Against the backdrop of the Quaker village in the midlands which was the home of chocolate, Bournville tells the story of four generations of a family from the area. Touching on notable events such as the coronation of Elizabeth II, England’s World Cup success of 1966, all they way up to the recent pandemic, where we see the family … Read more
A massive thank you to everyone who has ordered from our website, emailed us, phoned us and visited us in the shop – we’re grateful to each and every one of you for your support. We’re currently knee-deep in orders and deliveries, but wanted to take this chance to keep you informed as to the last days we expect to … Read more
“Outside of a dog, man’s best friend is a book” wrote Groucho Marx. Adding “Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” We are always surrounded by darkness at Christmas. This year the match of the festive spirit seems difficult to ignite. Never mind, a book is the perfect pressie that informs, educates and entertains. It rarely needs charging … Read more
After moving to Devon, Guy Shrubsole was astounded to discover temperate rainforests on his doorstep. Entranced by their beauty and abundance he set out to discover all he could about this rare and precious habitat. Beginning in Wistman’s Wood and other Dartmoor fragments he travels up the western seaboard of Britain including Wales, the Lakes and Scotland exploring these … Read more
If you’ve noticed large bags of sand and heard the noise of power tools coming from the back of the bookshop recently you may be wondering what’s afoot… We’re excited to share an update on our latest project, a hub for creative and well-being workshops, storytime, school sessions, and much more! In place of the storage sheds built … Read more
Commando: The Inside Story of Britain’s Royal Marines by Monty Halls The first words of chapter one pretty much sum up what sets a Royal Marine apart: “99% need not apply.” Monty then adds, “This was an ill-judged, but statistically accurate, slogan for a 1990s Royal Marines recruiting campaign.” We’re talking an elite force here and South Devon based … Read more
The Bookery’s Cliff waxes lyrical about the beginning of Javier Marias’ bestseller A Heart So White… Javier Marias died in September. Widely regarded as one of the best Spanish writers and translators ever, his prize-winning career was one of amazing novel after amazing novel, with no dip in quality. The publishing of a new Marias book was something to be … Read more
Kev McCready is a writer, born in Liverpool but now living in Devon. Always with his nose in a book and a cuppa brewing. A fanatical reader since the age of five, Kev has a collection of bookmarks as esoteric as his bookshelves… The 13th of October was “Super Thursday”. No, it’s nothing to do with superheroes, or posh expressions … Read more
Annette Shaw is a freelance journalist with 30 years of experience, and has a regular column in Devon Life, sharing her pick of brilliant books with Devon connections. With her reputation for championing books and authors around the county, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to showcase her reviews here. The Drowning Hour by S.K. Tremayne This man, who hails from … Read more