Much like the gorgeous cover, Bloomsbury Girls envelopes you in post-war London nostalgia.  

 

Bloomsbury Girls is a story of an old fashioned bookstore dictated by rules and the three women bound to break them.

 

Vivien, Grace, and Evie.  Three ambitious women struggling through societal expectations and the multitude of obstacles bound to hold them back.  Each character is distinct, with a fresh voice.  Yet the struggles each face are nothing unique.  As the women learn to lean on one another, they also see possibilities for a brighter future.  

 

I enjoyed how the Jenner blended the fictional cast with real, trailblazing women (Daphne de Maurier, Peggy Guggenheim, and Ellen Doubelday).  I found myself googling these historic women and allured by the idea that their combined efforts could’ve spearheaded such momentum. 

 

The pace of this book is very similar to how I like to meander through my favorite bookstore… slow and steady.  While not a riveting page turner, the cozy and leisurely vibe felt apropos. 

 

I found myself primarily turning to the audiobook narration, expertly read by Juliet Stevenson.  

 

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and MacMillan Audio for the #gifted copies of this book.