“The Library”

Book Review of "The Library" by Bella Osborne

The Library by Bella Osborne

Genre: Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction

Book Pages: 369 pages

Book blurb:

Teenager Tom has always blended into the background of life. After a row with his dad and facing an unhappy future at the dog factory, he escapes to the library.

Pensioner Maggie has been happily alone with her beloved novels for ten years - at least, that's what she tells herself.

When they meet, they recognise something in each other that will change both their lives for ever. Then the library comes under threat of closure, and they must join forces to prove that it's not just about books - it's the heart of their community. They are determined to save it - because some things are worth fighting for.

“Age is just a number when it comes to true friendship, as you can learn from each other’s experiences and gain new insights and wisdom.”

The Library by Bella Osborne is incredible and enjoyable. I am so excited and can't wait to discover the story when I read the blurb at the back of the book cover.

My Review

The story follows two book lovers of different ages who meet in a library and work together to save it. The books bring them together, and the most unlikely friendship forms between them.

Tom is an awkward teenage boy who finds himself engrossed in romance books and is embarrassed about it. When Tom first entered the library years after his mother died, sweet memories of his mother kept coming back to him.

Maggie is a 72-year-old book club member at the library who lives alone and owns a farm. She also has a past that Tom soon discovers.

The two met when Tom saved Maggie when she was in danger after she attended a library meeting. This is where their friendship starts. As Tom and Maggie work together to stop the library from closing, their relationship grows closer because the library is where they can step away from their complicated life for a while.

I like that the book is presented from both characters' perspectives. So, readers can learn about both their feelings and the painful experiences in their lives. I liked that Maggie used her experiences to help ease the relationship between Tom and his father. The story addresses sensitivity that will make you tear up for the characters; and light-hearted moments that will bring you joy and heartwarming.

A charming story with great characters, you will find yourself rooting for this lovely relationship the two have.