By: Evie Woods
It’s 1921 in London, and we meet Opaline Carlisle who is running away to France to escape being forced to marry. She begins working in a bookshop and that’s where her story begins. Present day, Martha escapes her abusive marriage and becomes a housekeeper for Madame Bowden. She meets Henry, who is looking for a lost bookshop that is supposed to be where the house is where Martha lives. As Henry continues his research, Martha begins to help him in her own way, and therein the truth is revealed.
So, these types of books just aren’t for me. I read this because it was a book club pick for me. I wanted to DNF it, but I do not DNF books and I pushed myself through it. I know there are SO many people that loved it.
There were parts of the story that I was into, mainly the present day parts and some of the past parts that were later in time. Otherwise, I really did struggle. I hate that I did because it really isn’t a reflection on the author whatsoever. It really is just me! Magical realism just isn’t my thing.
So… please don’t listen to my opinion on this one if you enjoy magical realism! If you haven’t read it, then you may enjoy it!
Publish Date: June 22, 2023
Find the book here.
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