By the celebrated British author, this book is a tiny gem, one that packs a lot of small-town psychology into a delightful story. There is humor as well as curiosity.

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A widow decides to open a bookshop in a town that doesn't have a book store, and only too late begins to suspect the truth...that a town
choosing to survive.

I loved this book! The language was perfectly chosen, the situations made me smile, and I even had to read some of it aloud to my husband.

Florence Green(the widow) is to be admired for her wit, and her innocent courage, that comes from simply choosing to survive. As Balzac said, the ordinariness of human lives can never be a measure of the effort it takes to keep them going.

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Yes, she does have a knack for creating interesting characters, but I found the ending kind of depressing, and life in Hardborough...also kind of depressing. I think I'm ready for something a little deeper...=0)

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This is a serious book of modern literature. In only 123 pages, Fitzgerald delivers portraits of unforgettable characters in a difficult situation when an "outsider" retiree opens a bookstore in 1959 in a small English hamlet, Hardborough--foreshadowing intended. What can be accomplished in so few pages is remarkable. And the book rises in my estimation every week since I've finished reading it. It's an eye-opener.

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A delightful little book, well-written story of widow who decides to open a book shop in a small village. She defies the local powerful dame and even warms the heart of the old widower who hasn't left his home in years. I won't spoil the ending, you should read the book. Strong woman, strong girl, great story. Now I'm waiting for the movie, out soon.

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Very short - Written in English but the British way of phrasing took some deciphering, conversations sometimes left me a bit confused - interesting characters - disappointing ending

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This is a unique piece of literature; it is about small-town life in England (and probably other places, as well) in the 1950-60s. This fairly short story (less than 200 pages), is about a good-hearted widow who wants to open a bookshop. The author shows the reader the life of a newcomer who tries to open a business where someone else wants to place an art center. Florence Green soon learns that what she's offering is not wanted, but, being a good person, thinks she can change opinions through her kindness and fairness.

The reader sees the heroine grow. She takes over an old house (complete with ghosts) and creates a bookstore in an area without a ready source of books.; Before long, she meets with a modest amount of success. But there are those in town who will try to erode away her success, just as the marshes and land erode nearby.

At the end of the story, I know that Florence is a stronger person than when she started. This is beautifully written, even if the story is realistic and sometimes harsh. And I feel that I've learned something from Florence's trials. This author spoke to me through her words.

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