The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick Book Review

Book Title: The Library of Lost and Found

Author: Phaedra Patrick

My Rating: 4*

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: March 26^th 2019

Genre(s): Fiction, Mystery, Book about books

Pages: 371

Format Read: Paperback

Goodreads: Librarian Martha Storm has always found it easier to connect with books than people- though not for lack of trying. She keeps careful lists of how to help others in her superhero-themed notebook. And yet, sometimes it feels like she's invisible. All of that changes when a book of fairy tales arrives on her doorstep. Inside, Martha finds a dedication written to her by her best friend--her grandmother Zelda- who died under mysterious circumstances years earlier. When Martha discovers a clue within the book that her grandmother may still be alive, she becomes determined to discover the truth. As she delves deeper into Zelda's past, she unwittingly reveals a family secret that will change her life forever. Filled with Phaedra Patrick's signature charm and vivid characters, The Library of Lost and Found is a heart-warming and poignant tale of how one woman must take control of her destiny to write her own happy ending.

This is a lovely and uplifting book that highlights the magic of books and storytelling for people of all ages. Whether you’re a child, an adult or a great grandmother, stories bring everyone together in a world full of wonder and escapism from reality. It’s always nice to read a book about books and see how books affect people’s lives in all sorts of ways and it makes my love for books even greater if that’s possible.

Martha is a librarian who is always doing things for others with no gratitude in return. She finds it hard to say no to people and so people use this to their advantage and use her for jobs that need doing. This all changes when a book of fairytales arrives for her with a note from her grandmother Zelda. She decides to start putting herself first to find out what really happened all those years ago but as she uncovers the past some secrets unfold that change her life forever.

The story is a mixture of Martha’s memories of her childhood, flashbacks from Martha’s mother Betty and the present. There are also some stories that Martha wrote when she was a little girl that are enjoyable to read but also have a much deeper meaning hidden inside. Although the majority of the book is from Martha’s perspective, I liked the little snippets from Betty’s perspective because I got to see what Martha’s family life was like growing up which is important as it shows the reader why she is the way that she is. Her father was a very controlling man and wouldn’t let his wife or children do anything without his say so. The theme of family dynamics was definitely the biggest part of this story that shaped Martha’s personality and future.

I absolutely adored Nana Zelda’s characterisation through the book. She had a love for adventure and a naughty streak but was also a very loving person especially towards her granddaughters, always buying them presents. Her close relationship with Martha reminded me of me and my grandma, especially as she used to take me to our local library during my childhood, which is where my love of books has come from. I also volunteer in a library and could relate to some of Martha’s stories about the library, from the customers you get to the jobs she had to do.

There is so much information about Martha and her grandmother’s past that is revealed throughout which fills the book with shocking twists and turns and makes sure you won’t put the book down! It has a perfect ending but it left me needing answers to so many questions I have about Martha and how her life changed.

If you have any recommendations of books about books please let me know in the comments as I would love to read more!

“You should always make time for books”