The Last Library: 'I really loved this . . . a brilliant first novel' Katie Fforde

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This was going to be a solid 4 or 5 stars book until about 50% into the story. The setup was wonderful. Old manor that used to be an abbey, the moors and the fog, the cold and unwelcoming servants, and a mysterious library... What is there not to like about this?

Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother. I’m about halfway through the book and those two points, not to mention this mystery we’ve been teased with and haven’t really had any new information about, would normally be enough for me to DNF. Since this is an ARC, I will give it a bit more of a chance. Also, I usually love unreliable narrators, but this just isn’t done as well, I suppose. Both spellbinding and tender, The Last Chance Library is a gorgeous love letter to books, a celebration of the characters that make a community, and an inspiring call to muster our courage and fight for thethingsthat matter. Simply put, this book is sublime.”— Libby Hubscher, author of Meet Me in Paradise Cheers to Freya Sampson 🥂 for delivering a truly, madly, deeply (com)passionate, diverting and mind-whirling book-lover's dream-book! This is a story set in the future, when all the books except those in the last library have been destroyed. Books are only available digitally now and the government agencies have decided that the last paper books are no longer necessary. The library is scheduled to be destroyed. The Last Librarian is Runit Happerman and he wants to save as many books as he can before 'they' come in 10 days to destroy his world, he just needs a little help with that.But why? The world is seemingly at peace, no wars have been fought for the past 100 years. So why destroy a vital part of human society? My heart was in my throat -- no more libraries -- no more print books. Now we all know how I love to read--and even the thought of this sends shivers down my spine!! Oh I now read E-Books-but that is actually pretty recent--and I may not go to libraries anymore--but if you asked my Mom she would tell you that whenever she happened to ask what I wanted to do--I answered "let's go the the library!" Whether it was the NYC Library or the little one in our town--that's where I wanted to go!! Only two things bothered me was instant romance between charming Alex Chang and June and abrupt ending of the book. The romance parts could be developed a little bit and I think the book could be a little longer.

I’ll definitely watch for future books by Freya Sampson - it’s an admirable debut effort and well written, but I think my timing was off. Had I read this before or sufficiently distanced from The Library, I think I would’ve better seen it on its own merits. As it stands, it was a perfectly nice story, but not a standout for me. A book for book lovers, bibliophiles, and bookworms about book lovers, bibliophiles, and bookworms...and libraries. The last librarian-in the world's last library-has just been told that his library is about to be closed down. One of his closest friends, an author-convinces him they have to save at least the most important of the books. Meanwhile they need help--which are the most important? Wow! Wow! Wow! Three words which sum up The Last Library by Freya Sampson perfectly! I am definitely going to write more but if I was restricted to three words, this would be my review! On your arrival at Chalcot Library you will be welcomed as a family member would be - an absolute gem of a library at the cornerstone of the community. Memories regulate June's existence. For numberless years she follows in her beloved mother's footsteps as the library assistant at the local Chalcot library, aspiring for nothing more. Sweet, shy, and introverted, June contentedly offers comfort to her regulars, helping to ease their loneliness.More powerful than armies and police, stronger than guns and bombs, words are what change the world, and that is why they're always a threat to those that rule with corrupt ways Author Sampson has created a gem of a book populated by vivid personalities and a story that weaves together heroes and villains, love and loss, mourning and growth as it follows June and the Chalcot community as they seek to save their library—which offers so much more than books. A delightful exploration of personal growth, inner strength, and the importance of family, friends, and love.”― Kirkus (starred review) Since her mum passed away June has retreated into herself, surviving on Chinese takeaways for one and rereading her favourite books at home.

But you know what they say: you make plans , God laughs. She procrastinates her big plans after her mother’s illness and takes care of her, getting a job at Chalcot Public Library, following her mother’s career steps. After her mother’s death, she is still living at the same house, full time working at assistant librarian, building a safe cocoon around her.Each month I bring you my recommendation of a must-read book. I read a variety of genres so it could be anything from fiction, non-fiction, romance, historical fiction or a thriller and I really hope that you’ll enjoy each of them as much as I do. There are some things going on with the council that will come as a surprise to the residents as well as the reader.

So yes, the premise is excellent. But the execution confused me and frankly, bored me. It was hard to follow who is who, and to connect with any of the characters, and the one I finally managed to warm up to, Runit the librarian gets killed unceremoniously and off screen, after which I had no more interest in continuing at all. Too many characters which are not fleshed out and are hard to tell apart, too many neologisms which are not explained (until one finds the glossary at the end of the book -- tip for ebook writers: put it at the front). The plot makes no sense -- the danger in creating an extremely powerful enemy is that then you also need to create intricate plots to foil him, but here I am not buying that anyone could be foiled this way; it is too simplistic (with a generous helping of deus ex machina). Wonderful characters, gentle humour and a sweet romance make this an endearing read * Good Housekeeping * Finally, and I am not a psychologist, but we're supposed to believe that Ralph remembers working at the Abbey and so returned to it, but has no memory of his own parents or even his own last name?? Or did he know his last name and didn't even make the connection that two of the only three other servants were also named Hewitt and therefore probably related to him in some way? So, first off, brilliant idea. I fell in love with the plot line almost immediately, with the importance of the last library and the last librarian, the idea that books (printed books, which was ironic, since I was reading on a Kindle) could save the world--that's my kind of story! The Last Chance Library is absolutely irresistible! Curl up and indulge in Freya Sampson’s charming novel about a shy librarian in a small town with a great cause. You’ll have such a good time and you’ll love the unexpected twist at the end!”— New York Times bestselling authorNancy ThayerAnyway. The long and short of it is that while British writers are good and the cities are pretty, contemporary books make me uncomfortable and I hate thinking about their food. I am not running, I am seeking. I am not hiding, I am finding.” “Where do you go? What do you do?” “I’m just dancing with time, and occasionally wrestling with it. Like my daddy used to say, ‘Time’s a funny thing.’ But I’m not laughing.” He sat next to Deuce again. “It’s almost over.”" The novel falls within the usual form of the genre, but offers surprises and is written with a sense of detail that brings life to the story. If you like gothic, this is a book you'll want to read. I’m delighted to share my Book Review of The Last Library by Freya Sampson. This is the authors debut novel, published by Zaffre in September 2021. The story reminded me of the benefits and importance of supporting local libraries. As a result of reading The Last Library, I have re-joined my local Library in North Swindon. I know, I KNOW. Who would have thought that a book about a library would FINALLY make its mark? I had half given up on such wishful dreaming myself.