The Lost Bookshop

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

The story follows three characters Opaline, Martha, and Henry each carrying their own struggles and searching for something in life. What connects them all is this hidden, magical bookshop📖 that seems to appear when you need it most.✨ What I loved most is how seamlessly past and present were connected ,Opaline’s mysterious story gave the novel a historical depth, while Martha and Henry brought warmth, hope, and healing🩷. The writing felt comforting also carries depth simple enough to read easily , Honestly, I was hoping for a little more magical realism, but aside from that, it was a lovely read.

Lovely story kept you going completely enjoyed this story

Beautiful story telling and characters. Must read for all those who love getting carried away with magic! Hopefully I'll read it again!

Gets really good in the mid.

Finally Completed reading the book by @evie.gaughan ! In the start, I felt a little disconnection between the story. The Story revolves around Opaline, Martha,Henry, Madame Bowden who are struggling to find their purpose of life. Martha works for Madam Bowden post running from a failed marriage and who aims to study to get a degree; living a better life. Soon she comes across in connection with a PhD student Henry and the rest of the story is about to unfold between the future and past connecting Madam Bowden's House. Opaline, who suffers mental and physical harassment from his Brother Lyndon; discovers the writing of EJB. As you progress towards the end, what a twist of finding a true treasure of a lost bookshop. The books connect the past and present story together to discover a lost bookshop. If you are a slow reader, definately you should add this book to your TBR - The Lost Bookshop !

Mom loved it

A beautiful, enthralling, magical book which keeps u glued to it. A book lovers delight.

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.

‘On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…’ - The Lost Bookshop’ by Evie Woods. I combined reading with its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Avena Mansergh-Wallace, Olivia Mace, and Nick Biadon. The story of the lost bookshop is told by three characters. In the Prologue we are introduced to Martha, who runs Opaline’s Bookshop in present day Dublin. We then move back in time to 1921 where Opaline Carlisle shares the story of her love of books and how following the death of her father, her brother had sought to marry her off. She runs away from home and finds her way to Paris. There she works in a bookshop and begins a fledgling career as a book dealer. We then return to Martha nine months prior to the Prologue. Escaping an abusive marriage, she takes the position of housekeeper to Mrs. Bowen, an elderly woman living in a Georgian house in Ha'penny Lane, Dublin. The third narrative voice is Henry Field, a British academic in search of a lost manuscript. His only clue to its whereabouts is a letter from one of the world’s most successful rare book dealers to Miss Opaline Gray, a bookshop owner in Ha'penny Lane, Dublin. The evening he arrives in Dublin Henry has an unusual experience when he is dropped off in Ha'penny Lane. He enters the bookshop then suddenly finds himself back outside. Too many G&Ts on the flight? In the light of day he discovers that the bookshop’s address is waste ground. It is located next door to Mrs. Bowen’s and he soon meets Martha, who at first believes him to be a Peeping Tom! I won’t say more to avoid spoilers. The chapters cycle between the three main characters and between the past and present. It becomes obvious that there is something strange about the bookshop, including other reports of people walking into it but it then disappearing. Then there are the tree roots seemingly growing from the ceiling of Martha’s room and the tattoo on her back that has begun changing on its own. I appreciated the aspects of magical realism found throughout the novel. It can be a delicate balance to integrate these elements without entering into full-on fantasy fiction. I felt that Evie Woods succeeded in creating a subtle sense of wonder. With respect to the audiobook, I was glad that there were three readers, each narrating one of the main characters. While this was my first experience of all three, I felt that they did well including with the various characters’ accents. Overall, I enjoyed ‘The Lost Bookshop’ and found it an engaging read. Throughout the story celebrates books and the love of reading and that always appeals to me. As a result, I expect that it will prove a popular choice with reading groups and I plan to suggest it to my own. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Es una historia que mezcla la fantasía con la realidad, me gustó mucho, se lee muy fácil. Muy interesante cómo se entrelaza la vida de los 3 protagonistas. La historia en general es muy relajada.

What an amazing story. It is cozy, but real and magical. Very easy to read and perfect when you are in need of a good cozy book with depth. Highly recommend.