- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: HQ; edition edition (27 Jun. 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0008237646
- ISBN-13: 978-0008237646
- Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 2.4 x 19.8 cm
Synopsis
Librarian Martha Storm has always found it easier to connect with books than people, though not for lack of trying. She keeps careful lists of how to help others in her notebook. And yet, sometimes it feels like she’s invisible.
All of that changes when a mysterious book arrives on her doorstep. Inside, Martha finds a dedication written to her by her grandmother Zelda, who died under mysterious circumstances years earlier. When Martha discovers a clue within the book that her grandmother may still be alive, she becomes determined to discover the truth. As she delves deeper into Zelda’s past, she unwittingly reveals a family secret that will change her life forever.
Review
Martha has given her life to helping others. She gave up her chance of happiness to move back home and care for her parents. After her parents death she helps friends and family with jobs that need doing; mending clothes, washing and even fixing a dragon’s head. Her job in the library is her haven, she feels more at home with books than people. When a book is left for her, with a dedication to her from her grandmother, her life takes a different turn. Martha sets out to find out what happened to her grandmother Zelda, how the book is dedicated two years after she died. This is an ode to books, the power of storytelling and one woman’s self discovery.
In these troubled times I have found myself turning to books that will make me smile and The Library of Lost and Found was a perfect match. The narrative is from the point of view of Martha, librarian, book lover and altogether Good Samaritan, a quality that people abuse. What I loved about her was the way she grew during the book, how her reconnection with stories from her childhood and her search for the truth about her grandmother slowly see her confidence improve and see her take charge of her life. One of my favourite moments in the book is the first time she says no to someone, I felt like standing up and cheering for her. There are a cast of wonderful and colourful characters, some I loved, like Suki who works with Martha and sees the potential in her, and those I disliked like Clive who manages the library and Martha’s self centred sister, Lilian, who I wanted to scream at.
Phaedra Patrick draws you into the book with her quirky characters and wonderful story. Whilst set mainly in the present there are chapters that go back to Martha’s childhood which shows her difficult relationship with her parents and the closeness she shared with her grandmother. These chapters build up to several family secrets that change the course of Martha’s life. The prose flows easily, drawing you in and taking you on the journey with Martha. The descriptions bring the characters to life and Phaedra Patrick makes them relatable with their everyday problems. The effect is a book I couldn’t put down.
The Library of Lost and Found is a heartwarming, charming and captivating read. Quirky characters, family secrets and a mystery make this such a compelling read. A delectable read, and a homage to books, I absolutely loved this book and got lost in it’s pages; pure escapism.
