The Lost Bookshop - Evie Woods

Description

The Keeper of Stories meets The Lost Apothecary in this evocative and charming novel full of mystery and secrets.

‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’

On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.

Review

A magical and enchanting read.

The book is set over two time lines. One begins in the 1920s and the other is present day. There are three narrators and we see the story through their experiences.

The story is very surreal, which will not appeal to everyone. However, it is not all magic and fairy tales. There are some very real abuse against women issues explored, and they aren't sugar coated. My emotions flitted between calmness, interest and disgust as I read. Appreciation for the wonderful writing was my overall feeling though. How the author imagined all of this story within a story is amazing.

There are some strong female characters in the book, which I liked. Opaline in particular is not really of her era with her views and vision. Henry in the present time line reminded me of someone from the 1920s. At times I wondered if that was to be the twist, of which towards the end there were a few. When the final twist did come I was open mouthed as I had not figured that one out at all.

A great read, particularly if you like books within books and a bit of a mystery too. I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars.

My thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC to review and for the invite to the #readalong this week.

Comments

No One Would Do What The Lamberts Have Done - Sophie Hannah

Description The twistiest murder mystery you are ever likely to read? A story about a family that does the unthinkable in order to save the life of one of its beloved members? Both? Or something else altogether? You'll have to read until the very last word in order to find out… You think it will never happen to you: the ring of the bell, the policeman on the doorstep. What he says traps you in a nightmare that starts with the words, 'I'm afraid…' Sally Lambert is also afraid, and desperate enough to consider the unthinkable. Is it really, definitely, impossible to escape from this horror? Maybe not. There's always something you can do, right? Of course, no one would ever do this particular something – except the Lamberts, who might have to. No one has ever gone this far. Until Sally decides that the Lamberts will… 'An incident involving a dog in a small village escalates to an all-out conflict, turning neighbour against neighbour, and culminating in murder. Bu...

The Dilemmas of Work Women - Fumio Yamamoto

Description The classic Japanese bestseller published in English for the very first time - a darkly funny and relatable book portraying the lives of five women 'Witty, wise and thought-provoking' Cecelia Ahern 'Crackles and pops with humour, empathy and intelligence' Lisa Owens, author of Not Working 'So brilliantly written that I kept trying to memorise sentences in order to repeat them to people later' Roxy Dunn, author of As Young as This Izumi needs to get a job. Haruka needs to stop talking about how she once had cancer. Katō needs to get through a shift at the convenience store without being harassed. Mito needs to break up with her boyfriend - or marry him. Sumie just needs somewhere to live. In this classic Japanese bestseller, published in English twenty-five years after it took Japan by storm, the lives of five ordinary women are depicted with irresistible humour and searing emotional insight. Review A collection of short ...

A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder - Louise Candlish

Description A gripping new thriller from the author of Our House, packed full of stunning twists! ‘Louise Candlish has a gift for examining hotly topical issues with intelligence, wit, and a keen eye for observational detail. A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder is a smartly constructed psychological thriller with a wicked twist in the tale. Flawless!’ Lucy Clarke ‘A terrific story, witty, engaging and a total page-turner.’ Liz Nugent 'A whip-smart, razor-sharp domestic thriller… a fiendishly twisty plot. Gwen is my new obsession!' Isabelle Broom ‘A brilliant mess-with-your-mind slow burn thriller. Louise is a master manipulator and this is not to be missed’ Nikki Smith 'Louise Candlish excels at issue-led plots. A clever “through the keyhole” take on neighbours.' Jane Corry 'Meticulously plotted with twists and turns aplenty. It's a truly addictive read.' Hannah Beckerman Her secrets will be the death of you. It’s rare for a r...

BOOKSIMO

Search This Blog