The Last Bookshop in London

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 prepares for war as Hitler’s forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and blackout curtains that she finds on her arrival were 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.

“Testament to Survival.”

— Library Journal

Review by 1000 Libraries

Madeline Martin’s ‘The Last Bookshop in London’ is a poignant historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of World War II. The story follows Grace Bennett, a young woman who finds solace and purpose in a bookshop. Not only do Martin’s vivid descriptions of wartime London effortlessly transport readers there, but her well-developed characters also bring the story to life.

“Books are what have brought us together. A love of the stories within, the adventures they take us on, their glorious distraction in a time of strife. And a reminder that we always have hope. Remember that we will always have books, and therefore we will always have courage and optimism.”

There is so much to learn from Grace’s story of living through the war in London. From her initial doubts of not doing enough in times of need, to her work with the Air Raid Precaution (ARP), Grace Bennett is all of us. In the face of death and loss, she tries her best to stay strong and lets go when it is safe to. This is her journey of finding passion amidst the chaos, which also grants her kind soul a community to lean on. Through her story, ‘The Last Bookshop in London’ is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of human spirit and the transformative power of literature.

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"This book just had me smiling from start to finish. If you're in the mood for a story that focuses on love, family, friendship, and especially on taking chances, The Little Bookshop on the Seine is the perfect read for you!"

The Bookish Libra

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"An uplifting, Hallmarky holiday read, The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin will leave you exhilarated, wanting to twirl around and around like a Disney prince/princess swept away by love for the first time."

Kattitude Reads

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“This book is a great book to read if you are longing to escape your home and travel to the beautiful streets of Paris and get lost in a beautiful old bookshop."

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The Last Bookshop in London