What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Bookshop in Prague
An utterly breathtaking historical novel, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah
Was she incredibly brave or incredibly stupid? Neither. Just a bookshop girl doing what she could against her country’s oppressors.
The banned books club was only the beginning; a place for the women of Prague to come together and share the tales the Germans wanted to silence.
For bookshop owner, Jana, doing the right thing was never a question. So when opportunity comes to help the resistance, she offers herself – and her bookshop. Using her window displays as covert signals and hiding secret codes in book marks, she’ll do all in her power to help.
But the arrival of two people in her bookshop will change everything: a young Jewish boy with nowhere else to turn, and a fascist police captain Jana can’t read at all. In a time where secrets are currency and stories can be fatal, will she know who to trust?
A heart-wrenching and powerful story of courage, tenacity and love. Fans of Suzanne Goldring, Mandy Robotham and Debbie Rix will devour this unforgettable novel.
Was she incredibly brave or incredibly stupid? Neither. Just a bookshop girl doing what she could against her country’s oppressors.
The banned books club was only the beginning; a place for the women of Prague to come together and share the tales the Germans wanted to silence.
For bookshop owner, Jana, doing the right thing was never a question. So when opportunity comes to help the resistance, she offers herself – and her bookshop. Using her window displays as covert signals and hiding secret codes in book marks, she’ll do all in her power to help.
But the arrival of two people in her bookshop will change everything: a young Jewish boy with nowhere else to turn, and a fascist police captain Jana can’t read at all. In a time where secrets are currency and stories can be fatal, will she know who to trust?
A heart-wrenching and powerful story of courage, tenacity and love. Fans of Suzanne Goldring, Mandy Robotham and Debbie Rix will devour this unforgettable novel.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2024
465 people are currently reading
837 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
October 13, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up! The Last Bookshop in Prague was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by Helen Parusel. I was impressed with her writing and the impeccable research she conducted in order to write this compelling historical fiction book. As the title of the book suggests, The Last Bookshop in Prague took place in the Czechoslovakian city of Prague and much of the story took place in a particular family owned and operated bookstore during the years of 1942-1945. The characters were well developed and some of them were actual people that existed. I really enjoyed the role that books played throughout The Last Bookshop of Prague.
Jana Hajek was a twenty something strong and determined young woman who had recently lost her beloved mother. She was coping the best that she was able to after experiencing her mother’s death. Jana took over the responsibilities of her mother’s bookshop after her death. The bookshop had been her mother’s pride and joy. Jana and her father lived above the bookshop. Her widowed father, was a
puppeteer by trade. Prague had changed so drastically before Jana’s eyes since the Nazi invasion. Many bookstores were forced to close with the implementation of banned books by the Nazis but Jana was determined to keep her bookshop open. She welcomed children into her shop where she read to them at scheduled times to help them temporarily escape from all that was going on around them. Jana also organized a group for some of the children’s mothers. They read books of their choosing and then summarized them for the group and exchanged the books with each other. Jana developed close friendships with some of the women in the book exchange.
There was one young boy who frequented her shop almost daily. Jana learned that the shy young boy’s name was Michal and that he was Jewish. Michal almost always stayed at Jana’s bookshop as long as he could. One night Jana offered to walk Michal to his home when she realized how late it had gotten. Just as Jana and Michal were approaching Michal’s neighborhood, they witnessed that the Nazis were conducting a round up. Michal’s mother was among the people that were being shoved onto the back of a truck. With her eyes, Michal’s mother silently implored Jana not to bring Michal any closer. Jana realized that Michal’s mother was being taken away. If Michal had been ant home with his mother he would’ve been taken as well. Jana hid Michal from the Nazis and somehow got him back to the bookstore. Michal witnessed the Nazis taking his mother away. He didn’t understand where his mother was being taken to but he held hope that she would return. Just after Jana and Michal had made their way to the back of the shop, police officers stomped in looking for a young Jewish boy. Jana had hid Michal under the sink in the tiny kitchen in the back of the bookshop. One of the officers searched there but informed the others that the boy was not there. Why had he done that? Clearly he must have seen Michal under the sink. There was something about that particular officer that made Jana feel like there was something special about him. Jana was drawn to that officer. She knew that she should ignore her attraction but she was having a hard time doing that. After the police left, Jana made a decision. Michal would stay with her and her father until Jana was able to locate one of his relatives. When that did not happen, Jana and her father decided that Michal would be safer if he was living in the country where there were less Nazis. A plan was designed to get Michal to her grandmother’s farm in the country. After much reluctance, Jana decided to become part of the resistance and her bookshop played a crucial role in helping the resistance gather the much needed information they required to fight the Nazis. Jana also managed to save two other Jewish children, sisters, who probably would have been transported to a camp and killed if Jana hadn’t taken the risk to save them.
In the meantime, Jana began working at Prague Castle as a part time cleaner. She had taken over the position that her best friend had held until her pregnancy got in the way. Prague Castle had been taken over by the SS and Nazis officials. Of all the Nazis that occupied the offices at Prague Castle, Reinhardt Heyrich was by far the most feared and the most evil. He was known as “The Butcher of Prague” for good reasons. Jana, now part of the resistance, was deemed with the responsibility of keeping track of Heyrich’s arrival times at the Prague Castle and also how he arrived. Jana wasn’t sure why this information was important but she kept precise and detailed records. In the privacy of the bookshop, Jana transposed the information she gathered using a code and hid them in homemade bookmarks for the resistance. Jana’s lowly position at the castle allowed her to overhear vital information that was discussed in Reinhardt Heyrich’s office. One day, Jana had overheard Heyrich talking about “a final solution”. She wasn’t sure what it meant but she knew it had to be bad coming from Heyrich. Jana devised a system so that the resistance members would know when she had important information that couldn’t wait to be shared with them. It was conveyed by the way she arranged the bookmarks in the bookshop’s window. Jana’s diligent tracking of Heyrich’s arrival times at Prague Castle and other pertinent information that was gathered by other resistance members led to an assassination attempt on Reinhardt Heyrich by members of the resistance. The assassination attempt on Heyrich prompted the Nazis to retaliate by launching the Lidice massacre.
