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The Last Library

'I really loved this . . . a brilliant first novel' Katie Fforde

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The Last Library

By: Freya Sampson
Narrated by: Nathalie Pownall
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'The Last Library made me laugh, cry, cheer and want to champion all of our fabulous libraries' Clare Pooley, author of The Authenticity Project

'A truly lovely and endearing read' Nina Pottell

'A powerful reminder about the importance of community, kindness and friendship. A truly stunning debut' Hannah Tovey, author of The Education of Ivy Edwards

'I adored every page' Jessica Ryn, author of The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside

'A sheer joy. A funny, poignant story of love, loss, self-discovery and courage. A celebration of books and everything that makes us human' Katie Marsh, author of My Everything


You can tell a lot about a person from the library books they borrow

Library assistant June knows a lot about the regulars at Chalcot Library, yet they know very little about her. When her mum - the beloved local librarian - passed away eight years ago, June stepped into her shoes. But despite their shared love of books, shy June has never felt she can live up to the village's memory of her mum. Instead, she's retreated into herself and her memories, surviving on Chinese takeaways-for-one and rereading their favourite books at home.

When the library is threatened with closure, a ragtag band of eccentric locals establish the Friends of Chalcot Library campaign. There's gentlemanly pensioner Stanley, who visits the library for the computers and the crosswords, cantankerous Mrs B, who is yet to find a book she approves of, and teenager Chantal, who just wants a quiet place to study away from home. But can they compel reclusive June to join their cause?

If June wants to save the library, she finally has to make some changes to her life: opening up her heart to friendship, opportunities and maybe even more . . . Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt
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Likes that she didnt expect anything for herself since her mother had died and kept on living in the same way, caring about all the others who used the library.

The simplicity of June

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I listened to this on Audible. The narration was good. I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the ordinary-ess of the story, the characters and their lives revolving around their library. I liked that the story didn't confuse and befuddle me with story lines going here there and everywhere. I liked the everyday-ness of life in the library and the small community who gathered there daily. I got to know each one, some nice, some not so nice. I liked how this Author wrote such a simple story, about such simple lives, that left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside. This is truly a comfort giving book. I highly recommend it if you've had a bout of heavy reading. This will ground you and make you feel human again.

A Pleasant story to listen to.

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I enjoyed this book, it was a really easy listen, really liked the tone of the narrator. the story was well written with an uplifting ending.

Sweet uplifting story

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It’s been a while since I have been able to visit my library and this story made me want to go back so much. One for the enjoyment and choices of books but also to make sure it isn’t earmarked for closure! A really enjoyable, easy read.

How to save Your Library

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This book didn’t leave me wanting to hear through to the end although I did stick with it. The story was very predictable and narration too sweet for my taste.

Not one for my library.

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