Published by Mariner Books
Publication date: September 15th 1997
The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
Published by Mariner Books
Publication date: September 15th 1997
November is a quiet month for new book releases so I try and use the time to read books I missed earlier in the year or just things that catch my eye. And by that I mean, anything in this mini-bookcase, which is now comprised of books coming out in 2016 and all the things that came out this year that I didn’t read (yet). I know, it’s a little crazy, but it is organized (sort of).
Anyway, it’s already known that I have a weakness for books about books. If it has bookshop, book or library in the title than I’m probably going to want to read it—even though that hasn’t always worked out. I’m happy to report that in the case of The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald it did.
Florence Green lives in a small town on the English coast. After her husband dies she decides to use her inheritance to open a bookshop because their town is without either a book store or a library. It’s the early 1960s and she’s hopeful the time is right to bring books to her village, but she is surprised when she meets with resistance from one of the town’s wealthy women. For reasons she cannot fathom Mrs. Gamart doesn’t like her and doesn’t like any of her decisions and seems determined to shut her down.
The Bookshop is a tiny book, weighing in at 123 pages and not likely to take more than an afternoon to read and yet, it does exactly what it needs to do in that time and space. It is a quintessentially British novel peopled with places and a cast that is reminiscent of Dickens, Trollope, and Wilde: an overbearing matron, a haunted shop, a waifish child from an overpopulated family, hard economic times, a largely useless barrister, and a reclusive aristocrat. At its center is Florence, plucky and of good cheer. She hires Christine, a ten-year-old wisp of a girl with the will of a major who soon marshals the store and its patrons into order.
In the wrong hands The Bookshop could be the worst of treacly slop, but Fitzgerald feels no compunction to sugarcoat reality. Instead, with the dry humor that is the best of the Brits she tells a story that is endearing in its fiction but sad in its truth. The kind that, when it ends, leaves a wistful desire for more.
This sounds like a nice little one to slip in! Love this bookcase…you’re not going to have any lack of choices through the end of the year. As for what’s on the bookshelves – Penny Vincenzi!! I used to read her stuff all the time…so juicy! I haven’t read her in awhile. Love May Fail didn’t work out so well for me, despite a strong start. I loved Reunion – was one of my Best Books of 2014!
This seals it- that you even know who Penny Vincenzi is final confirmation that we are related. I loved her earlier stuff- so much detail and strong women. Then she started getting more into romance-y. I’m hoping this one is a return to her old style.
Reunion just moved to my December reading list thanks to you!
I am the same way regarding book titles with book, library bookshop, etc.! I actually picked this book up very cheaply at a library booksale several years ago and have yet to read it, or anything else written by Penelope Fitzgerald. Glad you liked it and now hopefully I’ll get to it sooner rather than later! 🙂
I share this affliction and it seems like I’ve been burned a couple of times recently. I won’t lie – when I saw the titles of this book I thought that maybe I would skip it because of my recent experiences. But after reading the post, it sounds like this one might be alright!
Eva, I have been so burned that I’ve given up, but because this is more a novella than a novel I went with it. It is quirky, but part of what I loved was that it doesn’t end well, it ends more realistically and I appreciated that.
I was so happy earlier this year to get all my books-in-waiting organized in a new bookcase near my bed. Now I have to make sure it doesn’t overflow! I’ve been meaning to read some Penelope Fitzgerald and this is a great recommendation, thanks.
I feel like I’ve had this on my TBR at some point, or maybe I just eyeball it whenever I’m in the used bookstore. I’m so glad to know you liked it. This looks like fair game for my next #15in30 (or 31, or 28) challenge.
It’s perfect for that- not going to change your world, but not quick fluff either. Made me a little sad.
I’ve never read any of Fitzgerald’s works, though I always see her on the shelf when looking for the Fitzgerald of the F. Scott variety. This sounds like it might be a great place to start; a book about a bookstore is right up my alley.
Catherine, I am going to earmark this one for my next Readathon day; since it’s only 123 pages, it’s a great choice! I’m excited! Thank you for sharing this one!