The Last Bookshop in Prague by Helen Parusel portrayed a very detailed account of what life was like in Prague during World War II and the Nazi occupation of their country. I found it quite thought provoking and engaging throughout. I was not aware of all the fear, the anxiety of being forgotten by the rest of the world and the hopelessness that the Czech people experienced on a day to day basis during the Nazi occupation. Not much had been written about Prague during this dire time in history. I had not been aware of the Prague uprising nor the Lidice and Lezaky massacres before reading this book. Those massacres were examples of the pure evil that permeated throughout the Nazi regime giving no regard for human lives. I really admired Jana’s courage, determination and dedication to the resistance and her beloved country. She was strong, intelligent and brave. I also admired Jana’s grandmother for her selfless dedication to the Jewish children in her care. She took the three children into her home, showed them love and cared for them despite the risk she faced if they were ever discovered. Despite the horrific acts the Nazis imposed, Jana and Captain Kovar, the officer who helped ensure Michal’s survival by denying that he saw the young boy hiding under the sink, were not able to deny their romantic attraction to each other. Will they find their way back to each other? Will their love prevail? The Last Bookshop In Prague focused on the themes of survival, hope, loss, family, friendships, resilience, war, risks, love and the power of books. I really enjoyed reading The Last Bookshop in Prague and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for allowing me to read The Last Bookshop in Prague by Helen Parusel through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Jana Hajek was a twenty something strong and determined young woman who had recently lost her beloved mother. She was coping the best that she was able to after experiencing her mother’s death. Jana took over the responsibilities of her mother’s bookshop after her death. The bookshop had been her mother’s pride and joy. Jana and her father lived above the bookshop. Her widowed father, was a
puppeteer by trade. Prague had changed so drastically before Jana’s eyes since the Nazi invasion. Many bookstores were forced to close with the implementation of banned books by the Nazis but Jana was determined to keep her bookshop open. She welcomed children into her shop where she read to them at scheduled times to help them temporarily escape from all that was going on around them. Jana also organized a group for some of the children’s mothers. They read books of their choosing and then summarized them for the group and exchanged the books with each other. Jana developed close friendships with some of the women in the book exchange.
There was one young boy who frequented her shop almost daily. Jana learned that the shy young boy’s name was Michal and that he was Jewish. Michal almost always stayed at Jana’s bookshop as long as he could. One night Jana offered to walk Michal to his home when she realized how late it had gotten. Just as Jana and Michal were approaching Michal’s neighborhood, they witnessed that the Nazis were conducting a round up. Michal’s mother was among the people that were being shoved onto the back of a truck. With her eyes, Michal’s mother silently implored Jana not to bring Michal any closer. Jana realized that Michal’s mother was being taken away. If Michal had been ant home with his mother he would’ve been taken as well. Jana hid Michal from the Nazis and somehow got him back to the bookstore. Michal witnessed the Nazis taking his mother away. He didn’t understand where his mother was being taken to but he held hope that she would return. Just after Jana and Michal had made their way to the back of the shop, police officers stomped in looking for a young Jewish boy. Jana had hid Michal under the sink in the tiny kitchen in the back of the bookshop. One of the officers searched there but informed the others that the boy was not there. Why had he done that? Clearly he must have seen Michal under the sink. There was something about that particular officer that made Jana feel like there was something special about him. Jana was drawn to that officer. She knew that she should ignore her attraction but she was having a hard time doing that. After the police left, Jana made a decision. Michal would stay with her and her father until Jana was able to locate one of his relatives. When that did not happen, Jana and her father decided that Michal would be safer if he was living in the country where there were less Nazis. A plan was designed to get Michal to her grandmother’s farm in the country. After much reluctance, Jana decided to become part of the resistance and her bookshop played a crucial role in helping the resistance gather the much needed information they required to fight the Nazis. Jana also managed to save two other Jewish children, sisters, who probably would have been transported to a camp and killed if Jana hadn’t taken the risk to save them.
In the meantime, Jana began working at Prague Castle as a part time cleaner. She had taken over the position that her best friend had held until her pregnancy got in the way. Prague Castle had been taken over by the SS and Nazis officials. Of all the Nazis that occupied the offices at Prague Castle, Reinhardt Heyrich was by far the most feared and the most evil. He was known as “The Butcher of Prague” for good reasons. Jana, now part of the resistance, was deemed with the responsibility of keeping track of Heyrich’s arrival times at the Prague Castle and also how he arrived. Jana wasn’t sure why this information was important but she kept precise and detailed records. In the privacy of the bookshop, Jana transposed the information she gathered using a code and hid them in homemade bookmarks for the resistance. Jana’s lowly position at the castle allowed her to overhear vital information that was discussed in Reinhardt Heyrich’s office. One day, Jana had overheard Heyrich talking about “a final solution”. She wasn’t sure what it meant but she knew it had to be bad coming from Heyrich. Jana devised a system so that the resistance members would know when she had important information that couldn’t wait to be shared with them. It was conveyed by the way she arranged the bookmarks in the bookshop’s window. Jana’s diligent tracking of Heyrich’s arrival times at Prague Castle and other pertinent information that was gathered by other resistance members led to an assassination attempt on Reinhardt Heyrich by members of the resistance. The assassination attempt on Heyrich prompted the Nazis to retaliate by launching the Lidice massacre.
The Last Bookshop in Prague by Helen Parusel portrayed a very detailed account of what life was like in Prague during World War II and the Nazi occupation of their country. I found it quite thought provoking and engaging throughout. I was not aware of all the fear, the anxiety of being forgotten by the rest of the world and the hopelessness that the Czech people experienced on a day to day basis during the Nazi occupation. Not much had been written about Prague during this dire time in history. I had not been aware of the Prague uprising nor the Lidice and Lezaky massacres before reading this book. Those massacres were examples of the pure evil that permeated throughout the Nazi regime giving no regard for human lives. I really admired Jana’s courage, determination and dedication to the resistance and her beloved country. She was strong, intelligent and brave. I also admired Jana’s grandmother for her selfless dedication to the Jewish children in her care. She took the three children into her home, showed them love and cared for them despite the risk she faced if they were ever discovered. Despite the horrific acts the Nazis imposed, Jana and Captain Kovar, the officer who helped ensure Michal’s survival by denying that he saw the young boy hiding under the sink, were not able to deny their romantic attraction to each other. Will they find their way back to each other? Will their love prevail? The Last Bookshop In Prague focused on the themes of survival, hope, loss, family, friendships, resilience, war, risks, love and the power of books. I really enjoyed reading The Last Bookshop in Prague and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for allowing me to read The Last Bookshop in Prague by Helen Parusel through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
August 13, 2024
Jana Hajek and her father live in a flat above a bookstore and it was once run by her deceased mother. Jana keeps the shop open, it’s not easy as the Germans have banned so many books and she has to stock a section for them. To boost moral Jana has a children’s reading time and she decides to hold a book exchange club for women and it’s a place for them to come together and take their minds off the occupation.
