The Last Bookshop in Prague is a loving delivery of a difficult period in time for the residents of Prague. It is a powerful WW2 novel that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. It was a season of devastating loss but to see the resilient spirits of the people come through, warmed my aching heart. I truly loved this novel and was impressed with Helen Parusel’s writing ability to draw out complex emotion through her well formed characters. The pacing is perfect allowing me to get to know these people well through their hardships.
A bookshop in Prague is central in this story. It was originally a business built by Jana’s mom who passed away a couple years earlier. Jana has hidden certain special book collections of her mother’s to prevent the Nazis from destroying them. Since the Nazis have taken over Prague, everything is in upheaval. Many important classics are banned and replaced with Nazis propaganda. Jana decides to help the Resistance and her bookshop becomes a cover for some of their activities. She also takes on a part time cleaning position at the Prague Castle, that once housed ‘Bohemian kings and emperors.’ Now it is the central headquarters of the Nazis. For Jana, it is an opportunity to listen in on conversations to gather valuable information.
One day, an officer named Captain Kovar comes in to her bookshop to search her premises after she has hidden a Jewish child in her cupboard. Something about this man seems different but she cannot quite put her finger on what that is.
The desire in the Czech citizens is strong to overthrow the Germans who have invaded their city and unleased terror on them all. It becomes difficult to know who to trust and who is friend or enemy? Jana cannot help but be suspicious of those even close to her. Especially after some of her friends and family are captured. This fuels Jana’s desire even more to help in any way she can. She wonders if someone has been spying on her and given the Nazis information?
There is a well presented cast of characters, both heroes and villains. And even a surprise love interest. I will only mention a couple other figures: Jana’s father, a puppeteer, whose warmth and support is truly felt in her life. Plus, her grandmother who is a bright spark during a dark time. She is a bold courageous woman, too, in the risky part she plays. The children who are part of the story definitely experienced some rough challenges and their plight pulled heavily on my heartstrings. Protecting and saving them from harm and from being shipped off to those death camps, is the motivation that drives Jana to take big risks. She is a sincere caring young woman and tries to help all those in need whenever she can. There are some very tense moments in her rescues and resistance actions that kept me on the edge of my seat!
As mentioned, the triumph of the human spirit in the face of maximum adversity is a theme that shines like a beacon throughout The Last Bookshop in Prague. Being under the threat of a ruthless enemy, forced many to reach deep down inside to find courage they never knew they had during those awful WW2 years. The fight for survival and the sacrifices the people of Prague made are clearly visible across these pages. As for their oppressor: the author has included key moments of history, such as some of the activities of the Nazis tyrant Heydrich, his assassination and the Lidice massacre.
Although many innocent bystanders and resistant fighters lost their lives in battle, victory did come with assistance from the allies—allowing a remnant to survive. I believe this story presents a realistic mix of each. I wept for the characters I came to know and loved who did not make it but I cheered for those who did. From the scars and wounds of battle, many rose like a phoenix from the ashes to find new life after the war.
This is a profound, deeply effective novel in showing what it must have been like for the Czech people who lived through the German occupation. I highly recommend The Last Bookshop in Prague that is filled with love, loss, courage, bravery, neighbourly help and intense determination. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
