Book Review - The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

 

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan follows Nina Redmond, a woman who loses her beloved job as a librarian and decides to open a mobile bookshop. Nina has a special gift for matching readers with the perfect book. Books have always been both her passion and her career until she suddenly finds herself unemployed and unsure of what to do next.

The one thing Nina knows for certain is that her future must still involve books. Inspiration strikes when she comes across an ad for a van that she considers transforming into a bookmobile. She plans to drive her mobile bookshop to different neighborhoods, bringing books directly to readers.

As Nina works to launch her bookshop, she encounters her grumpy landlord, who seems to want nothing to do with her, and a charming train conductor who serenades her with poetry and leaves thoughtful gifts. While adjusting to her new life, Nina begins to connect with the people and the place, and it slowly starts to feel like home. But will Nina be able to find her own happily ever after?

I wasn’t sure what to make of this book. I expected a cozy story about a woman finding herself and rediscovering her love of books. However, in the second half of the novel, several odd romantic and non-romantic subplots are introduced, followed by graphic and out-of-place sex scenes. I didn’t care for any of the love interests, who felt lukewarm at best, and I would have preferred they were left out entirely.

I also expected stronger female relationships, but many of Nina’s interactions with her friend Surinder revolved around men. Some of the male characters were sexist, and Nina often came across as helpless and immature. I thought the book was okay-to-meh read, but I wouldn’t continue with the rest of the series.