Jana helps three Jewish children, and she meets Captain Kovar when he searches the shop, at a time when she doesn’t know who she can trust and the Czech police are working for the Germans. Jewish people are being rounded up and sent to camps, everyone’s starving, tired and exhausted.
Jana employed as a part time cleaner at Prague Castle, the chance arises to help the resistance and the bookshop is the perfect cover. The windows can display signs when it’s safe to enter, and Jana hides secret codes in bookmarks she makes and she's keeping track of the movements of a high ranking German officer. The resistance and Czech citizens are waiting for the right time to rise up and fight the Germans and take back their city.
I received a copy of The Last Bookshop in Prague from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The narrative it set from 1942 to 1945 and constructed perfectly to give readers an idea of what it was like to live in Prague during the German occupation and leading up to liberation.
The story is engaging and gripping, Helen Parusel easily achieves what she set out to do, and that’s write a historical fiction novel about war, bravery, helping others and taking risks and the power of books and people, and five stars from me.
Jana helps three Jewish children, and she meets Captain Kovar when he searches the shop, at a time when she doesn’t know who she can trust and the Czech police are working for the Germans. Jewish people are being rounded up and sent to camps, everyone’s starving, tired and exhausted.
Jana employed as a part time cleaner at Prague Castle, the chance arises to help the resistance and the bookshop is the perfect cover. The windows can display signs when it’s safe to enter, and Jana hides secret codes in bookmarks she makes and she's keeping track of the movements of a high ranking German officer. The resistance and Czech citizens are waiting for the right time to rise up and fight the Germans and take back their city.
I received a copy of The Last Bookshop in Prague from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The narrative it set from 1942 to 1945 and constructed perfectly to give readers an idea of what it was like to live in Prague during the German occupation and leading up to liberation.
The story is engaging and gripping, Helen Parusel easily achieves what she set out to do, and that’s write a historical fiction novel about war, bravery, helping others and taking risks and the power of books and people, and five stars from me.
September 24, 2024
Wonderful, suspenseful historical fiction!
A young woman is determined to keep the bookstore that her mother managed open for all, in spite of Nazi oppressors. To do this will honor her mother’s memory, and perhaps put some heart back into the citizens of Prague, who are held in terror by Reinhardt Heydrich, or “The Butcher.” It will take getting involved with the Resistance, and taking incredible risks, to keep her mother’s dream alive.
A young woman is determined to keep the bookstore that her mother managed open for all, in spite of Nazi oppressors. To do this will honor her mother’s memory, and perhaps put some heart back into the citizens of Prague, who are held in terror by Reinhardt Heydrich, or “The Butcher.” It will take getting involved with the Resistance, and taking incredible risks, to keep her mother’s dream alive.
September 1, 2024
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.
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.
October 26, 2024
What an amazing book. The book is so well written, with such believable characters and scenarios it seems more like a true story. It is well researched, and well written, and I couldn’t put it down – as hard as it was to read at some points.
Jana runs a bookshop, that was once owned by her mother, and lives upstairs with her widowed father. The bookshop isn’t doing very well – mostly because the Nazi’s have banned most of the books she wants to sell. When Captain Kovar comes in to buy a book Jana initially doesn’t trust him, however their shared love of literature brings them slowly together. When Jana hides a Jewish child, and then two more, and hides them in the countryside with a grandparent she realises she needs to help by opposing the Nazis wherever she can. When a friend gives up a job cleaning at the Nazi headquarters through pregnancy, Jana takes over for the money, but also to spy and report to the resistance.
I hadn’t heard of Helen Parusel, but I will certainly be looking out for more of her books. I absolutely loved this one.
Jana runs a bookshop, that was once owned by her mother, and lives upstairs with her widowed father. The bookshop isn’t doing very well – mostly because the Nazi’s have banned most of the books she wants to sell. When Captain Kovar comes in to buy a book Jana initially doesn’t trust him, however their shared love of literature brings them slowly together. When Jana hides a Jewish child, and then two more, and hides them in the countryside with a grandparent she realises she needs to help by opposing the Nazis wherever she can. When a friend gives up a job cleaning at the Nazi headquarters through pregnancy, Jana takes over for the money, but also to spy and report to the resistance.
I hadn’t heard of Helen Parusel, but I will certainly be looking out for more of her books. I absolutely loved this one.
May 3, 2025
Whew! What an intense, emotional rollercoaster ride The Last Bookshop in Prague was. It gives the reader an inside look at living in German-occupied Czechoslovakia under the control of Reinhard Heydrich, the Butcher of Prague, through the end of World War II. It was terrifying.
"Was she incredibly brave or incredibly stupid? Neither. Just a bookshop girl doing what she could against her country's oppressors." This is Jana's story, a 22-year-old trying to keep her mother's small bookshop going as the Nazis keep banning books and requiring her to stock Hitler-approved books in German. Although this story begins in 1942, her country has been occupied since 1939. The Czech Resistance isn't an organized group, trained and supplied by the Allies as in other European countries. It's just small pockets of people doing whatever they can in the face of relentless Nazi oppression and cruelty. I understood their desperation and sorrow, feeling that the outside world had forgotten them.
"How ironic it is that by banning books, people want to know even more about them." Books as a source of inspiration and comfort in difficult times are woven throughout the story, from the book locket Jana wears in remembrance of her mother to her homemade bookmarks used to pass information. I loved that the passcodes used between resistance members were lines from banned books. My favorite was from Virginia Woolf: "Why are women so much more interesting to men than men are to women?"
This is the third book I've read by Helen Parusel, and it was worth the wait. Her characters have such depth and are believable, just ordinary people trying to live through extraordinary times while retaining their humanity. I highly recommend this latest book. I loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
"Was she incredibly brave or incredibly stupid? Neither. Just a bookshop girl doing what she could against her country's oppressors." This is Jana's story, a 22-year-old trying to keep her mother's small bookshop going as the Nazis keep banning books and requiring her to stock Hitler-approved books in German. Although this story begins in 1942, her country has been occupied since 1939. The Czech Resistance isn't an organized group, trained and supplied by the Allies as in other European countries. It's just small pockets of people doing whatever they can in the face of relentless Nazi oppression and cruelty. I understood their desperation and sorrow, feeling that the outside world had forgotten them.
