I enjoyed the Journey this story took us through the reality of the time was well constructed and the narrator was able to bring you into the story.

I listened to this as a Audiobook and I felt like I was right beside Barbara along her Journey. This was a story of resilience and hope along with so many more things to keep the characters going throughout the pages of this book! The Narrator did a fantastic job throughout the book to keep you engaged with the story. At one point I was thinking there was to much explanation of political Rulings for the time period but all in all I think it was necessary to understand and build the background to the trials and tribulations Barbara and her Family faced. The ending was a wonderful relief of Peace

This book was amazing such an eye opener on how Spain dealt with the war and the effects on one women trying to make it in Spain with her bookshop

Set in 1934 Madrid during Spain’s Second Republic, this historical novel follows Barbara Spiel, a German bookseller fleeing the rise of Nazism. With a deep love for literature and a desire to build something meaningful, Barbara sets out to open a bookshop in the heart of Spain; a sanctuary for young idealists and free thinkers.

Narrator Lauren Ezzo brings the story to life with gusto. A seasoned voice artist with many audiobooks under her belt, she takes creative risks here with a range of accents and vocal tones. Some may feel a little on the nose, but given the wide cast of characters and the emotional demands of the narrative, it’s an impressive balancing act. Ezzo juggles it all with mastery; an absolutely stellar performance.

What struck me most is how this story resonates with our present. Despite the specific historical setting, A Bookseller in Madrid echoes the same struggles we face today: rising authoritarianism, censorship, forced migration, and the fragility of peace. It’s hard not to draw parallels between the lead-up to the Second World War and our current era of global instability. With over fifty armed conflicts now raging worldwide and more than ninety countries involved directly or indirectly, it can feel like humanity is condemned to repeat itself—a Sisyphus curse that never lifts.

The novel underscores a fundamental truth: life is political. Barbara’s dream of establishing a bookshop and bringing more German titles to Spanish readers is noble, yet she’s warned she may face censorship or struggle to find an audience. Books are being banned left, right, and centre; a sobering reminder of what’s at stake when ideas are suppressed.

Barbara’s journey from Germany to Spain and out of it into France feels hauntingly familiar. The issues she faces—immigration, austerity, education, birth rates, climate anxiety, over tourism, class and generational divides is still shaping our world, if not more so today. The novel holds up a mirror to our time, asking us to think, reflect, and act.

Originally published in Spanish as La librera de Madrid in the summer of 2024, A Bookseller in Madrid is compelling, heartfelt, and rich with historical depth. It’s a novel, and an audiobook, that I hope reaches readers in as many countries as possible. This is the kind of historical fiction that reminds us why our stories matter.

Thanks to Harper Muse Audiobooks and Netgalley for the advance listening copy

Whenever this author releases a new book, I eagerly anticipate it. This is my first time listening to an audiobook by them, as I typically read on e-books. Like many other books, this one didn’t disappoint at all. Historical fiction is always my favorite genre, and this one offered a fresh perspective. I had no idea that war had reached Madrid, which made me even more intrigued by reading. It’s fascinating how much we learn from books. Reading this book reminded me of the challenges faced by authors and readers during war times. Barbra, the protagonist, is a remarkable woman who left her home in Berlin to open a bookstore in Madrid, seeking refuge from the war. However, her German heritage made her a target, and she was forced to confront her past and reconnect with her friend. Barbra’s strength and determination shine through as she perseveres despite the obstacles. The epilogue, which reveals that the entire story is based on a true event, deepens the emotional impact of the book. It’s a poignant reminder of the hardships endured during war. I want to express my gratitude to Netgalley and the author for providing me with the opportunity to read this incredible book. It’s currently available, and I highly recommend it, as well as his other books.