 8 years old & impacted the growth (therefore the body stature) of an entire generation. The images described of efforts to live through this awful time were gripping.

Overall an excellent read, an accurate depiction of the conditions of the time which was enhanced by the ability of the narrator.

Very Entertaining

A very enjoyable book. World War II in Britain is the backdrop for Grace's story about coming to love reading. This is a heart warming story about how, despite deprivations and loss, small acts of kindness can bring people to hope and survival. I would love to visit, The Last Bookshop in London.