Just gorgeous, a feel-good novel that triumphs in the simplicity of friendship and books. When nine year old Schascha joins 72 year old Carl on his journey delivering books around the neighbourhood, a number of unlikely friendships are formed. Set in southern Germany, the sense of place quietly settled around me and drew me into the streets and those that resided within. Author Carsten Henn has created a several smaller stories that focus on other characters and weave around and join the main protagonists. The translation by Melody Shaw ensured I remained firmly within and acknowledged the differences while feeling right at home. All the characters pop with vibrancy and there was a feeling that any one of them could have featured as a lead in their own novel. Darkness resides in their lives, it felt entirely appropriate to spend time with them as they encountered tough times. It not only ensured that I quickly fell into the essence of who they were and became a part of them, it also added balance and stability to the plot. I absolutely adored the central theme of books and how they can bring changes as they become a part of us, and so this has been chosen as a LoveReading Star Book. The Door-to-Door Bookstore is a delightful bright ray of sunshine I can highly recommend.
Carl may be 72 years old, but he's young at heart. Every night he goes door-to-door delivering books by hand to his loyal customers. He knows their every desire and preference, carefully selecting the perfect story for each person.
One evening as he makes his rounds, nine-year-old Schascha appears. Loud and precocious, she insists on accompanying him - and even tries to teach him a thing or two about books.
When Carl's job at the bookstore is threatened, will the old man and the girl in the yellow raincoat be able to restore Carl's way of life, and return the joy of reading to his little European town?
THE DOOR-TO-DOOR BOOKSTORE is a heart-warming tale of the value of friendship, the magic of reading, and the power of books to unite us all.
