The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a fantastic pick for a book club. It has everything—mystery, historical fiction, magical realism, and romance—which makes for some super engaging discussions. The dual timeline structure, switching between the 1920s and modern day, adds depth to the story and keeps the reader hooked. Plus, it’s a book about the magic of books, which is basically a book club’s dream read.
One of the best things about this novel is how it explores self-discovery, feminism, and the transformative power of literature. The characters are complex and go on emotional journeys that make you want to unpack their choices. The bookshop itself has an almost mystical quality, and the way secrets unravel throughout the novel keeps the story fresh and exciting. It’s the kind of book that feels like a warm hug with a touch of mystery, making it both cozy and thought-provoking.
For a book club discussion, there’s so much to dive into. How does the novel highlight the power of books to change lives? Did the magical realism add to the story or take away from it? Which timeline was more compelling, and why? And, of course, there’s the theme of feminism and independence, which plays a strong role in the book. With so many layers to explore, The Lost Bookshop is definitely a book that will get people talking!
20 The Lost Bookshop Book Club Questions and Answers
Here are 20 book club questions for The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, along with some potential answers to guide your discussion.
General Story & Structure
1. The book is told in dual timelines. Which one did you find more compelling and why?
📖 Both timelines have their strengths! The historical setting is rich and mysterious, while the modern timeline feels more relatable. Some might love the nostalgia and intrigue of the past, while others enjoy the emotional growth of the present-day characters.
2. What do you think the bookshop symbolizes in the story?
📖 It represents second chances, hidden possibilities, and the transformative power of literature. It’s a place where lost souls find themselves.
3. How did the pacing of the novel work for you? Was it too slow, just right, or too fast?
📖 Some readers might love the slow, dreamy unfolding of the mystery, while others might find parts dragging. The balance between the two timelines helps keep it engaging.
4. Did you enjoy the blend of magical realism and historical fiction? Why or why not?
📖 The magic is subtle but adds to the book’s atmosphere, making the bookshop feel alive. If you love a hint of whimsy in your stories, it’s a perfect touch!
5. What were your thoughts on the ending? Did it satisfy you?
📖 Some may find it beautifully wrapped up, while others may have wanted a different resolution. Did it answer all your questions?
Characters
6. Did you relate to any of the characters? Who was your favorite and why?
📖 There are so many strong, unique characters! Some might love the resilience of Opaline, while others connect with Martha’s journey of self-discovery.
7. Opaline is an unconventional woman for her time. How do you think she would have fared in the modern world?
📖 She would probably be a strong, independent bookstore owner or a writer! She defied expectations in her own time, so imagine what she could do now.
8. Did Martha’s character development feel realistic to you?
📖 She starts off lost but grows stronger. Some might find her transformation inspiring, while others may have wished for more depth.
9. If you could spend a day in the book with one character, who would it be and why?
📖 Maybe Henry for his charm, Opaline for her wisdom, or Martha to help her rediscover herself in the shop.
10. Were there any characters you didn’t like or didn’t trust?
📖 Maybe certain figures from the past who stood in Opaline’s way, or characters in Martha’s life who didn’t support her growth.
Themes & Symbolism
11. What role does feminism play in this novel?
📖 Both Opaline and Martha push against societal expectations—Opaline in a time when women had few rights, and Martha as she breaks free from her own limitations.
12. How does the novel portray the power of books and literature?
📖 Books are a source of healing, wisdom, and transformation. The bookshop itself is almost a character, guiding those who enter.
13. What do you think about the theme of “lost things” in the novel? How does it apply beyond just books?
📖 It’s about lost dreams, lost identities, and lost connections. Both timelines explore finding what’s been forgotten.
14. How does the book handle grief and healing?
📖 Each character is dealing with some form of loss, and the bookshop provides a space for them to rebuild themselves.
15. If the bookshop could talk, what advice do you think it would give to each main character?
📖 It might tell Martha to trust herself more and Opaline to never give up on her dreams.