"How ironic it is that by banning books, people want to know even more about them." Books as a source of inspiration and comfort in difficult times are woven throughout the story, from the book locket Jana wears in remembrance of her mother to her homemade bookmarks used to pass information. I loved that the passcodes used between resistance members were lines from banned books. My favorite was from Virginia Woolf: "Why are women so much more interesting to men than men are to women?"
This is the third book I've read by Helen Parusel, and it was worth the wait. Her characters have such depth and are believable, just ordinary people trying to live through extraordinary times while retaining their humanity. I highly recommend this latest book. I loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
August 1, 2024
It was entertaining and the setting was good. It had strong characters, but they felt a little bit naive at times . The romance was sweet. Closer to a 3.5 stars.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
September 25, 2024
In Nazi-occupied Prague, Jana and her widowed father are trying to keep the family bookshop going in spite of constantly changing circumstances and increasing restrictions, including books being banned and some of their customers disappearing.
Jana soon comes to understand the hardships and fear some of her fellow Czechs are facing, and her decision to help her countrymen in the struggle against oppression has far-reaching consequences for herself, her family and friends.
This book has an epic sweep, making it a thought-provoking and at times very sad read. I already had some knowledge of WWII history so had a reasonable idea of how some things might play out, and was impressed by the level of research involved. It’s used with a light touch, and the focus is on how Jana and her family cope and respond to the situations they find themselves facing. The author’s skill made this story both gripping and compelling.
Jana is a well-drawn character who takes a lot of risks, and the doubts and fears she experiences make her feel real and all the more courageous. This is a tale of courage in the face of inhumanity, and the need to maintain a cultural identity as well as personal integrity. The story made me reflect on how people might get through hardships, and the complexities of friendships when it’s hard to know who you can trust. It’s also about family and, of course, the importance of books to bind people together and speak to them in troubled times. There’s a thread of romance too, which I also enjoyed.
Overall; this is a very well written and satisfying book. I’ll look forward to whatever Helen Parusel writes next.
Jana soon comes to understand the hardships and fear some of her fellow Czechs are facing, and her decision to help her countrymen in the struggle against oppression has far-reaching consequences for herself, her family and friends.
This book has an epic sweep, making it a thought-provoking and at times very sad read. I already had some knowledge of WWII history so had a reasonable idea of how some things might play out, and was impressed by the level of research involved. It’s used with a light touch, and the focus is on how Jana and her family cope and respond to the situations they find themselves facing. The author’s skill made this story both gripping and compelling.
Jana is a well-drawn character who takes a lot of risks, and the doubts and fears she experiences make her feel real and all the more courageous. This is a tale of courage in the face of inhumanity, and the need to maintain a cultural identity as well as personal integrity. The story made me reflect on how people might get through hardships, and the complexities of friendships when it’s hard to know who you can trust. It’s also about family and, of course, the importance of books to bind people together and speak to them in troubled times. There’s a thread of romance too, which I also enjoyed.
Overall; this is a very well written and satisfying book. I’ll look forward to whatever Helen Parusel writes next.
September 27, 2024
This review is being posted as part of the The Last Bookshop in Prague blog tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.
The Last Bookshop in Prague is the latest compelling Second World War historical fiction novel from author Helen Parusel. This powerful story explores themes of bravery, survival, fighting for what’s right and the power of books, set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Prague in the final three years of the war.
Helen Parusel has quickly become one of my standout authors within the genre, with both of her previous novels being definite five star reads and some of my favourites of the past couple of years, so I had high hopes for The Last Bookshop in Prague and it certainly did not disappoint. The narrative is fast-paced, maintained by short and snappy chapters which will grip readers from cover to cover, just like it did me.
As usual with Helen Parusel’s books, the history was impeccably researched. This book covers some really interesting aspects of Second World War history which I haven’t seen featured within historical fiction before (despite considering myself very well-read within the genre), including the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich and the events that followed including the Nazi manhunt for the assailants and the horrific Lidice and Ležáky massacres. The final chapters of the book also feature the Prague uprising, which again I’ve not seen covered in other historical fiction so it was fantastic to learn about it through Jana’s eyes.
At the heart of this story is really strong female characters, lead by Jana who was a fantastic protagonist. She was really emotionally intelligent and had brilliant character development throughout the novel into someone who was even more courageous and confident. I loved her relationships with both her dad and her grandmother (who was a strong female character in herself and a brilliant role model for Jana) and the roles they both played in the story. There are also strong female supporting characters in Jana’s friends, her fellow resistance fighter Nela, the women she helps throughout the story and the young characters of Yveta and Maddie. The male characters were brilliantly written too, including the primary Nazi antagonists who made my skin crawl every time they appeared.
There’s also a lovely historical romance element to the story which was a great addition that I really enjoyed. I think that Helen Parusel completely nailed the blend of having this romantic element whilst not letting it take away from the hard-hitting nature of the rest of the plot.
I loved the setting of the bookshop and the role books continuously played throughout the story, bringing people together in even the darkest of times. The story explores banned books, a topic it’s ridiculous is still so relevant in the 21st century, and I loved that quotes from different banned books were used as passcodes between resistance members, a detail I can’t believe I didn’t initially spot!
Overall, The Last Bookshop in Prague is yet another incredibly powerful novel from Helen Parusel, further cementing her as one of my favourite historical fiction authors of all time. This is a must-read for fans of the genre or anyone who wants to venture into the wonderful world of Second World War historical fiction.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted my review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in no way influenced by the gifting opportunity. Thank you to Helen Parusel, Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley.
The Last Bookshop in Prague is the latest compelling Second World War historical fiction novel from author Helen Parusel. This powerful story explores themes of bravery, survival, fighting for what’s right and the power of books, set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Prague in the final three years of the war.
Helen Parusel has quickly become one of my standout authors within the genre, with both of her previous novels being definite five star reads and some of my favourites of the past couple of years, so I had high hopes for The Last Bookshop in Prague and it certainly did not disappoint. The narrative is fast-paced, maintained by short and snappy chapters which will grip readers from cover to cover, just like it did me.
As usual with Helen Parusel’s books, the history was impeccably researched. This book covers some really interesting aspects of Second World War history which I haven’t seen featured within historical fiction before (despite considering myself very well-read within the genre), including the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich and the events that followed including the Nazi manhunt for the assailants and the horrific Lidice and Ležáky massacres. The final chapters of the book also feature the Prague uprising, which again I’ve not seen covered in other historical fiction so it was fantastic to learn about it through Jana’s eyes.
