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The Bookshop  By  cover art

The Bookshop

By: Penelope Fitzgerald,Stephanie Racine,David Nicholls - introduction
Narrated by: Eve Karpf,David Nicholls
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Publisher's summary

Short-listed for the Booker Prize.

In a small East Anglian town, Florence Green decides, against polite but ruthless local opposition, to open a bookshop.

Hardborough becomes a battleground. Florence has tried to change the way things have always been done, and as a result she has to take on not only the people who have made themselves important but natural and even supernatural forces, too. Her fate will strike a chord with anyone who knows that life has treated them with less than justice.

©1978 Penelope Fitzgerald; Introduction David Nicholls 2013; Preface Hermione Lee 2013 (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

What listeners say about The Bookshop

Average customer ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

On my to read list for a long time

I thoroughly enjoyed this short novel. It was exquisitely written and a sometimes gentle, sometimes sad portrayal of the small-mindedness of village folk. The characters, although minimally explored, come into sharp focus. I have no doubt that this is an accurate portrayal of what post War village life was like in England.
I would caution you to skip the commentary at the beginning and return to it after you have finished the book as it provides details better uncovered on your own. The commentary was insightful but might spoil the book for the reader.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Such a great listen...

Hated the ending. The characters deserved better....but what a story. Everyone, everywhere, will recognize these characters....walking through their own lives. SLKW

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Thoughtful, entertaining and a delightful treat

This short book is a delight of fascinating perception both of realistic characters, as well as the location and life style in a small coastal village where everyone knows everything about everyone else, A place where jealousies easily arise and where real or imagined slights are never forgotten or forgiven..

I chose to read this recently without realising there was a film about to be released. Having listened, in every spare moment I could, to reach the end I now look forward to the film version. Glad I heard this version first, because the beauty of the prose may become lost in a film version which relies on visual and dialogue..Happy to recommend as a thoughtful, entertaining short novel.

The narration was ideal, capturing the characters, the atmosphere of the village and enhancing the descriptions of the bleak Norfolk landscape..

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Boring...lame...uneventful

Why is this even a book? Pass on this one, wish I would have. Next!

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

An Enjoyable Read - Small Town

A lovely story about one who hoped to provide where there was not, education, art and love of reading. Unbeknownst to her, the endeavors were not welcomed by the suspicious little town and members set about in ways that would surprise you.

I enjoyed the time and listened to this one on Audible. The narrators were lovely and truly made the book more enjoyable. I loved the cadence and delicacy of the writing.

Enjoy!

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Spoiler Alert: Skip Chapter 2 -- It Ruins the Book

I realize that Audible wants to present the book as written. In this case, you first get the preface. This is no problem. But then you get an "Introduction." In fact, it is a review that tells you everything of importance that happens.

I literally could not believe my ears. Audible should immediately correct this and place the "Intro" at the end, or at least note that listeners who do not wish to to hear David Nicholls' description of the book should skip chapter 2.

The book itself is outstanding. But I had to give low marks to performance and overall experience because it was ruined by chapter 2.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Such Potential!

However...... sad, abrupt ending! A little disappointed that there was no resolution for any of the characters!

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Rj
  • 05-25-20

Unusually refreshing!

It was untraditional in every sense but unexpectedly satisfying and superbly narrated. I applaud kindness!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Small Town England

This was an excellent listen on audio, I don't think I'd enjoy just reading it. Set in a small village in England it is a tale of taking a risk, being a little naive about what might be a success and how to run a small business. Florence Green has a kind heart, but that cannot be said for another woman in the village who ruthlessly sets about being Florence's and the bookshop's downfall.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Beuatifully Written But Nothing Uplifting Here

Well crafted prose, but the story is bleak and depressing. Sorry but I just didn't like how things turned out.

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