Independent Bookselling for Independent Minds
North Woods by Daniel Mason
A warm, gently humorous and deeply involving journey through 400 years in the life of one house and the human and non-human life which swirls around and through it. This is a novel about family, a natural history, a story of awakening and self-acceptance but mostly about the echoes from one era to the next in a yellow house in the woods of north Massachusetts. I read this greedily and cried happy tears at the end, comforted by the recognition that although individual human lives may be transient, the cycle of life itself is never ending.
The Way of the Hermit by Ken Smith with Will Millard
As soon as I picked this book up, I was intrigued and from the first page I was completely drawn in. This is such an inspiring read about one man’s search for peace, rejecting the stresses of the modern world to find a connection with the outdoors and nature that offer him contentment and gratitude. Ken’s voice has been brilliantly captured by Will Millard throughout his incredible story; a life lived unconventionally, embracing life simply and quietly. As he explains the daily graft and practicalities involved in his hermit ways, we appreciate his philosophies and perhaps discover that there’s a little bit of hermit in all of us.
Homelands by Timothy Garton Ash
This is very much the personal history of Europe that the sub-title promises, with the author’s first-hand observations taking centre stage. I’m tempted to say that Timothy Garton Ash has an almost unique perspective from which to make these observations, having both extensive experience on the ground, embedded in events as they unfold and from discussions with a huge range of the most senior and influential individuals. Covering the period from the end of the second world war, up to the war in Ukraine, I found Homelands enormously informative and thought provoking and it fired up my enthusiasm for further reading on the topic.
The Wide World by Pierre Lemaitre
This is a thriller, the first in a trilogy, which is so hugely ambitious in breadth and delivers so much, that it’s difficult to describe in only a few words. We first meet the Pelletier family in 1948 in Beirut, but we are quickly taken to the extremes of a vibrant, somewhat lawless Saigon during the Indochina war and to Paris, much damaged but hopeful with peace. The characters, the family dynamics and the locations are all well drawn, but it is perhaps the multi-layered, highly dynamic plot lines that steal the show. Lemaitre is on sparkling form here in this whirlwind of a family saga laced with murder and corruption.
On Sycamore Gap by Kate Fox and illustrated by Cat Moore
A delightful paean of praise for a very special tree. This collection of poems seeks to replant the tree at Sycamore Gap firmly in the region’s ecology, in its history and future, and, of course, in our hearts. Touchingly illustrated by our own Cat Moore this would make a perfect gift for someone needing to read of the shoots of hope and optimism.
Wifedom by Anna Funder
This is a gripping account of the previously underappreciated life of George Orwell’s first wife, Eileen Shaughnessy. Informed by earlier biographies and a cache of letters sent to an old friend, this combination of research, memoir and fictionalised narrative attempts to show how Eileen - a vibrant, intelligent and independent-minded young woman who chose to remove the word ‘obey’ from her marriage vows - lost her sense of herself, and seemingly willingly neglected her own needs and health to a needlessly early death, all in support of Orwell’s expectations of married life.
The Bookseller of Inverness by S.G. MacLean
This is an excellent historical crime novel; a tightly constructed plot with twists that are anchored in accurate historical details and like any good historical novel it informs and sparks your curiosity to know more about that period. Set six years after the Battle of Culloden, Iain MacGillivray is grappling with the guilt of surviving the fighting and turns to his bookshop for solace. Yet, when a man is found dead wearing the Jacobite emblem, he’s faced with unsettled rivalries, dangerous politics and questioning loyalties. The sense of threat and atmosphere positively ooze from the page as MacLean emphatically captures the tensions and mistrust between clans after the atrocities.
Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
I impulsively chose to read this between a couple of book group titles, and I’m so pleased I did. As the pandemic hits and dramatically changes our lives, political advisor, Chloe Dalton finds herself unexpectedly raising a vulnerable leveret. For centuries, the hare has fascinated us, yet despite that, we know very little about this mysterious creature. Dalton revels in learning this animal’s habits, observing with a gentleness and curiosity matching the leveret’s own endless inquisitiveness. Written in beautiful, soothing prose, delicately witnessed moments of a rare co-existence are perceptively captured in this intimate account that highlights the warmth and hope that so often come from the natural world.
