OVERVIEW
This is my first book by Madeline Martin. I liked this book, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. From the book title, description, and cover, I expected a story about a book library. Unfortunately for me, it was another World War II historical fiction novel, which I have read too many of recently. I was somewhat disappointed.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars.
Writing: 3.5 stars
At times, the writing felt repetitive. It was as if the same story was being retold again, but in a subtly different way. Madeline writes well, but it wasn't as descriptive and detailed as I prefer.
There were some parts of the book that could have been completely edited out, especially the difficulties with the host families. It seemed a bit melodramatic for my taste.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters were Emma (a widowed mother), Olivia (Emma's young daughter), Mrs. Pickering (Emma and Olivia's landlord), and World War II.
The secondary characters include Margaret (Emma's work friend), Charles (Emma's friend), Mr. and Mrs. Taylor (Emma's in-laws), and Mr. Sanderson (the other tenant in the building).
The tertiary characters are Emma's coworkers and customers, the people of Nottingham, and the lending library.
There was a lost opportunity for stronger character development, especially with Emma's in-laws. By not giving as much prominence to the two host families, the family relationships could have been explored more fully.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The storyline was the story of the horrible bombing of Nottingham and the sending of children away to safety in the country. It was also the survival story of the people of Nottingham pulling together in a horrific time in history.
The location was primarily Nottingham, Coventry, Kent, and London.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
I did not know that there was a paid lending library at Boots The Chemist (pharmacy, for Americans) called "Boots Book-Lovers' Library". There were two different levels of paid subscriptions, which ended in 1966.
Apparently, access to public libraries and popular novels was limited, especially during World War II. The Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 required neighborhood councils to provide free public libraries. Fascinating!
Book cover: 3.5 stars
Not really representative of this novel.
Book title: 3.5 stars
Okayish.
Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin
396 pages
Hanover Square Press
Release date: 9/10/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Fire, fire trauma, explosion, war, bombing, medical content, death of a child, death, blood, gore
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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