At the heart of this story is really strong female characters, lead by Jana who was a fantastic protagonist. She was really emotionally intelligent and had brilliant character development throughout the novel into someone who was even more courageous and confident. I loved her relationships with both her dad and her grandmother (who was a strong female character in herself and a brilliant role model for Jana) and the roles they both played in the story. There are also strong female supporting characters in Jana’s friends, her fellow resistance fighter Nela, the women she helps throughout the story and the young characters of Yveta and Maddie. The male characters were brilliantly written too, including the primary Nazi antagonists who made my skin crawl every time they appeared.
There’s also a lovely historical romance element to the story which was a great addition that I really enjoyed. I think that Helen Parusel completely nailed the blend of having this romantic element whilst not letting it take away from the hard-hitting nature of the rest of the plot.
I loved the setting of the bookshop and the role books continuously played throughout the story, bringing people together in even the darkest of times. The story explores banned books, a topic it’s ridiculous is still so relevant in the 21st century, and I loved that quotes from different banned books were used as passcodes between resistance members, a detail I can’t believe I didn’t initially spot!
Overall, The Last Bookshop in Prague is yet another incredibly powerful novel from Helen Parusel, further cementing her as one of my favourite historical fiction authors of all time. This is a must-read for fans of the genre or anyone who wants to venture into the wonderful world of Second World War historical fiction.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted my review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in no way influenced by the gifting opportunity. Thank you to Helen Parusel, Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley.
September 12, 2024
Historical fiction about the occupation of Prague during WWII and the courage of the men and women who fought for their lives during this terrible time. Janna and her father own a small book store which belonged to her late mother. Jana sells the books and her father makes puppets. One day she is reading to a small boy named Michal and Janna walks him to his home in the Jewish section of Prague. Janna sees Michal's mother being taken away by the police and it is up to Janna to save this small boy. This starts Janna's story as a young woman who works to save Jewish children from imprisonment and also joins the resistance; a group of Czechs who are fighting the Germans in secret.
The author does an amazing job of describing he beautiful city of Prague and since I recently visited this historic city, I could vividly imagine the buildings, bridges and the beautiful Astronomical Clock. There is a romantic side story when Janna meets Andraej who is a police officer secretly working for the resistance. I enjoyed the characters in this book especially brave Janna ad her family and felt sad for the people who struggled to eat, work and live in such a oppressive environment. As Jana takes a job cleaning offices in the Prague castle, currently used by the Nazi officers, I feared for her life and the author did a great job with the tension building.
I enjoyed this story and finding out more about the Nazi occupation of Prague and how it affected the Czech people. I can't wait to read more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an of this book ARC for review.
The author does an amazing job of describing he beautiful city of Prague and since I recently visited this historic city, I could vividly imagine the buildings, bridges and the beautiful Astronomical Clock. There is a romantic side story when Janna meets Andraej who is a police officer secretly working for the resistance. I enjoyed the characters in this book especially brave Janna ad her family and felt sad for the people who struggled to eat, work and live in such a oppressive environment. As Jana takes a job cleaning offices in the Prague castle, currently used by the Nazi officers, I feared for her life and the author did a great job with the tension building.
I enjoyed this story and finding out more about the Nazi occupation of Prague and how it affected the Czech people. I can't wait to read more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an of this book ARC for review.
August 6, 2024
A beautiful and sweeping WWII historical fiction novel about one women's fight against the Nazi regime: Jana has inherited her mother's bookshop, but now it is at risk since the Nazis took over Czechoslovakia. Jana can not stand the censorship of books and hates being forced to carry Nazi propaganda pieces and German-translated books. Still, she knows the importance of a good story and desperately tries to remain open to give the people of Prague a place to come and escape into a book, even if it is books deemed appropriate by the Germans. When the Gestapo sweeps away one of her young regular patron's parents for being Jewish, Jana vows to protect him and keep him safe, and so begins her journey into the resistance movement. From spying, to carrying illegal parts, to helping Jewish children, Jana will stop at nothing to give hope to the people of Prague. But all actions have consequences, and is she ready to face the consequences of her actions?
This moving book has themes of self-discovery, love, patriotism, and betrayal. I loved how brave and yet relatable Jana was. When she realized the consequences of some of her actions, you felt her pain and doubt, which made her more relatable. She wasn't just some gung-ho patriot who would stop at nothing to save her country; she struggled daily with her actions and felt the heavy weight of them. Her story is one of hope in the face of darkness and desperation.
This moving book has themes of self-discovery, love, patriotism, and betrayal. I loved how brave and yet relatable Jana was. When she realized the consequences of some of her actions, you felt her pain and doubt, which made her more relatable. She wasn't just some gung-ho patriot who would stop at nothing to save her country; she struggled daily with her actions and felt the heavy weight of them. Her story is one of hope in the face of darkness and desperation.
October 13, 2024
Interesting to get this historical fiction set in the city of Prague though with many other accounts of the Nazi takeover you have citizens risking their lives for the Jews and to find some way to resist the terror of the Gestapo while dealing with neighbors and even friends who would turn them in. Also, the German propaganda train of never ending lies and falsehoods that eventually were discovered. I like that it focuses in on the lady at the bookshop and her struggle to balance family, friends, mission, country, purpose and ultimately love in her life.
September 29, 2024
A story that inspires and is encouraging.
Jana struggles to live under the oppressive German occupation while clandestinely undermining it all sandwiched within her beloved bookshop and love of words.
It’s a good story about books, love, loss, endurance, and strength.
There’s also a happy ending which is heartfelt because so many didn’t get ton after WWII.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early read.
Jana struggles to live under the oppressive German occupation while clandestinely undermining it all sandwiched within her beloved bookshop and love of words.
It’s a good story about books, love, loss, endurance, and strength.
There’s also a happy ending which is heartfelt because so many didn’t get ton after WWII.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early read.
September 25, 2024
This story is set in Prague during WWII. The story revolves around a young woman and her friends. It is a heart wrenching story of the hardships endured by people during the war. It is also a story of hope and forgiveness. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
October 25, 2024
I loved this book a lot, maybe because I have been to Prague, or because I love reading about the holocaust. This book is. Good introduction to holocaust reading without breaking your heart.
February 3, 2026
Audiobook. Excellent yet sad the similarities to current times.
