Book: The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hogan

This pacy novel occasionally veers into clichéd territory, but it draws you in with its large cast of engaging characters. How did an American, one who has spent most of her adult life in Paris and was married to a Frenchman, end up having a long stay in Ireland? Oh, right, they are still part of the EU. How liberating although in true Hollywood movie style, the logistics don;t come up.

Robyn’s decision to open a bookstore also strains credibility. What kind of introvert opens a bookstore in a village with no idea how to attract customers? One who doesn’t have to pay rent and therefore has no concept of budgeting.

Despite these logical gaps, the story succeeds in creating an immersive world. The contrast between the intimate Irish village, where everyone knows each other, and Paris could have been explored more deeply. I found myself wanting to see more of the Parisian art scene that the American left behind. 

The Books Shop Ladies came as a recommendation from my library, so the algorithms bought it to me. However, at times the narrative feels like a Richard Curtis film, complete with predictable beats and obvious resolutions. Yet there's genuine warmth in how the Irish villagers welcome this American expatriate, and watching her apply her expertise to help the struggling bookstore succeed provides plenty of depth. Maybe because I love bookshops and in my line of work, support many fledgling business owners. 

The book delivers comfort reading with heart, even if it doesn't always convince on the details.