The Bookshop

By: Penelope Fitzgerald, Stephanie Racine, David Nicholls - introduction

Narrated by: Eve Karpf, David Nicholls

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

In a small East Anglian town, Florence Green decides, against polite but ruthless local opposition, to open a bookshop.

Hardborough becomes a battleground. Florence has tried to change the way things have always been done, and as a result, she has to take on not only the people who have made themselves important, but natural and even supernatural forces too. Her fate will strike a chord with anyone who knows that life has treated them with less than justice.

©1978 Penelope Fitzgerald; Introduction David Nicholls 2013; Preface Hermione Lee 2013 (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

‘Reading a Penelope Fitzgerald novel is like being taken for a ride in a peculiar kind of car. Everything is of top quality – the engine, the coachwork and the interior all fill you with confidence. Then, after a mile or so, someone throws the steering-wheel out of the window.’ Sebastian Faulks

‘Wise and ironic, funny and humane, Fitzgerald is a wonderful, wonderful writer.’ David Nicholls

‘Its stylishness, and this low-voiced lack of emphasis are a pleasure throughout, its moral and human positions invariably sympathetic. But it is astringent too: no self-pity in its self-effacing heroine, who in a world of let-downs and put-downs and poltergeists, keeps her spirit bright and her book-stock miraculously dry in the damp, seeping East Anglian landscape.’ Isabel Quigley, Financial Times

‘Penelope Fitzgerald’s resources of odd people are impressively rich. Raven, the marshman, who ropes Florence in to hang on to an old horse’s tongue while he files the teeth; old Brundish, secretive as a badger, slow as a gorse bush. And this is not just a gallery of quirky still lives; these people appear in vignettes, wryly, even comically animated…On any reckoning, a marvellously piercing fiction.’ Valentine Cunningham, TLS

Such Potential!

However...... sad, abrupt ending! A little disappointed that there was no resolution for any of the characters!

Sad, unsatisfying ending.

An old fashioned, odd story. Intersecting characters, but a bit boring. Such a sad, unsatisfying ending.

Thoughtful, entertaining and a delightful treat

This short book is a delight of fascinating perception both of realistic characters, as well as the location and life style in a small coastal village where everyone knows everything about everyone else, A place where jealousies easily arise and where real or imagined slights are never forgotten or forgiven..

I chose to read this recently without realising there was a film about to be released. Having listened, in every spare moment I could, to reach the end I now look forward to the film version. Glad I heard this version first, because the beauty of the prose may become lost in a film version which relies on visual and dialogue..Happy to recommend as a thoughtful, entertaining short novel.

The narration was ideal, capturing the characters, the atmosphere of the village and enhancing the descriptions of the bleak Norfolk landscape..

Such a great listen...

Hated the ending. The characters deserved better....but what a story. Everyone, everywhere, will recognize these characters....walking through their own lives. SLKW

A treasure of a novel

What a joyous experience. Each page is alive with wise observation, fresh wit, and a disarmingly matter-of-fact sense of sadness. It's a quiet stunner, exquisitely narrated by Eve Karpf. Five stars all the way.

An Enjoyable Read - Small Town

A lovely story about one who hoped to provide where there was not, education, art and love of reading. Unbeknownst to her, the endeavors were not welcomed by the suspicious little town and members set about in ways that would surprise you.

I enjoyed the time and listened to this one on Audible. The narrators were lovely and truly made the book more enjoyable. I loved the cadence and delicacy of the writing.

Enjoy!

Small Town England

This was an excellent listen on audio, I don't think I'd enjoy just reading it. Set in a small village in England it is a tale of taking a risk, being a little naive about what might be a success and how to run a small business. Florence Green has a kind heart, but that cannot be said for another woman in the village who ruthlessly sets about being Florence's and the bookshop's downfall.

On my to read list for a long time

I thoroughly enjoyed this short novel. It was exquisitely written and a sometimes gentle, sometimes sad portrayal of the small-mindedness of village folk. The characters, although minimally explored, come into sharp focus. I have no doubt that this is an accurate portrayal of what post War village life was like in England.
I would caution you to skip the commentary at the beginning and return to it after you have finished the book as it provides details better uncovered on your own. The commentary was insightful but might spoil the book for the reader.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.

Worth a listen

This tender story revolves around a small town, a new bookshop and some fine characters. Penelope Fitzgerald tells the tale of a widow in 1958 opening a bookshop in a seaside resort town. The residents are reluctant to support the shop, but our main character demonstrates courage and tenacity. If you are looking for a slow paced, but well written story about books, it is worth a listen. I enjoyed all the literary references.

Unusually refreshing!

It was untraditional in every sense but unexpectedly satisfying and superbly narrated. I applaud kindness!