Personal Connections & Adaptations
16. If this book were made into a movie, who would you cast in the main roles?
📖 Imagine someone like Florence Pugh as Opaline, Lily James as Martha, and Tom Hiddleston as Henry!
17. Did The Lost Bookshop remind you of any other books?
📖 It has hints of The Night Circus (whimsy and magic), The Shadow of the Wind (mystery and books), and The Starless Sea (hidden literary worlds).
18. Would you want to visit a bookshop like this in real life? What would you hope to find there?
📖 Yes, 100%! A book that perfectly understands you, a lost manuscript, or maybe a hidden doorway to another time.
19. What was your favorite quote from the book?
📖 (Insert yours here! Maybe something about the magic of books or self-discovery?)
20. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
📖 It’s a cozy yet thought-provoking read that celebrates books, love, and resilience—perfect for book lovers and dreamers!
The Lost Bookshop: Discussion Topics
Here are five engaging discussion topics for The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods that will get your book club talking!
The Power of Books & Hidden Stories
One of the central themes of The Lost Bookshop is the transformative power of literature. Books in this novel are more than just objects—they bring people together, reveal long-lost secrets, and even change lives. The bookshop itself seems to have an almost mystical ability to match the right book with the right person at the perfect moment. This leads to an interesting discussion: what role does the bookshop play beyond just being a setting? Have you ever read a book that felt like it found you at the exact time you needed it? Additionally, the novel explores the concept of lost books and how they parallel the lost dreams, identities, and connections of the characters. How does the idea of lost literature reflect the emotional journeys of Martha and Opaline?
Feminism & Female Independence
Both Opaline and Martha are strong women who challenge the expectations placed upon them in their respective time periods. Opaline, in the early 20th century, defies societal norms by pursuing a life of knowledge and passion rather than conforming to traditional roles. Martha, in the modern-day timeline, must break free from her own internal limitations to rediscover herself. This raises thought-provoking questions: How does Opaline’s story reflect the struggles of women in her time? How does Martha’s journey mirror modern feminist themes? The book’s message of female independence is empowering, but does it balance historical accuracy with this theme? Discuss whether the novel succeeds in highlighting the progress women have made while also acknowledging the challenges that remain.
Magical Realism: Does It Work?
The novel incorporates elements of magical realism, with the bookshop seeming to have a life of its own, books finding their readers at the right moment, and an air of mystery surrounding certain events. This subtle magic adds an enchanting layer to the story, but does it enhance or distract from the plot? Would the novel have been just as compelling without these mystical elements, or do they add something essential? Some readers may interpret the magical elements literally, while others might see them as symbolic. Do you think the magic in the book is meant to be real, or could it be read as a metaphor for the power of stories and fate?
Dual Timelines: Then vs. Now
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Lost Bookshop is its dual timeline structure, which alternates between the 1920s and the present day. Both narratives follow characters on a journey of self-discovery, but the pacing, tone, and challenges they face are different. Some readers may find themselves more drawn to one timeline than the other. Did you find one story more engaging? Why? Additionally, how do the two narratives complement each other? Do they weave together seamlessly, or did one feel stronger than the other? If the book had focused solely on one timeline, would it have been as impactful? Discuss whether the historical and modern-day elements worked well together or if one overshadowed the other.
The Theme of Finding Yourself
At its core, The Lost Bookshop is a story about self-discovery and transformation. Both Opaline and Martha are “lost” in different ways—Opaline struggles against the constraints of her time, while Martha is emotionally adrift in the modern world. Over the course of the novel, both women go through powerful journeys of self-discovery. How do their paths compare? What role does the bookshop play in helping them find their way? This theme is deeply relatable, as many readers have experienced moments in life where they feel disconnected from their purpose. What lessons about identity and personal growth can we take from their stories?
These discussion topics should spark deep, engaging conversations in your book club! The Lost Bookshop is more than just a story—it’s a celebration of literature, resilience, and the magic of self-discovery.