Catherine H

Library assistant June Jones has always been painfully shy, and has become more withdrawn after the death of her mother, librarian Beverley Jones, eight years ago. Since that time, June has retreated into her world of books, venturing only as far as the Chalcot Library, her place of employment, and the Golden Dragon, her local Chinese restaurant. She is a creature of habit who re-reads her favorite classics and orders the same takeaway meal every Monday night. June has resigned herself to living a quiet existence without close friends or outside interests, having given up her dream of being a writer when her mother became gravely ill. Her entire life now revolves around her job at the library, where she performs her assigned tasks while doing her best to limit her interactions with the patrons. June's world is about to take a dramatic turn, however, when the Dunningshire Council announces its plan to close the Chalcot Library as part of its budget reductions.

The library patrons are quick to denounce the Council's plans and organize petitions and protests to save their beloved local library, expecting June to support them in their actions. June is petrified at the thought of participating in any public activities, even though her job is threatened. Can she find it within herself to move beyond her comfort zone and stand up for what she believes in, at the risk of facing her vulnerabilities and connecting with like-minded souls?

The Last Chance Library is a heartwarming tale of love and loss; resourcefulness and new beginnings; and opportunities for personal growth and reinvention. Freya Sampson has created a charming English village populated with an eclectic mix of characters who connect in ways that provide equal measures of light-hearted humor and drama as they interact with each other and rally around a common cause. The resilience of the human spirit is on full display as the ups and downs of these villagers comes vividly to life in the pages of this novel.

That said, The Last Chance Library is also a tribute to books and libraries. It has numerous book references for bibliophiles to delight in; acknowledges the importance of library services beyond book lending; and underscores the library as the day-to-day heart of a community. It is a truly touching and uplifting read.