Following last month’s thriller, this month’s book club book was picked by Linsday and for my sake, was not another thriller! Thank goodness. On the docket, we had The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, which, can I just say the cover of this book is absolutely magical. Here’s what the synopsis has to say about the book. Be sure to read on to see what I thought!

The Lost Bookshop Book Review / Summary

The Keeper of Stories meets The Lost Apothecary in this evocative and charming love story full of mystery and secrets. Gorgeous descriptions of Paris and Dublin transport you to another world – a book to truly escape into.

‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’

On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.

My thoughts on The Lost Bookshop 

I thoroughly enjoyed The Lost Bookshop. This story follows three main characters on their own intriguing and unique path. With every new piece of information in each individual storyline, I was glued to the pages to see just how these characters’ lives intertwined.

Woods does an excellent job creating three vastly different storylines within one book with enough similarities and common threads woven throughout to know that somehow, someway, they will come together.

There was one moment in the book when I actually put the book down on the bed, turned to my partner, and exclaimed “OH MY GOD! I need to tell you about this book.” The twists, intensity, and overall magical whimsicalness of this book took me by surprise and had me absolutely hooked. The banter between Martha and Henry, the determined spirit of Opaline, and the charm of this lost bookshop makes this book a must-read.

With a few heavier themes throughout like abuse, mental health, and traumatic events surrounding birth, this book really does have it all. I highly recommend giving this one a read!

Favourite Quotes from The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

“Lost is not a hopeless place to be. It is a place of patience, of waiting. Lost does not mean gone for ever. Lost is a bridge between worlds, where the pain of our past can be transformed into power. You have always held the key to this special place, but now you are ready to unlock the door.”

― Evie Woods, The Lost Bookshop

“The thing about books,’ she said, ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.”

― Evie Woods, The Lost Bookshop

“I learned something in that moment; you’re on your own in this world. No one is coming to save you. People don’t suddenly change, say they’re sorry and begin to treat you with respect. They are a jumble of hurt and pain and they will take it out on whomever they can. I had to save myself.”

― Evie Woods, The Lost Bookshop

The Lost Bookshop Book Club Questions

These particular questions were provided on Evie Woods’ website and contributed to great conversation in our own book club! View more questions.

1. Opaline’s love of books is what guides her through life, like talismans and passports of escape. As a reader, what do books mean to you? How have books impacted your life?
2. Were there any significant plot twists that surprised you?
3. Did the book provoke any emotional responses from you? Which scenes stood out in terms of their impact?
4. Intergenerational trauma is another significant theme, with each character facing the repercussions of the previous generations actions. What is your opinion on the subject?

Other books by Evie Woods

Similar books to The Lost Bookshop

If you enjoyed The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, you might like the following books that share themes of mystery, history, and the magic of books and bookstores:

Final Thoughts on The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

If you are a lover of books and magical themes, this book needs to be added to your ‘To Read’ list! The characters, depth, development, and surprises throughout the story keep you reading. You grow attached to each character and need to know how the story ends. This was an easy 5-star read for me. If you take a read through this lovely novel, please let me know what you thought in the comments below!