Positives The book is widely praised as a highly entertaining and humorous memoir, offering a whimsical and often laugh-out-loud account of life as an apprentice in a historic London rare bookshop. Reviewers consistently highlight the author's terrific wit, self-deprecating humor, and engaging storytelling style, which some compare to a blend of Dickensian charm and modern social media cleverness. Many found it to be a charming, cozy, and delightful read, full of amusing anecdotes about eccentric colleagues and customers. Readers appreciated the author's affectionate portrayal of the rare book trade and his ability to provide fascinating insights into this unique world, making it both educational and a pure comfort read. The writing is often described as eloquent and full of interesting facts, making for a genuinely enjoyable experience.
Negatives Despite the overall positive reception, some reviewers noted a few areas for improvement. A recurring comment is that the book reads more like a collection of vignettes or unconnected anecdotes rather than a cohesive narrative, which some found to be less organized than preferred. This episodic structure led a few readers to feel that the stories sometimes felt unfinished or that the author held back from deeper exploration. Some found the humor to be a bit too effete or striving for wittiness, occasionally leading to a perceived repetitiveness or an exaggerated style that didn't always land effectively. A small number of readers felt the author's cynicism or lack of apparent passion for his job detracted from their enjoyment, and a few even found the book dull or struggled to finish it.
Conclusion Overall, the book is considered a highly recommended and delightful diversion, especially for those with an affinity for books, bookshops, or the unique world of antiquarian bookselling. It is particularly suited for bibliophiles, rare book collectors, and anyone who has romanticized the idea of working in a bookstore, as it offers a realistic yet humorous glimpse behind the scenes. Readers who enjoy British humor, cozy non-fiction, or memoirs in the vein of "All Creatures Great and Small" or other bookselling diaries will likely find this a charming and engaging read. While its anecdotal structure may not appeal to all, its warmth, wit, and informative peek into a fascinating trade make it a worthwhile choice for a lighthearted and enjoyable reading experience.
