The Lost Bookshop

Martha 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

One of the most magical books and stories I’ve ever read. It’s one of those where you stall the reading as you reach the end of it but cannot put the book down at the same time. The one that leaves your heart happy and full of magic.

This story had so much potential, the magical realism, the parallel timelines, the hunt for lost manuscripts…but unfortunately it all falls flat. Analyzing what went wrong for me, here’s what I have to say: 1. Let’s start with Hanry’s POV, it was completely useless, his character in fact is an accessory only, he’s not bringing anything interesting to the story, and I don’t think he should have had his own POV. His chapters were quite boring and the plot would have moved along without them. 2. We only scratch the surface of the situations and of the characters, we simply cannot grasp the depth on anything. There are big topics that the 2 main female characters live through (domestic violence, injustice imprisonment, loss of a child etc.), but they’re explored very lightly, as if their impact on Opaline and Martha is only a passing one, and not a deep, defining, life changing moment. 3. There are many loose ends, who was Madam Bowden? Where did Mr Fitzpatrick go when Opaline disappeared? Why didn’t she reach out to him if she could apparently write letters? And so on..

Thought i am ordering the original book but it feels like a cheap pirated copy. Disappointed

1⭐ is for the quality of the book Martha 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

really nice plot that gives you expectations till the end.

Evie Woods tells another beautifully written and magical story with The Lost Bookshop. Her prose has a way of drawing you in with its quiet charm, blending a touch of whimsy with heartfelt depth. This book brings together multiple perspectives and timelines, centering around Martha, Henry, and Opaline, three very different characters whose lives are unexpectedly linked through the mystery of a hidden bookshop. Each of their journeys feels layered and meaningful: Martha’s escape from a controlling life, Henry’s search for belonging, and Opaline’s historical thread filled with resilience and secrets. While their stories unfold separately, the way Woods weaves them together creates a sense of fate and timelessness that I really enjoyed. The setting itself feels like a character, an enchanting, almost otherworldly bookshop that seems to appear when it’s needed most. It carries that sense of wonder that book lovers will instantly connect with, reminding us of the magic that stories and words can hold. The characters and their growth made the journey worthwhile. It’s not just about books, it’s about second chances, self-discovery, and finding strength in unexpected places. A lovely, atmospheric read for anyone who believes in the quiet power of stories.

Starts off slow.. Then the momentum picks up as u go.

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