My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor
I’ve never read a novel that has so much suspense! This compelling read is inspired by events in Rome in 1943 when the city is occupied by Nazi forces headed by a notoriously ruthless SS officer. The novel centres on Hugh O’Flaherty, an Irish priest living in the Vatican and a small choir he forms as a cover for the group’s activity in establishing an Escape Line. O’Connor uses a particularly clever writing structure to unveil events leading up to a Christmas Eve mission - as a reader, your heart is in your mouth, you’re utterly invested in the characters’ survival and everything that’s on your to-do list will just have to wait.
Emperor of Rome by Mary Beard
Creating an engaging narrative through her witty, lively and approachable writing style, this is a historical account like no other. Rather than focusing on the power struggles and the bloodshed, Beard brings out the humanity and quirks of the Roman emperors, making even the brutal Nero seem unexpectedly human and relatable. There are plentiful parallels and comparisons made to modern life and politics throughout, making this an ideal, gripping read for both history and political enthusiasts.
Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshananthan
I’d not heard of this author until she won this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction, and what a discovery. This novel generated an excellent book group discussion, shining a spotlight on the atrocities of the civil war in Sri Lanka. Brotherless Night tells one family’s story set against the greater scale of a country and its political troubles and in doing so, enables readers to see the war through different and opposing lenses. The voice of the main character, Sashi, is exceptional, and the author has brilliantly woven real-life characters into the narrative, their storylines authenticating the danger faced by people on all sides. Yet the writing is compassionate, demonstrating the importance of human connection in the hope for survival and a better future.
Unravelling the Silk Road by Chris Aslan
Drawing together observations from both traditional travel expeditions and from time spent working in the region, Chris Aslan dives deep into Central Asia to explore the history of the people and fabrics in this often-overlooked part of the world. Exploring remote locations and working with a wide range of communities, he vividly brings to life the many challenges, but also the beauty of the land, the different ways of life and the fabrics themselves. Using textiles as the backdrop throughout, but with no prior knowledge assumed, this is a cracking mix of travelogue and history.
Dinner by Meera Sodha
This delicious book grew out of that perennial question “What’s for dinner?”. In a disarming introduction the author talks honestly about the difference between cooking for ‘work’ and cooking with enjoyment for the people she loves the most - this is definitely a collection of recipes for the latter! It is written in a friendly and encouraging way and is set out by ingredient and in useful alternative content lists, by season or by type, ‘Quick’ or ‘Bung it in the oven’ – great when you’re just too hungry to think. The recipes are vegetarian or vegan and full of exciting, broadly south Asian flavour. What’s for dinner? - Hopefully it’s page 23, my favourite!
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
I devoured this over a long weekend in February and it’s still my favourite fiction read of the year. It’s a novel with a big heart, told through the lives of three generations of a family living in Southern India’s ‘land of water’. It portrays a time of great change in the 20th century, all witnessed by Big Ammachi, whose kindness and stoicism instil an inner strength and belief in humanity, essential for navigating life’s joys and hardships. Rich in Indian culture, the vivid and colourful descriptions engage all senses. Verghese’s skill for weaving the intricacies of unfolding events through well-developed characters draws you in and makes for an absorbing read.
Talking at Night by Claire Daverley
An evocative, slow burn romance. Will and Rosie seem destined for happily ever after, but when tragedy strikes, they must go their separate ways and are left wondering what could have been. As the years progress, they repeatedly find their way back to each other. Daverley has created an intimate narrative, entwining heartbreak and hope, engaging the reader with her lyrical writing and multidimensional characters. This is an enchanting and emotional read about the enduring impact of unresolved feelings and the importance of human connection.
The Piano Shop on the Left Bank by T.E. Carhart
An American living in Paris, the author becomes intrigued by a small atelier that repairs and sells pianos. Founded on a shared musical appreciation and connected through the mysteries and magic of the workshop, a deeply enriching friendship develops between Carhart and the proprietor. I loved the observations of French personalities and culture, their daily joie de vivre, their set ways of doing things and their passion for the metier. I have no musical ear and yet carried by the author’s infectious curiosity, I was completely drawn to the beauty and history of the piano – whenever you see a piano, you’ll wonder about its story!
