The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II

The Last Bookshop in London is an ode to the power of storytelling. Novels are at the heart of this novel, creating a metafictive relationship between Madeline Martin’s contemporary readers and the characters in the novel who embrace literature.

Grace takes a job in a bookshop even though she has no relationship with literature. She quickly learns that gaining knowledge about literature helps her make the shop a more comfortable and homey space. Grace is inspired to read when she meets George Anderson, a handsome engineer who gives her his copy of his favorite book. Though it takes Grace a while to get into the novel, once she starts reading, she can’t stop. This highlights how it's never too late to become a reader and shows how people come to love literature for different reasons. Some people enjoy books from the get-go, like Grace’s boss Mr. Evans; others, like Grace, need external motivation to investigate reading. Once she does, however, she immediately recognizes the power of words, as she is transported away from the stressful reality of impending war and into a thrilling fantasy. Reading takes her into a metaphorical realm where anything is possible, which is a welcome reprieve from her daily life and gives her the strength to move forward.