The Lost Bookshop Paperback – 7 November 2023

1⭐ is for the quality of the bookMartha has escaped from an abusive home, seeking refuge in Madame Bowden's house as a housekeeper. Henry is a Ph.D. student who is in a quest for an old lost manuscript, and a lost bookshop. When, the two strangers end up in search of a lost bookshop, which should have been next door to Madame Bowden's house, but isn't! However fate intertwines their paths in the search of the lost bookshop and missing manuscript. The secret becomes more intricate and profound as they begin to unravel it.What secret does the bookshop hold?This book is a charming novel blended with magical realism, historical fiction, bibliophilia, and romance. The story follows three main protagonists which are set in Dublin, London and Paris. It has multiple POVs with a dual timeline; it is narrated back and forth at alternative chapters. Opaline, is a headstrong character who built her own dream against all odds. Martha's character was a polar opposite to Opaline, she was naive and a girl with dreams, holding up to herself. Henry's character was full of ambition and charming. Madame Bowden is my favourite side character, she is quirky and mysterious. The character development was great, and the readers will get to know them throughout the book. The plot and the world build up was impeccable, with unexpected twists and turns. The magical element was subtle and charming. The author's writing was lyrical and whimsical. She also highlights female liberation, domestic abuse, healing and loss. The author was excellent at weaving stories inside a story. I love how beautifully she involved classical literature and those authors in it, which literally gave life to the plot. It was a heartwarming and heartbreaking read. Overall, I devoured every page of this book

Good and simple read! Magical 🪄

Beautiful story telling and characters. Must read for all those who love getting carried away with magic! Hopefully I'll read it again!

Inspiring heart warming story with characters beautifully sketched, a page turner

Gets really good in the mid.

However, the physical quality is not up to its mark. There are scratch marks on certain areas of the book cover. Apart from this, the book is great.

Finally Completed reading the book by @evie.gaughan !In the start, I felt a little disconnection between the story.The Story revolves around Opaline, Martha,Henry, Madame Bowden who are struggling to find their purpose of life.Martha works for Madam Bowden post running from a failed marriage and who aims to study to get a degree; living a better life.Soon she comes across in connection with a PhD student Henry and the rest of the story is about to unfold between the future and past connecting Madam Bowden's House.Opaline, who suffers mental and physical harassment from his Brother Lyndon; discovers the writing of EJB.As you progress towards the end, what a twist of finding a true treasure of a lost bookshop.The books connect the past and present story together to discover a lost bookshop.If you are a slow reader, definately you should add this book to your TBR - The Lost Bookshop !

Absolutely enjoyed this. Magic realism. Excellent story line. Lovely read for a holiday! Such a good story. Great for a reading slump.