If you love books, whimsical tales, characters that tug on your heart strings, this is for you. It was such an enjoyable read. The writing is superbe, the atmosphere captivating and the main characters attaching. The character development is very good here, you can them heal as the story goes. This book has so many layers: feminism, domestic violence, growth. It is also very well researched. I love a fictional story on a historical background. If you fancy a cosy winter read, tucked under the duvet with a good cup of coffee, this is for you!
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My Rating ~ 4.5* ‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’ The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods published with One More Chapter (Harper Collins) on June 22nd and is described as 'The Keeper of Stories meets The Lost Apothecary…evocative and charming novel full of mystery and secrets.’ I have read the charming work of Evie Woods, as Evie Gaughan, and have been totally captivated by the magic and warmth that emanates from her stories. Both The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris, set in France, and The Story Collector, set in Ireland, swept me up in their mysticism and escapism, taking me on wonderful adventures. When Evie writes about France, her storytelling is reminiscent of Joanne Harris’ Vianne Rocher novels (Chocolat, The Lollipop Shoes, Peaches for Monsieur le Cure & The Strawberry Thief) with sweeping imagery imbued with magical realism. In The Lost Bookshop, Evie combines France and her Irish roots into a beautifully woven tale that had me listening to Sidney Bechet and reminding me why I love his music and the gorgeous movie that is Midnight in Paris. The Lost Bookshop is a must for anyone who, like me, loves mention of the Lost Generation, Sylvia Beach and of an era when society and the arts carry a special kind of wonder and enchantment. Martha arrives in Dublin looking for shelter, looking to escape the life she has been living. She finds work as a housekeeper for an elderly lady, with sleeping arrangements included. The anonymity of the situation suits Martha. She wants to be invisible, she seeks silence, she needs safety. As the days pass she becomes more used to her new role, servicing the demands of her new boss, and she experiences a temporary peace in the cocoon of the basement where she resides. Henry arrives in Dublin from the UK in search of something. On the threshold of a big decision in his personal life, he needs this escape to Dublin to follow a thread, to uncover a piece of the past that he is finding challenging to get a solid hold of. Henry accidentally stumbles upon Martha. It’s very clear to Henry that Marth’s life has been difficult. She’s a fragile soul, one he is immediately drawn to for some inexplicable reason. Opaline is about to be married off in an arranged marriage, negotiated by her over-bearing brother. Opaline covets adventure and freedom, so she decides to take a leap of faith, escaping to the streets of Paris, to a city that is overflowing with culture and artistic souls. Her head spins when she first realises the enormity of her decision, but Opaline’s determination not to return home to a life of drudgery compels her forward into an unexpected, but very welcomed, turn of events. Martha, Henry and Opaline are oblivious to the invisible threads that bind them. As their stories unfold, we are transported back to Paris and Dublin in the 1920s and to a special bookshop that has rather extraordinary powers. Evie excels in creating escapist worlds where anything can happen, if you just believe. Not shying away from tough themes, Evie combines the hardship and reality of life with warmth and magic, creating a wonderful reading experience that dips into the mysterious and the curious. The Lost Bookshop is a joy to read, a seductive tale that sparks the imagination, a truly immersive and charismatic read of self-discovery and strength imbued with a sense of hope and passion. On publication eve, Evie wrote a gorgeous blog post over her website, Solstice, where she reflects on the journey that got her to this point, which I think really highlights the passion and the dreams of a beautiful person, both inside and out. ‘This book has my heart and soul inside of it, the sun, moon and stars. The rejection, the pain, the hurting; as well as the hope, love and wisdom I’ve gained. I’ve found it hard to let go and enjoy the moment. I realise tonight that it’s because it means so very much to me. It’s not a simple fact of raising a glass and toasting a job well done. It’s a lifetime of searching for a way to outwardly express the inner landscape of emotion through creative endeavour. It’s a jumble of heart and mind. It’s everything. And for once, I’d like to feel that. All of it.’
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This is an amazing story about books, love, a vanishing bookshop and discovery and I loved every word. This is not the first time I have read anything by this author, the first time was The Story Collector which was another beautiful story. The Lost Bookshop is something Henry has been searching for, he has followed manuscripts, links, leads and rumours to find its whereabouts yet to no avail. Martha is also trying to hide and finds herself working for Mrs Bowden as her housekeeper. She has found her own version of a new life and yet keeps her head down. Opaline is a character who is from the past, she works in France for the Shakespeare and Company bookshop, another one who is trying to escape from her past. While these three are the main characters, there are some amazing others that the author has drawn into her storyline. Opaline's story is of her brothers' trying to force her into an arranged marriage, but being the 1920s Poaline has other ideas. Henry is struggling with something that has happened in his past, just as Martha is but for different reasons. These three characters tell their story in their own voices so you do get a personal sense of narration. As well as having three different voices there are also two timelines, this may sound as if it starting to become a little complex but it honestly is not. The author has woven it brilliantly and I soon found myself automatically recognising the different voices and timelines. The story is about finding your own future and having the confidence to take the steps forward on that path. Sometimes a little nudge is needed. The Lost Bookshop is a character in its own right, it is an amazing sounding place and it becomes what it needs to be when it is needed. A truly fantastical-sounding place that I would love to visit. A mix of historical fiction, romance, fantasy and contemporary fiction. I adored this one a huge amount and I would highly recommend it.
