The Last Bookshop in London
A Novel of World War II
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Narrated by:
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Saskia Maarleveld
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Written by:
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Madeline Martin
About this listen
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 the enduring power of literature.
August 1939: London is dismal under the weight of impending war with Germany as Hitler’s forces continue to sweep across Europe. Into this uncertain maelstrom steps Grace Bennett, young and ready for a fresh start in the bustling city streets she’s always dreamed of - and miles away from her troubled past in the countryside.
With aspirations of working at a department store, Grace never imagined she’d wind up employed at Primrose Hill, an offbeat bookshop nestled in the heart of the city - after all, she’s never been much of a reader. Overwhelmed with organizing the cluttered store, she doesn’t have time to read the books she sells. But when one is gifted to her, what starts as an obligation becomes a passion that draws her into the incredible world of literature.
As the Blitz rains down bombs on the city night after night, a devastating attack leaves the libraries and shops of London’s literary center in ruins. Miraculously, Grace’s bookshop survives the firestorm. Through blackouts and air raids, Grace continues running the shop, discovering a newfound comfort in the power of words and storytelling that unites her community in ways she never imagined - a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of war-torn London.
©2021 Madeline Martin (P)2021 Harlequin Enterprises, LimitedYou may also enjoy...
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What listeners say about The Last Bookshop in London
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- LB
- 2021-08-22
Sweet and uplifting.
Good storyline, lovely characters. I read a lot of WWII stories and this one was better than most.
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- Jean Anne Ross
- 2022-05-02
A warm listen
I love a book that makes me want to steal away to catch up on the characters and get lost for a while. The Last Bookshop in London was a book like that. Saskia’s narration made the story all the better. A thoroughly enjoyable escape.
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- Rei
- 2022-09-14
Enjoyable Listen
I would recommend this to those interested in WWII stories on the lighter side or tales of coming of age during historical crisis.
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- Suzanne Peck
- 2023-01-07
Beautiful story
I enjoyed this book immensely, and was sad to have it end! It describes the challenges of wartime London, the strength of a community and nation, and how books and stories can bring unlikely companions together.
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- Ashley
- 2023-09-11
I loved this
I loved this book so much!! It was so much more than I expected it to be!
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- Ryan Howard
- 2022-06-07
Magnificent
A truly lovely tale that captures your heart. Great characters and well read. A must read.
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- Dustin
- 2022-07-23
Happy to be a LFL Steward!
Made me fall even more in-love with books and a great reminder of their value in times of need - escapism, knowledge, comfort, and friendship. Makes me even happier to be a LFL Steward!
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- Laura L
- 2023-05-09
Good Read
This is a touching, engaging historical fiction story. Grace does a lot of growing in the course of this story. I enjoyed going on this adventure with her and discovering various facets of her character – including those that she wasn’t even aware of. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story. The story made me cry, smile, and laugh. It was a fun roller-coaster ride.
The narrator did a good job and was easy to follow and understand.
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- kathleen Schwab
- 2024-12-08
One of my new Favs
The reader, the story and pace, the history Era perfect four me worth the listen
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- CNDONBN
- 2021-10-01
my favourite book this year
my only complaint was that it was too short. That is because I enjoyed it so much I wanted more. it offered a unique look at World War II Through The Eyes of londoners.
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1 person found this helpful