Introverted bibliophiles, this one’s for you. Loveday Cardew from The Lost for Words Bookshop is your mascot, your spirit animal, your kindred spirit. She is all of us who prefer books to people, solitary reading time to in-person socialization.
And, you will love her. Eventually.
Loveday is a bit of a hedgehog — she’s prickly, bristly, and not at all what you would expect from a literary heroine. She’s defensive and surly, with a sense of humor to match, and she’s hyper-critical of everyone she meets, especially if they don’t happen to like books. (I mean, that part, I get.)
In short, Loveday’s exceptionally quirky, and author Stephanie Butland expertly reflects that in the tone of the first few pages of The Lost for Words Bookshop. Butland dumps you right into Loveday’s inner monologue, which is a loosely organized stream of consciousness containing every thought about every single thing that crosses her path, usually laced with a heavy thread of judgement and cynicism.
It’s admittedly a little off-putting at first, and since the language and syntax is also quite colloquially York, it’s a little difficult for American ears to follow. Well, for eyes to follow, I guess, since you’re reading. I’m sure you get my point, though it should be fondly noted that Loveday would absolutely point out my mistep here.
However, Loveday grows on you. As disagreeable as she tries to make herself to others, Loveday’s efforts have a marvelously antithetical effect. Pretty soon, you’re completely drawn into her world in The Lost for Words Bookshop. The thing about Loveday is that she’s not wrong in what she says. Spend only a few minutes in her company and you realize she’s quite sharp and perceptive; after a short while, her mildly acerbic comments win you over with their truth and humor.
There’s a quiet kinship there that I feel most of us can relate to, especially the introverted, and her actions and thoughts start to become familiar, if not kindred. She claims to never know what to say – that she’s socially awkward and forever “lost for words” – but I think what she does choose to say is actually quite perfect. Loveday’s harsh on everyone, but she’s harshest on herself.
And, Loveday’s reverence for all things literary is inspiring. She adores books, adores poetry, whether written or read aloud, though it quickly becomes clear that books have been her only loved ones for too many years of her young life. The actual bookshop in the The Lost for Words Bookshop truly seems like a book lover’s delight, and you’ll want to lose yourself in its stacks like our heroine does each day.
Loveday’s story slowly unfurls over the course of the novel, peppered in between scenes from her present-day life in the bookstore and starting to date charming poet/magician Nate, and small flashbacks to her short-lived dalliance with creepster Rob, whose methods of woo-age prove that women should trust their gut instincts about shifty men more often.
She talks both lovingly and hauntingly of her past, and you slowly realize why she’s as guarded as she is—and it breaks your heart. Loveday’s story is unique and complicated, and it devastatingly illustrates how your life can be shattered in an instant, sending ripples of repercussion throughout the rest of your existence.
Once you know Loveday’s history, you understand why she sought solace in books for so many years, and why she prefers books to most people. Over the course of the novel, it’s wonderful to see this dormant young woman coaxed back into life by Archie, her longtime employer and stand-in father figure, and by her relationship with Nate. However, the most rewarding relationship to see blossom is the one with herself, bolstered by her own curiosity to venture outside of the walls she’s built around herself for so many years.
I cried at the end of this novel. Big, happy, wet tears. Then, I hugged the book to my chest. (I largely suspect Loveday would much rather I hug a book than her, so the gesture felt appropriate.) So rarely has a bittersweet ending made me so happy.
The Lost for Words Bookshop is about stories, in all senses of the word. It’s about a love of books and the stories they tell; it’s about the story of your own life, and what’s handed to you and what you decide to write for yourself. It’s about confronting your past so you can learn to live with it as part of your future. There’s a lot of drama packed into this novel, and into Loveday’s life, and even though you may start off not particularly liking her, you’re soon rooting for her to fight for her own happy ending.
What are some other “books about books” (and so much more!) that you love? I hope you’ll share in the comments below!
And, be sure to stay tuned for my book-inspired recipe: Parkin Cake!
Gorgeous review, CJ. This one sounds special!
Thanks so much, Claire!! I can’t believe how much I ended up loving this one, especially since I was a bit hestitant to keep reading it in the very beginning. I’m so glad I kept going because the story was so rewarding.
Argh! I wrote a whole comment and then lost it!😢 I don’t think your site likes my iPad. But anyways, this book sounds sooo good! I love how you describe it. I really got a good sense of this book from your review. I think I would relate to her and get a good sense of her personality real fast. I think I would love this book. It sounds like it has so many layers to it. Such a great review! I’m definitely adding this to my TBR.😍
Wanna know a secret? I don’t think my site likes my tech, either, lol. I’m having problems with my comment feature, as are a few other would-be commenters, from what I’ve been told. I need to ave my IT dept/Husband look into it for me, but there’s just no time! Thanks for being persistent in leaving a comment, though!! It’s appreciated. And, YES, I think you would really get into Loveday based on some of our IG discussions, lol. I highly recommend this book!
Great review! Adding to my TBR, thank you!
Thanks, Alison! I hope you like it! If you’re into “books about books,” I recommend The Printed Letter Bookshop, too. My review of that went up last week! It’s another great read.