Digusting experience. Was with my elderly mother who is frail and on a walking stick. Asked politely to use the restroom explaining my mother is on medication and desperate to go to the bathroom. The Asian woman was mean and rude with no compassion or even human decency. My mother is hard of hearing and made her way to the back of the store while I was pleading with this vile excuse for a human being. She then opened the back door into an alleyway and mum and I found ourselves locked out of the bookstore, no restroom and a long walk back to the front of the store and she would not let us back in. I asked her if she would want someone to treat her mother in this way ! I am still so upset that such disgusting people live in this blessed country. Please do not buy anything in this shop !

What's not to love about this beautiful book shop. Its like stepping back in time and enjoying perusing divine books of all genres. To those critics who've complained about the price, this store is not for you! Go to a chain store. For those who appreciate the old fashioned service, warmth and advice there is no book you cannot order and nothing is ever too much trouble. I wish to thank my darling friend Tim Watson Monroe who took the time to sign a book for a member of the public. A place to simply fall in love with reading books again!

NEGATIVE & Disgusting experience even as a passerby- the Chinese Asian shop owner personally came out to the shop front where they displayed books in the public walkway and demanded me to not take photos of their books IN PUBLIC VIEW. Would NEVER EVER GO / BUY from them if they be the last bookshop in the world with that kind of attitude. And I’m an Asian myself. I literally asked her if she would treat Aussies the same.

One of my favourite bookstores in Melbourne! When I lived locally, I would always visit on weekends, whenever I needed a beautiful gift, this would always be my go to! The lovely owner always welcomes you with a smile and is so incredibly helpful. If the book you want is out of stock, she will order it in for you and let you know when it will arrive. Love this service and cannot recommend The Novel Idea enough.

Beautiful little bookshop in the heart of Toorak, they have an eclectic range of books from rare novels to best sellers - and if they don’t have the book you’re looking for, they’ll find it for you! The staff are very knowledgeable, and always so happy to help - a treat to visit!

This is my favourite bookstore in all of Melbourne, please disregard any negative comments about the owner. She is divine and an utter sweetheart. I love strolling in on my way home from the dog park with my dog and checking out the neat, unique books she has found. <3

the previous review was so unfair...this is a lovely bookshop, lovely staff; lovely ambience. My children have grown up visiting it and buying books for 20+ years. I am thrilled that it has survived Borders and internet competition.

The best and largest range of poetry books in Melbourne. I loved every single second of shopping at this bookstore. During lockdown I was able to call and order books and collect - kept me sane!

Lovely little book nook to lose yourself in. Support local businesses & local jobs by shopping here. Excellent friendly service & interesting range of books. Worth it.

A vast array of wonderful books and incredibly helpful anid friendly staff. It's a delight to browse or buy in this bookshop!

Dropped by today and purchased a book. The lady working was charming and helpful. Will be back because of her.

It’s a small bookshop located in the Toorak Village. The staff were helpful and we found some great books.

An excellent curation of books and very helpful, knowledgeable staff. Always a pleasure to step inside.

Very helpful and lovely staff. Great selection of books and cards

Great customer service. Very convenient place to buy a book.

Far too overpriced, sells books for well over rrp.

If they don't have it, they will get it

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