The Bookshop
The Bookshop
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Brief
Beta163
Novel • Fiction
Suffolk, England • 1950s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Bookshop, a person named Florence Green opens a bookshop in a small, conservative English seaside town in 1959. Despite encountering societal and personal challenges, Florence persists in her endeavor, navigating the complexities of community dynamics and resistance. The story explores themes of resilience, ambition, and the impact of literature on a tight-knit community.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
29,922 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald is praised for its evocative prose and vivid setting, capturing 1950s coastal England. Critics admire the protagonist's quiet determination. However, some find the pacing slow and the narrative bleak. The novel's subtle humor and exploration of societal resistance are key strengths, engaging readers who appreciate character-driven stories.
Who Should Read The Bookshop?
A reader who enjoys The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald likely appreciates character-driven novels exploring human resilience and small-town dynamics. Fans of Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout or Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson would find similar pleasure in its subtle wit and poignant storytelling.
29,922 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
163
Novel • Fiction
Suffolk, England • 1950s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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