Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

1. Which of the three main women in the story do you relate to more? Grace, Mrs. Weatherford or Viv? (or for men: Mr. Evans, Collin or George Anderson)
2. How does life during the Blitz parallel to experiences you've had during the pandemic?
3. After reading about Grace's experiences as an ARP Warden, do you think it's a job you would want to do? Why or why not?
4. At what point do you think Grace started to see Mr. Evans as a father figure and what did that mean to her?
5. What did you learn about the Blitz in reading this book that you didn't know before?
6. What did you look up to learn more about after you finished reading The Last Bookshop in London?
7. All the children having to leave London for safe locations in England was a tough decision for parents to make, especially when relocating was not an option for most families. Do you think you would send your child away or keep them in London? How about once the Blitz started?
8. Taking shelter during the bombings wasn't always comfortable or convenient as Anderson shelters were cramped and flooded easily and the tube stations were crowded, smelly and loud. Do you think you would still take shelter every night or eventually just chance it in the comfort of your own bed?
9. Dance halls were enormously popular during the war in London, even on through the Blitz. Do you think you would go to a dance hall while bombs were falling?
10. Food rationing meant cooking staples like butter, sugar and meat were in short supply. What is one of your favorite recipes you would need to alter and could you remake it using vegetables somehow?
11. What is the first book you remember falling in love with?
12. What is one of your favorite classics?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Hanover Square Press. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.