August 3, 2024
Such an emotional storyline and suspenseful plot! I really enjoyed reading about books' lovers and their fight against the Nazis! The resistants were impressive showing so much courage. Of course, the group was not perfectly organised, often led by affect which makes the novel even more realistic. I learned quite a bit about Prague during WWII, some of the events I was not aware of. Rather emotional, tension full, this novel is definitely well worth reading. My first book by the author, and I know I am already a fan of Helen Parusel!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
September 1, 2024
Helen Parusel became a “read without caring what the book is about” author after I dived into her first book. So words cannot express the excitement I felt when I got an advanced copy of her upcoming The Last Bookshop in Prague. In 1942, Jana operates her mother’s small bookshop trying to make ends meet while battling how book banning has affected her business. When a young neighbor boy’s family is arrested by Nazis, Jana and her father hide him until they can safely get him to a hiding place in the country with their family. Jana also gets a chance to work at the Prague Castle a few hours for extra income and as a way to help the Resistance.
The evolution of Jana’s character in the story is well rounded and accounts for the actions she chooses throughout the course of the plot. Parusel has a knack for creating strong female protagonists that overcome the odds and find a deep inner strength to forge through in the darkest of times. The rare glimpses the reader gets of Babi tell the source of where Jana finds her will to keep going, as you learn of the tragedies Babi has had in her own life. From the get go, this one sucked me in and while I’ve seen pictures of Prague before, it makes me want to one day visit and see the architecture and history for myself. Job well done, Ms. Parusel! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on September 25, 2024.
#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #TheLastBookshopinPrague #HelenParusel #BoldwoodBooks
The evolution of Jana’s character in the story is well rounded and accounts for the actions she chooses throughout the course of the plot. Parusel has a knack for creating strong female protagonists that overcome the odds and find a deep inner strength to forge through in the darkest of times. The rare glimpses the reader gets of Babi tell the source of where Jana finds her will to keep going, as you learn of the tragedies Babi has had in her own life. From the get go, this one sucked me in and while I’ve seen pictures of Prague before, it makes me want to one day visit and see the architecture and history for myself. Job well done, Ms. Parusel! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on September 25, 2024.
#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #TheLastBookshopinPrague #HelenParusel #BoldwoodBooks
August 25, 2024
The Last Bookshop in Prague is the story of Jana who is trying to keep her mother’s bookshop going in occupied Prague during 1942 and 1945. Jana was an amazing character, she saved the lives of three Jewish children and joined the Czech resistance. I also enjoyed the simple things she did to keep up spirits within the community by having a children’s book hour and book exchange with banned books. It was nice to see her romance blossom with police officer Andrej, I was a bit worried how that one might have turned out.
Inspired by a movie set in Prague, you really got a feel for the town and what it was like to live during the time. It’s a little bit of history I wasn’t aware of and really enjoyed learning more about it. A good mix of romance, heartbreak, books and action. I found it hard to put down. This is my first book by Helen and I look forward to catching up with her backlist.
Inspired by a movie set in Prague, you really got a feel for the town and what it was like to live during the time. It’s a little bit of history I wasn’t aware of and really enjoyed learning more about it. A good mix of romance, heartbreak, books and action. I found it hard to put down. This is my first book by Helen and I look forward to catching up with her backlist.
March 23, 2025
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, so I jumped at the chance to read Helen Parusel’s latest book. Jana owns a bookshop and is also secretly involved with the resistance whilst working as a part-time cleaner at one of the German headquarters in Prague.
Helen’s writing provides intrigue, whilst showing empathy for the characters she writes about. Many books set during WWII are based on true events, and this is no exception. I love learning about events that took place during the war, how people dealt with horrific situations and how resilient they had to become.
Resistance, bookshop, wartime, secret codes - I just knew this was going to be a book I’d love!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Last Bookshop in Prague by Helen Parusel.
Helen’s writing provides intrigue, whilst showing empathy for the characters she writes about. Many books set during WWII are based on true events, and this is no exception. I love learning about events that took place during the war, how people dealt with horrific situations and how resilient they had to become.
Resistance, bookshop, wartime, secret codes - I just knew this was going to be a book I’d love!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Last Bookshop in Prague by Helen Parusel.
September 15, 2024
Jana Hajek is a young woman, living in pre WWII Prague.. The bookshop she owns is run on love- love of books and stories and love of her deceased mother who ran the shop before Jana. Then one day the unimaginable happens. Despite promises to the contrary, Hitler has his troops invading Czechoslovakia’, marching on the outskirts of a seemingly unprepared and defenseless Prague. Evil Reinhardt Heydrich , who will become known as the Butcher of Prague, leads his forces into the city.
Two events that occur in quick succession forge to change Jana’s world. As roundups of unsuspecting innocent scapegoated Jews begin, Jana takes into her care, Michal, a young Jewish boy with no family and nowhere else to go for salvation. As the child hides in her bookshop, a Nazi soldier Captain Kovar enters the shop and begins searching the premises. He leaves empty handed but Jana knows that Michal needs a less obvious hiding place.
With impeccable historical research and beautiful descriptive prose, Helen Parusel, tells a powerful tale of courage and patriotism, the value of family, topped with an overlay of romantic intrigue. Jana finds that her bookshop is the perfect place to host book events in an environment of book banning and book burning. It is a sanctuary for readers and those looking for a place to simply socialize and freely express their thoughts. Additionally, Jana becomes part of the resistance movement where she can use the shop’s front window display to get messages to her well concealed comrades. As a part time cleaner in Prague Palace Jana has access to Heydrich himself. Can she avoid being caught by the Gestapo and the dire consequences of imprisonment in Theresienstadt concentration camp? Who can she trust in a world where anybody might be a Nazi sympathizer?
I loved the descriptions of Prague. Which visitor to Prague hasn’t gazed in wonder at the Astronomical Clock? The bridges are important connections as Jana carefully navigates the streets after curfew. Having been to Prague I was able to recreate the setting in my mind.
Each character is clearly defined , some with a bit of mystery. Parusel proves herself to be a master story teller. From Prague, to the countryside, to the inside of a concentration camp, I felt like I was traveling to that world amidst people I knew.
In a current world where demonization of other cultures and people is becoming more and more common, this story, although fiction, is thought provoking , compelling , and extremely important. It is a tale of courage, resistance and hope during bleak times. The reader is forced to reflect on the danger of banning books as a gateway to abolishing independent thought. What would any of us do in Jana’s circumstance? This was an excellent read. Five shining stars for an author who not only writes beautifully, but is able to convey her fears and hopes for our imperfect world. It will be published on September 25, 2024. Reserve your copy now. Many thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 18, 2024
The Last Bookshop In Prague by Helen Parusel is a powerful, heartbreaking historical novel that I read in just one sitting. The story is fictional but grounded in fact as it surrounds the Nazi occupation of Prague from 1942 to the end of the war. The historians will recognize this as the place of Reinhard Heydrich, the butcher of Prague, and of his fate and the fate of the people of Prague. Fast forward to the end of the war, and once more, the people of Prague will go down in history.
