The Last Bookshop in London

by Madeline Martin

“Reading is...” His brows knit together and then his forehead smoothed as the right words appeared to dawn on him. “It’s going somewhere

without ever taking a train or ship, an unveiling of new, incredible worlds. It’s living a life you weren’t born into and a chance to see everything colored by someone else’s perspective. It’s learning without having to face consequences of failures, and how best to succeed.” He hesitated. “I think within all of us, there is a void, a gap waiting to be filled by something. For me, that something is books and all their proffered experiences.”

off to war and their children being cared for by strangers in the country. Some of the letters these women receive are just terribly sad. Little ones wanting to come home, swearing to be good so they aren’t sent away again.” She looked down at her

“It is the duty of the rest of the world to ensure they will never be silenced.” He tapped a yellow spine with Almansor in gilt at its top. “‘Where they burn books, they will ultimately burn people as well.’

Deeper still was the profound understanding for mankind as she lived in the minds of the characters. Over time, she had found such perspectives made her a more patient person, more accepting of others. If everyone had such an appreciation for their fellow man, perhaps things such as war would not exist.

“I was in the Great War,” he said as she wiped at her eyes with a handkerchief. “You never forget, but it becomes part of you. Like a scar no one can see.”

It is through books that we can find the greatest hope, he had written in his tight, neat script. Words the censor had no cause to cut away. You remain ever in my thoughts.

But it was true how anger could be used to mask hurt, especially when hurt was such a very vulnerable emotion.

Ugliness in a person was not born, but created. Perhaps he had endured a hardship that had made him so cruel.

Suddenly she regarded him in a different light. Not with anger, but compassion. And with the knowledge that his mistreatment had nothing to do with her, and everything to do with him.

“Books are what have brought us together. A love of the stories within, the adventures they take us on, their glorious

distraction in a time of strife. And a reminder that we always have hope.”

“Even if we don’t have Primrose Hill Books...” Grace cradled Jane Eyre to her chest. “Remember that we will always have books, and therefore we will always have courage and optimism.”