I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This beautiful WWII novel follows a bookshop owner named Jana. I felt a connection with her from the beginning. If you are a book lover, I think that an environment like a bookshop can be a source of joy, comfort and escape. Something in the author's writing speaks to that, and it seems unthinkable to contemplate a time when books were banned.

Of course, this is about more than just a bookshop in Prague; it's also a story of love and courage. I cared about Jana, and the other characters too. Once I became invested, it was hard to lay it aside until I had finished.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

This book is set in Prague during the Nazi occupation, and it was impossible to not feel heartbreak for the suffering that the Czech people endured. This book brings those very people realistically to life on the page.

It was perfectly paced and allowed the reader to become very well acquainted with both the characters and their situation. I enjoyed the romance element of the story, and the juxtaposition within the character of Captain Kovar was well handled.

Although the book covers a devastating time for the people of Prague, it was ultimately an uplifting book which is full of hope for the future. I heartily recommend this book.

Thank you net galley for giving me this opportunity to read this book.
The story takes place in Czechoslovakia during the Nazi occupation and WWII.
Jana and her father live in an apartment above the bookshop her mother owned.
Jana's mother died and Jana took over the day to day business of running the bookshop.
The German's came in and there was commotion in the centre of town. People were getting round up and taken away.
A young boy has just lost his father and his mother was arrested. Jana took the boy home with her as he had nowhere to go.
A police officer came to her bookshop to get a book for his mother.
Jana was hiding the young boy in the kitchen area of the bookshop as the police officers were looking around for the so-called undesirables.
But, Jana was finding herself falling for the fascist police officer.
The story also mentions the burning of the town of Lidice.
These are my own opinions.
Again thank you net galley.

Jana lives with her father above the bookstore that she runs but it's not easy as the Germans have banned so many books. Jana bravely stands up and does what she can to help others and fight for what is right. A powerful story of bravery which is highly entertaining and emotional. The book has strong characters and a suspenseful plot. Joining a fight against the Nazis is courageous and could break the strongest of people. I could feel the pain and anguish but also the anger. It's a historical fiction tale that had me feeling every emotion that we have sometimes all at once.

Sunday, September 22, 2024
The Last Bookshop in Prague


It's difficult to read something like this without feeling sad. But the story must be told. Helen Parusel did an excellent job telling this story.

Jana loved her bookshop. It brought her closer to her mother that died a few years ago. It meant everything to her.

Everything came crashing down when the Germans invaded Prague. The life she knew changed and not for the good.

I was amazed by the determination and strength of Jana and of her neighbors. They did what they could to hold on to what was dear to them.

It's important to know what really happened during this horrendous period of time. And it's important to not forget.

This book was so enthralling and certainly heartbreaking with the trauma of the War.

Jana lives with her Father and owns a bookshop in Prague which has the German soldiers living in the city. She meets Andrej who is a Policman in the city as he was searching for a boy with another policeman, she is not sure about him. Jana ends up at the Nazi headquarters as a cleaner to help pay for the bills. Jana helps the resistance but there is consequences.

I thought all the characters worked well together and you wondered who would survive at the end of the War. It shows how the people coped and how at near the end of the War the people of Prague all rallied to fight to the bitter end.

The book flowed well and was very interesting to read it was well researched.

This is my first book by Helen Parusel and I absolutely loved it. I will certainly be searching out her other books.

I came to love Jana, her Papa, her Babi (grandma) and her friends. They were all very well developed characters with a realistic, believable storyline.

I felt like I was there beside Jana as she gathered intel for the resistance, felt her fear when confronted by The Butcher of Prague and her worry for her family and friends.

War is a terrible thing and the atrocities that occurred should never be forgotten. It is uplifting to read of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to stand up for what they believe in - their freedom.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

The book was written very well. I never seen the ending coming. I read the book in one day. I had to know how it ended. It is very addictive. The main character found herself owning a bookstore that was previously owned by her mother. Jana faced several challenges in here she had to choose between good and bad. The journey is an emotional rollercoaster

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading this book.

Jana is a bookseller in Prague and to ensure she had enough to live on, also works at the Nazi headquarters which is near to her.

Then, she enlists in the Resistance, and we read about how she does her bit to make changes to the war effort.

The story was well researched and beautifully written, it had some disturbing events which were delicately handled.

I highly recommend this book.

This was an excellent read. It’s a well researched novel centred around the occupation of Prague in WW2 by the Nazis. It relates the assassination of Heydrich and the consequent razing of Lidice as a form of retribution from the Nazis. Heydrich of course was one of the architects of the final solution and the atrocity in Lidice is little known compared to other awful events in that conflict. The climax focuses on the liberation of Prague in 1945, again events that pass underneath the radar easily. There is much more to the story than that and although at times I found it emotive, I would recommend this to anyone with a historical interest in WW2

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 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.

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.

What a wonderful story of kindness, friendship, love with the pack-drop of Prague during world war 2. The central characters, mainly women, were strong and each added a different dimension to the storyline. From the Jewish mother’s who gave up their children to the men and women of the resistance who each played their own part.

This is a must read. But don’t forget your hankies you will need them!

Thanks to Helen Parusel for writing the story; to Boldwood Publishers and to NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review.

Helen Parusel's The Last Bookshop in Prague is a captivating historical novel that transports readers to the heart of Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. A story of courage, resistance, and the enduring power of literature, the narrative is poignant and suspenseful.

Set against the backdrop of a city shrouded in fear, Jana's determination to protect her bookshop and her community is inspiring. Her unwavering belief in the power of stories serves as a beacon of hope in the face of darkness.

The novel delves into the paradoxes of life under Nazi rule, and the lengths to which people will go to preserve their humanity. Jana's involvement in the resistance movement adds a layer of intrigue and danger as she navigates the treacherous terrain of occupied Prague.

Helen Parusel's writing is evocative, creating vivid images of the city and its inhabitants. The characters are well-developed and compelling, and the theme of the value of literature in shaping our understanding of the world is thought-provoking.

i was interested to learn that this book was inspired by the 2016 war film 'Anthropoid' directed by Sean Ellis and starring Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan.

The Last Bookshop in Prague is a powerful and moving story that will stay with readers long after the final page, and one which I am happy to recommend.

Tony Riches

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.

Reading The Last Bookshop in  Prague, and I really like the story and the way  the action flows. I love books with historical  content, especially about the Second World  War period. I would also like the book to be  translated into my native language so that  more lovers of historical stories can read it.  Helen has built the character of Jana perfectly,  beautifully portraying the dilemmas, moral  values, and emotional intimate experience! I strongly recommend this lovely title to have read my friends. I am grateful  to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this  unforgettable story!

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.

Jana is trying to keep her bookstore open in Prague, but the Nazis have taken over the town. good historical book.

"The Last Bookshop in Prague" is a wartime novel of occupied Prague. The Nazis are in charge, led by the notorious Butcher of Prague Heydrich, and aided by the local police. However, not everyone is what they may seem. As with any occupied country there is a Resistance and there are terrible crimes being committed against the local people, particularly those who are Jewish.

This book is a good read, with a touch of romance to offset the awfulness of war. Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.