The Nazi occupation was horrendous. Fear and cruelty abounded. Everything was designed to wear down the citizens of Prague – but they were made of stern stuff, and far from being worn down, many brave souls rose up.
The Last Bookshop In Prague is an inspiring read as we hear of the extraordinary bravery of the ordinary people who refused to be silenced.
At the heart of the community is the last bookshop in Prague. Here, although outwardly adhering to the Nazi orders to only stock German books and approved authors, inwardly it was the hub of the resistance.
We see the bravery of the young proprietress as she refuses to stand by and do nothing when Jewish children are in need. She and her family, do what they can, when they can, in order to save lives.
To be successful, the resistance relied on knowledge being passed on but also sealed lips. The less you knew, the less you could tell. Suspicion was everywhere. Trust was in short supply. No one knew exactly who was working against the Nazis, sometimes it was most surprising to learn who was.
Love still happens in time of war. Sometimes people fight against their feelings – but to no avail.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. The bravery of many is to be commended.
Helen Parusel has written a powerful fictional account. She brings history to life in The Last Bookshop In Prague. It is a book that needs to be read in memory of the brave citizens of Prague (and of Czechoslovakia as a whole) during World War II. I can highly recommend it.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The Nazi occupation was horrendous. Fear and cruelty abounded. Everything was designed to wear down the citizens of Prague – but they were made of stern stuff, and far from being worn down, many brave souls rose up.
The Last Bookshop In Prague is an inspiring read as we hear of the extraordinary bravery of the ordinary people who refused to be silenced.
At the heart of the community is the last bookshop in Prague. Here, although outwardly adhering to the Nazi orders to only stock German books and approved authors, inwardly it was the hub of the resistance.
We see the bravery of the young proprietress as she refuses to stand by and do nothing when Jewish children are in need. She and her family, do what they can, when they can, in order to save lives.
To be successful, the resistance relied on knowledge being passed on but also sealed lips. The less you knew, the less you could tell. Suspicion was everywhere. Trust was in short supply. No one knew exactly who was working against the Nazis, sometimes it was most surprising to learn who was.
Love still happens in time of war. Sometimes people fight against their feelings – but to no avail.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. The bravery of many is to be commended.
Helen Parusel has written a powerful fictional account. She brings history to life in The Last Bookshop In Prague. It is a book that needs to be read in memory of the brave citizens of Prague (and of Czechoslovakia as a whole) during World War II. I can highly recommend it.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
September 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review
I recently finished reading The Last Bookshop in Prague by Helen Parusel, and I must say, it was an absolutely captivating experience. This historical novel, set during World War II, beautifully captures the resilience and courage of the people of Prague.
The story revolves around Jana, a young woman who runs a bookshop that her mother established. The bookshop becomes a sanctuary and a hub for resistance activities against the Nazi occupation. Jana’s bravery and determination to protect her mother’s hidden book collections and help the resistance are truly inspiring. The tension and danger she faces, especially when hiding a Jewish child and dealing with a Nazi officer, kept me on the edge of my seat.
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Jana’s father, a puppeteer, and her grandmother, a bold and courageous woman, add depth to the story. The children’s plight and Jana’s efforts to save them from the horrors of the war are heart-wrenching and moving.
Helen Parusel’s writing is both powerful and evocative, drawing out complex emotions and painting a vivid picture of life in Prague during this tumultuous time. The pacing is perfect, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the story and connect with the characters.
Overall, The Last Bookshop in Prague is a poignant and compelling novel that highlights the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
I recently finished reading The Last Bookshop in Prague by Helen Parusel, and I must say, it was an absolutely captivating experience. This historical novel, set during World War II, beautifully captures the resilience and courage of the people of Prague.
The story revolves around Jana, a young woman who runs a bookshop that her mother established. The bookshop becomes a sanctuary and a hub for resistance activities against the Nazi occupation. Jana’s bravery and determination to protect her mother’s hidden book collections and help the resistance are truly inspiring. The tension and danger she faces, especially when hiding a Jewish child and dealing with a Nazi officer, kept me on the edge of my seat.
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Jana’s father, a puppeteer, and her grandmother, a bold and courageous woman, add depth to the story. The children’s plight and Jana’s efforts to save them from the horrors of the war are heart-wrenching and moving.
Helen Parusel’s writing is both powerful and evocative, drawing out complex emotions and painting a vivid picture of life in Prague during this tumultuous time. The pacing is perfect, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the story and connect with the characters.
Overall, The Last Bookshop in Prague is a poignant and compelling novel that highlights the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
September 18, 2024
The Last Bookshop In Prague offers readers a glimpse at life in Prague during the Nazi occupation and largely under the cruel leadership of SS commander Reinhardt Heidrich. If you are squeamish, then this is probably not the book for you as there are many, many instances in this story where people are brutally murdered, severely ill-treated or just plain struggling to stay alive in incredibly difficult circumstances. Against this backshop, we meet Jana, who runs the small and welcoming bookshop founded by her late mother, a place where children can excape bullying and dive into a story, and where women can meet to discuss the books they love and share them with their friends. Despite the enforced changes brought about by the Nazis in terms of the types of books stocked, I loved that Jana still managed to create a largely safe space. Her father’s hand-carved puppets add a lovely touch to a shop that is already inclusive. Jana is not just a bookshop owner, however. She also helps the resistance, and saves several Jewish children from certain death. She is a brave and determined woman and I loved her for that. Other key characters that help drive this story include Czech Police Captain Andrej Kovar, Jana’s father and her grandmother Babbi as well as several resistance fighters. Through the eyes of all these people, we see the horrors of war in all its glory as well as the hope that keeps people going when all seems to be lost. This has been an engaging, informative and thought-provoking story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
September 26, 2024
With a title that features a bookshop and a second world war setting, I knew that this was a book that I would be interested in reading. Set in Prague in the early days of the war, it tells the story of Jana, a young woman who runs a bookshop and lives above it with her father who is a puppeteer who carves his own puppets. Jana does her best to keep a love of reading ever present in her store and through that, to boost the morale of women and children who frequented the store even when she was forced to feature German books prominently while hiding books that the Germans have banned. One day, Jana is inadvertantly pulled into resistance when she hides a young boy in a small place in her store. When the Germans send people in to the store to search, one local policeman calls the all clear even the Jana is sure he knew the boy was there.
