The imprint of WWII on a British mother and daughter are thoughtfully explored in The Booklover’s Library, a deeply moving, meticulously researched novel of historical fiction by Madeline Martin.
Set in England from 1931 to 1946, the story follows Emma Taylor, whose mother died after she was born. Her beloved bookshop-owner father raised her, passing on his passion for books. Eight years after he perishes in a fire that also claimed his store, Emma marries a solicitor who is struck and killed by a car after the birth of their daughter, Olivia.
As WWII looms larger, Emma struggles to find work, as being widowed with a child is construed as an employment liability. When she finally encounters a woman familiar with her father and his bookshop--who is impressed by Emma’s book knowledge--Emma is offered a position at a subscription-style lending library with conditions: Emma must claim she is unmarried--referred to as “Miss Taylor”--and her daughter must be referred to as her “sister.”
As war escalates, a multitude of challenges grow, and Emma is forced, for safety’s sake, to send Olivia away to the English countryside. Separated mother and daughter become entrenched in an uncertain world. But the power of friendship, community, and the comfort of books sustains them.
Martin (The Last Bookshop in London) authentically depicts how the terror of WWII--and the many sacrifices made therein--inspired great resilience of the human spirit.
The Booklover’s Library by Madeline Martin
Hanover Square Press (Harlequin/HarperCollins), $18.99 paperback, 9781335000392, 432 pages
Publication
Date: September 10, 2024
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NOTE:
This review is a reprint and is being posted with the permission of Shelf Awareness. To
read this review as originally published on Shelf Awareness (September
13, 2024), link HERE