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I loved this book. It's got enough twists to keep the reader thinking, but not so many as to become irritating. It's magical enough to almost believe it could be real. Just a delightful read. I'm not sure I've enjoyed a book this much since "where the crowdads sing".
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I enjoyed the different perspectives and timelines although I was pretty confident I had worked out wow of the plot. I feel that there are some unanswered questions and maybe they should stay like that but would have liked the loose ends tidied up! They did mention one of the loose ends right at the end! It was a good enjoyable read, looking at relationships in general and how women have been treated in the past.
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This book is simply scrumptious. An incredibly cozy read that I wish I could read for the first time again! Each chapter is from the perspective of one of three main characters and time hops do happen occasionally within a chapter so you need to make sure you’re paying attention but it is not difficult to follow, nor did I find any part confusing. The plot line is unique and it deals with some heavy subjects, particularly domestic violence and violence against women in general. The female characters are strong, intelligent, resilient, and brave. You will enjoy this book if you like fantasy and even if you don’t, I suggest you still give this book a try and keep and open mind. It’s beautifully written and will make you feel all sorts of things.
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October 1, 2024 I absolutely loved “The Lost Bookshop.” This book reminded me why I love to read in the first place. The story is enchanting and beautifully written, capturing the magic of books and the joy of reading. Summary: “The Lost Bookshop” follows the intertwined lives of three characters: Opaline, Martha, and Henry. Each of them has felt like a side character in their own life, but their paths cross in a mysterious, vanishing bookshop that appears just when they need it most. This magical place reveals that their own stories are just as extraordinary as the ones in their favorite books. As they uncover the secrets hidden within the shelves, they are whisked away to a world of wonder where nothing is as it seems. The narrative beautifully weaves together themes of loss, hope, and the transformative power of literature, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. What I Loved: Engaging Storyline: The plot is captivating and keeps you hooked from start to finish. Character Development: The characters are well-developed and relatable, making their journeys all the more compelling. Writing Style: Evie Woods’ prose is lyrical and evocative, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of a beloved bookshop. Critique: One downside is that there is no sequel. The story leaves you wanting more, and it would have been wonderful to see the characters’ journeys continue in another book. This might leave some readers feeling a bit unsatisfied, wishing for more closure or further exploration of the enchanting world Evie Woods has created. Conclusion: “The Lost Bookshop” is a heartwarming and inspiring read that rekindles the love for books and reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who cherishes the magic of stories and the comfort of a good book.
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Es una historia que mezcla la fantasía con la realidad, me gustó mucho, se lee muy fácil. Muy interesante cómo se entrelaza la vida de los 3 protagonistas. La historia en general es muy relajada.
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O que gostei muito sobre esse livro é que a história começa despretensiosamente, me fazendo pensar que seria simples, porém é cheia de reviravoltas, muito interessante mesmo. Gostei bastante.
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Besonders in der dunklen Jahreszeit liebe ich es, mich mit einem Buch zurückzuziehen. Dieses Buch hat es mir einfach angetan. Eine Geschichte, die das Leben von drei Personen beschreibt, zentriert um einen gleichen Nenner: den verschwundenen Buchladen. Das Buch ist von der Art, der Wortwahl her sehr schön geschrieben (ich lese die englische Version, kann mir aber vorstellen, dass die deutsche Version ähnlich gut ist). Man taucht sofort in die neuen Welten ein und fiebert mit den Protagonisten mit, während die Spannung und die Neugier in Bezug auf den verschwundenen Buchladen und seine "Eigenarten" von Kapitel zu Kapitel steigt. Was ich besonders gut gelungen finde, ist die einfach Leserführung: Zwischen den Protagonisten der Geschichte wird in einer immer gleichen Abfolge gewechselt - es gibt keine unerwarteten Sprünge. Die Wechsel erfolgen immer pro Kapitel. Das ist mir an dieser Stelle deshalb wichtig, da es das Lesen einfacher macht und ich nicht das Gefühl habe, mich besonders beim Lesen anstrengen zu müssen. Also perfekt für ein gemütliches Winterlesen bei Kerzenschein und Tee. ;) Die Story ist gelungen, das Ende sehr schön. Eine absolute Empfehlung!
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