The Place of Tides by James Rebanks
Far away from his Cumbrian farm, James Rebanks spends a season collecting down from eider ducks on a remote Norwegian island. With only his veteran guide Anna and her friend for company, his fabulous writing transports you to this quiet place with its seemingly forgotten way of life. Everything about the experience, with its isolation, vulnerability, intense natural beauty and slow pace, seems like the antithesis of much of modern life. Life on the island is captured with writing that is uplifting and effortless to read but somehow also deeply affecting – I’m sure every reader will take something different away from it .... wonderful.
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
I love Elif Shafak’s writing. She articulates complex observations and human emotions with such beautiful precision, offering effortless joy for her readers and the clarity with which she writes enables challenging issues to be explored. The story here is ambitious, multi-layered and spans centuries connected by the characters’ fascination with the ancient text, The Epic of Gilgamesh. Shafak plays with time, episodically returning to stories between London and Turkey through different centuries as the scale of the novel unfolds to reflect on the preciousness of the water that we all share and humanity’s interconnectedness.
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Winner of the 2024 Booker Prize, this gorgeous book may be small but is huge in scope. It reads like a love letter to Earth from six astronauts orbiting above the planet, experiencing 16 sunrises and sunsets in one ‘day’ aboard the International Space Station. We learn about them as individuals, their quirks and motivations, their attitudes to the work they are doing and the fundamental importance of cooperation and optimism. Threaded throughout the story are astonishingly lyrical and moving descriptions of the planet itself, the astronauts’ awareness of its fragility and uniqueness and the futility of borders and territorial conflict. I found it utterly inspirational and uplifting.
The Crisp Sommelier by Neil Ridley
A packet of crisps with a drink must be one of life’s great simple pleasures. This genius idea of a book takes that treat seriously and provides well researched lists of ideal pairings of drinks and crispy snacks. A green olive tortilla chip with a sherry sounds about right, but what about a sophisticated gin and vermouth Gibson cocktail paired with pickled onion Monster Munch! Whether a casual pub visit or a pre-dinner party starter, from soft drinks to cocktails, ready salted crisps to black truffle, this book will give you all the ideas you need to elevate your snacking to new heights. You are bound to know someone for whom this little book will be a perfect fit.
Cornerstones by Benedict MacDonald
How refreshing to read about the state of Britain’s natural world with a clear message of hope and a pathway to optimism. Whilst at no point does MacDonald sugar coat the scale of the challenges faced, he passionately describes cornerstone species that have the power to make strong, positive changes for conservation and restoration at a broad ecosystem level. One might imagine that these are all apex predators, but, although some are, there are others like bees and beavers that are capable of exerting their wide-ranging influences in other ways. Well thought through, enlightening and persuasive.
A Thousand Feasts by Nigel Slater
This is not a recipe book but a deeply comforting collection of observations, snippets and wonderings from Slater’s ever present notebooks. He writes in such delicate forensic detail that you are transported for a moment to lighting a fire in a snow bound log cabin or to an olive stall in a Tehran market or, briefly, tearing open a cinnamon bun in a coffee shop. There is joy here and sadness too, but all infused with warmth and humour. It is a book to be dipped into when your soul needs a little nourishment, a gift when we need reminding that there is still beauty in our conflicted, overwrought world and we should all try to note it when we see it.
The Herbal Year by Christina Hart-Davies
Taking you on a joyous journey through the seasons, The Herbal Year is replete with fabulous illustrations guiding you through the herbal uses, ancient and modern, of a wonderful selection of common plants. With facts aplenty and engaging writing, there is much here to enjoy for both the layman and the enthusiast.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
This book could be described as being about gaming, but really it is a moving, intricate story of friendship, creativity and resilience that hugely opened my eyes to appreciate the gaming medium and its creative storytelling. Zevin has crafted a vivid world that captures the highs and lows of artistic ambition and love. In the 90s, a time that seemed so full of possibility, Sam is reunited with his childhood friend and the pair are launched into a creative project which could make them famous. Then overnight, still in their early 20s, the world becomes theirs, testing their relationship. Utterly brilliant!