Thus begins her career as a resistant, but much more is to come throughout the novel. There were a few times I felt that Jana acted rashly and without due care, but luck seemed to be on her side. Is the local policeman someone she can trust or not? All will become clear as you read this story.
Many thanks to #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks and the author for allowing me to read an advance reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Thus begins her career as a resistant, but much more is to come throughout the novel. There were a few times I felt that Jana acted rashly and without due care, but luck seemed to be on her side. Is the local policeman someone she can trust or not? All will become clear as you read this story.
Many thanks to #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks and the author for allowing me to read an advance reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 18, 2024
In this fascinating and powerful World War II historical fiction novel, readers live in a bookshop in Prague where Jana, the owner, fights back against the Nazi occupation in her own way. From banned book clubs, cover signals in bookmark displays, and hiding secret code in books and bookmarks, Jana uses her shop to help the local resistance in every way she can. Two unexpected patrons -- a young Jewish boy and a fascist police captain -- turn Jana’s life and resistance activities upside down and make her question everything, especially who she can trust. As the occupation grows and the German control over Prague becomes tighter, everything is more dangerous for Jana and her allies and the bookshop becomes a last haven for the survivors. With a fascinating cast of characters, Jana is a brilliant and capable protagonist with her heart in the right place, and the other characters help bring out her strength over the course of the novel. Focusing on the city life under occupation and the underground resistance rather than battles, Parusel brings the contributions of women like Jana and her allies to life in striking historical detail in this complex, enjoyable, and brilliant World War II historical fiction novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
October 18, 2024
Jana lives with her widowed father above their bookshop in the city of Prague which is, at the start of the story, under German occupation. With certain books banned, Jana is determined to maintain interest in her bookshop and so organises a book club where local women have a safe place to get together but with her shop being watched, Jana is placing herself in great danger especially when she sees what is happening within the Jewish community.
This is such a beautifully described story which brings this dangerous period in European history alive in a really special way. I enjoyed getting to know more about a period in WWII history which I didn’t know very much about and which is brought to life so vividly. Desperately sad in places, this story reiterates the stoicism and bravery of those European communities who suffered so much during this dangerous time in world history.
The Last Bookshop in Prague combines everything I love in skilful historical fiction, the chance to learn something new about a moment in time and to have a story with one of the main characters being a bookshop. With a strong sense of time and place, The Last Bookshop in Prague, is a story which stays with you long after the last page is turned.
October 19, 2024
The Last Bookshop in Prague by Helen Parusel is written superbly and with such a powerful and emotive backdrop that is Prague during WW2. It is a gripping and absorbing read for fans of historical fiction, especially set during the war. Helen Parusel vividly paints a picture of what it was like for many people in the heart of Prague, whether they be innocent citizens, or resistance in the face of oppression.
It follows the story of Jana as she goes from being a quiet bookseller living with her father to one of the resistance members, a spy, a smuggler of children and a sender of secret messages and codes. I think Jana grew so much from the beginning to the end of the book and found herself thinking differently, setting her priorities differently and emerging a confident, brave and loyal Czech citizen.
This book involves themes of friendships, loyalty, staying true to yourself, bravery and family amongst the horror and brutality of the war. I like that the author has used real personalities and events sitting beside her characters. A fantastic read!
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Helen Parusel for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. All opinions stated are my own.
It follows the story of Jana as she goes from being a quiet bookseller living with her father to one of the resistance members, a spy, a smuggler of children and a sender of secret messages and codes. I think Jana grew so much from the beginning to the end of the book and found herself thinking differently, setting her priorities differently and emerging a confident, brave and loyal Czech citizen.
This book involves themes of friendships, loyalty, staying true to yourself, bravery and family amongst the horror and brutality of the war. I like that the author has used real personalities and events sitting beside her characters. A fantastic read!
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Helen Parusel for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. All opinions stated are my own.
Read
January 5, 2025I tend to be drawn to these WWII books partly because i am Jewish and feel the need to know what it was like. Most , like this one take place in a city where i have visited and the history is fascinating . It is hard to imagine that this beautiful city and its citizens lived through this terrible time with the Gestapo and the total takeover of their lives for six years.
This was a sad and frightening story . Like most there were coincidences that helped the story line, but my criteria is that i couldn’t put it down . It isn’t great literature like most ,but it is a picture which makes me wonder if i could have been as courageous as the resistance. It is also a warning about book banning which happening in many states today. It is impossible to keep children from reading about sex and violence since they have easy access through the internet which their parents (who think that they are protecting ) them don’t realize that they are motivating them to look at what they have tried to ban.
It was worth reading and i love bookstores ….and i loved identifying with the wonderful grandmother in the story. Great lady.
This was a sad and frightening story . Like most there were coincidences that helped the story line, but my criteria is that i couldn’t put it down . It isn’t great literature like most ,but it is a picture which makes me wonder if i could have been as courageous as the resistance. It is also a warning about book banning which happening in many states today. It is impossible to keep children from reading about sex and violence since they have easy access through the internet which their parents (who think that they are protecting ) them don’t realize that they are motivating them to look at what they have tried to ban.
It was worth reading and i love bookstores ….and i loved identifying with the wonderful grandmother in the story. Great lady.
September 25, 2024
Historical fiction fans, it's time to armchair travel back in time to Prague during WWII. Jana's bookshop serves as a haven for booklovers and remains the last bookstore that sells Czech novels. Due to the occupation, books are being banned that don't fit the regime.
To protect her people, Jana joins the resistance adding children, Jewish families and serving as a messenger decoding notes. Will she be able to tell the resisters from the supporters or find herself at risk? This compelling read transports readers to Prague and having visited the fairytale city, the attractions are shown in a new light. Realizing the horrors the Czech people faced during the occupation is enlightening and reinforces that we can't let this horror happen again.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #TheLastBookshopinPrague in exchange for an honest review. The banning of books and travesties of war hauntingly echoes current events.
To protect her people, Jana joins the resistance adding children, Jewish families and serving as a messenger decoding notes. Will she be able to tell the resisters from the supporters or find herself at risk? This compelling read transports readers to Prague and having visited the fairytale city, the attractions are shown in a new light. Realizing the horrors the Czech people faced during the occupation is enlightening and reinforces that we can't let this horror happen again.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #TheLastBookshopinPrague in exchange for an honest review. The banning of books and travesties of war hauntingly echoes current events.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews