The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

Book Description

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

In The Lost Bookshop, Evie Woods weaves a tale as charming as it is profound. Woods tells her story through three point-of-view (POV) characters, over two timelines. Set against the backdrop of historical and modern-day Dublin, Martha’s journey from an abusive past to a hopeful future intertwines beautifully with Henry’s scholarly quest and Opaline’s attempt to escape from societal constraints.

The care with which Woods weaves Martha, Henry, and Opaline’s lives provided a rich narrative experience. Not only did I find the entangling storylines fascinating, it was also a terrific method for increasing the tension of the novel. Because I knew more about what happened to Opaline than Martha and Henry, I watched them discover little clues about Opaline’s story with a breathless anticipation.

A Lovely Book About Books and Bookshops

As an unabashed bibliophile, I found the concept of a magical bookshop that only presents itself to those in need delightful.

But frankly, the bookshop wasn’t the point of the story. Instead, each POV character’s personal transformation was the beating heart of the narrative. Yes, The Lost Bookshop celebrates the enduring power of books. It illustrates how literature can bridge time and space.

More importantly, The Lost Bookshop provides a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. It shows how literature offers an escape from, and mirror to, our lives. It’s a heartfelt ode to those who find solace in bookshops and courage within the pages of a book. I found it a joy to read and look forward to Wood’s upcoming novel, The Story Collector.

Have you ever stumbled upon a bookshop that felt like you’d found an undiscovered treasure?

Content Warning

Alcoholism, Bullying, Confinement, Domestic Abuse, Forced Institutionalization, Mental Health, Misogyny, Violence, War

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Annie Spratt on Unsplash