The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson – a Review

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Description:
Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.

Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer’s feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won’t believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.

To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she’s determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.

Review:

The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson is a standalone novel, focusing on a library assistant and her determination to fight for her beloved local library that is threatened to be shut down. June Jones, our heroine, is the library assistant, who has never left her hometown, and still lives in her childhood home, even after her mother passed away; as she still grieves the loss of her mother. June’s mother worked for the library, and June learned everything from her.  She is very quiet and shy, but everyone at the library loves her; she is always willing to give recommendations and help people choose the perfect books for them. June works during the day at the library, which she loves, and at night she reads more books, living a quiet and lonely life.  But things are about to change.

At a township meeting, everyone learns about the libraries possibly closing due to lack of funds.  With the threat of the Chalcot Library being closed, many of the local people, who spend much of their time at the library, decide to fight the possible closure; with starting a group called FOCL (Friends of Chalcot Library). June is fully on their side, but since she works for the library, she is threatened with loss of her job if she helps the group.  At first, June steps back, despite the patrons who she has known for years begging her to help them; but when things get heated up, June will push aside her fears, and step forward to help the group. 

Alex Chen, a boyhood school friend, returns to help his father; and a slow build romance begins with Alex and June becoming close. Alex is the one who convinces June to fight for what she believes in.  June finds herself having feelings for Alex, especially when he helps her get past her anxiety issues; but she mistakenly thinks Alex has a girlfriend, and their relationship is set aside.  Will June find the truth about Alex, and win him back?

Alex is also a lawyer, and he secretly helps the group, fighting the demands of the council planning the closure.  I did enjoy the story, even though it was a bit slow early on, but things change so much for the better the rest of the way. I did like many of the quirky characters, who loved June, that were the daily patrons of the library and the group; such as Stanley, Mrs. B, Vera (seniors), and Chantal, who we found ourselves caring about them. Marjorie, June’s boss, wasn’t very likable early, but she too changed later.

What follows is a sweet, heartwarming, even humorous story that was fun and endearing throughout, as well as a great community.   The Last Chance Library was very well written by Freya Sampson, which shows how important libraries are for many people; a place to study, or do research; a place to hang around and talk to people, and to get information on books by the wonderful librarian. I recommend to read this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher