“ It was the sound of joy, the sound of a nation healing.” (Madeline Martin, The Booklover’s Library) 

This quote is like a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. It is told at the end of the novel The Booklover’s Library to show how far the nation of England has come from the war. Madeline Martin sets this historical fiction novel during World War II in England, when the Germans are making their attacks on France, Poland, and ultimately England. The Booklover’s Library is not only about the wartime hardships, but also the feeling of home and family. 

Synopsis:

Set in Nottingham, England, Emma Taylor, a widow, is in desperate need for a job. Her and her daughter, Olivia, have always liked living a peaceful life, but when the necessity for money is high Emma knows she has to find a job fast. Due to legal restrictions prohibiting widows with children from many employment opportunities, she doesn’t have many options. Luckily, she was able to snag a job as a manager at Boots’ Booklover’s Library. Throughout the book, the threat of war in England is coming, which means Emma has to make the decision to send Olivia to the countryside. Everyday, Emma pushes through with the thoughts of Olivia and the memories of her father and the bookstore they owned before the tragedy in the back of her mind. The job, though, is a good distraction for Emma, with the friendships she forms with her coworkers and the library’s regulars. Emma fights to reunite with her daughter every day as she never knows when it may be the last she sees her. 

Review:

The Booklover’s Library is a lovely book. It was thorough in the detail but I never got bored. This novel was not fast-paced and it showed in the writing of how wonderful and creative Madeline Martin really is. 

All of the characters had life in them. Each one has their own unique story and is very well-developed. We go through Emma’s struggle of motherhood, Margaret (Emma’s co-worker) romantic dilemma, and Olivia’s childhood. This book really warms your heart and brings the sense of family. 

There are numerous themes to the book, including motherhood, trust, hope, and community. Each of these are explored in their own unique way. One theme that stands out to me is the power of literature. This theme ties the whole book together by serving as a source of hope, family, and healing. 

This novel had a very strong engaging element to it, which was honestly surprising. It is so original with the plot having a deep connection. You almost feel yourself as if you are in the book, waiting for something to happen. 

Although I’m not used to reading this type of book and genre, I did thoroughly enjoy the novel. One thing in particular is how eye-opening this novel really is. You see each character go through something different, and how others are affected by that series of events. Because of how well crafted this book is, I actually don’t think I found anything I didn’t like. Each character was so unique and you almost could connect them to people in your own life. 

Overall, The Booklover’s Library was a fantastic book. I’d recommend it to anyone even if they aren’t a fan of historical fiction. This book brought you the sense of home you would love to see in more books. If you would like some recommendations, I would definitely check out The Keeper of Hidden Books or The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin as well. 

I would give this book: 📚📚📚📚📚- a warm and captivating read! (5/5)

Love, Liya 

GFB Ambassador