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Book Review of The bookshop

The bookshop
The bookshop
Author: Penelope Fitzgerald
Book Type: Unknown Binding
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This is a unique piece of literature; it is about small-town life in England (and probably other places, as well) in the 1950-60s. This fairly short story (less than 200 pages), is about a good-hearted widow who wants to open a bookshop. The author shows the reader the life of a newcomer who tries to open a business where someone else wants to place an art center. Florence Green soon learns that what she's offering is not wanted, but, being a good person, thinks she can change opinions through her kindness and fairness.

The reader sees the heroine grow. She takes over an old house (complete with ghosts) and creates a bookstore in an area without a ready source of books.; Before long, she meets with a modest amount of success. But there are those in town who will try to erode away her success, just as the marshes and land erode nearby.

At the end of the story, I know that Florence is a stronger person than when she started. This is beautifully written, even if the story is realistic and sometimes harsh. And I feel that I've learned something from Florence's trials. This author spoke to me through her words.