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  • The Last Bookshop in London

  • A Novel of World War II
  • Written by: Madeline Martin
  • Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
  • Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (413 ratings)

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The Last Bookshop in London cover art

The Last Bookshop in London

Written by: Madeline Martin
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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Publisher's Summary

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, Limited

What listeners say about The Last Bookshop in London

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Magnificent

A truly lovely tale that captures your heart. Great characters and well read. A must read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • 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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • 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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I loved this

I loved this book so much!! It was so much more than I expected it to be!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good read

I enjoyed the book and was sad when it ended… the writing and description of what people went through in the war was well written.
I could have given it 4 for story but it was a little predictable…

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