I spent years wondering why I hadn’t been to Astley Book Farm, and now I seem to go at least once a year. And I’m certainly not complaining! The other day I went for the third time and I didn’t come away empty-handed. Or empty-stomached, because the cake there is incredible and the toasties and soup are also incredible. Seriously, even if you hate books, you should go for the food. But also why are you reading this book blog.
I bought four books – and a couple for other people. It’s not an enormous number, partly because the turnover isn’t massive, but I’m really pleased with them all. Here goes…
Banvard’s Folly by Paul Collins
Paul Collins’ book about Shakespeare’s First Folio was my favourite read of last year – and I also read his book about Hay-on-Wye, Sixpence House. In that book, he talks quite a lot about the writing and editing of Banvard’s Folly – which is a book about ‘renowned obscurity, famous anonymity, and rotten luck’. Or, to cite its working title, Losers. But apparently it was thought that wouldn’t fly in the US market.
A Letter to Elizabeth by Bettina Linn
Since I got asked to come up with suggestions for the British Library Women Writers series, I’ve been keeping an eye out for more obscure titles that could be promising. I hadn’t heard of Linn or this novel, but I was drawn by the cover – which you can see here. The description of it sounds quite complicated, involving the illegitimate child of an anthropologist, polio, and affairs that might be renewed.
Father Malachy’s Miracle by Bruce Marshall
You know I love a novel with a fantastical premise – and this one is about a feud over the possibility of a miracle, which leads to a ‘rowdy dance-hall’ being transported to the Bass Rock in the Firth or Forth. And then the band manager decides to sue. I am always here for a novel that uses supernatural things in a wry way.
The Birds of the Innocent Wood by Deirdre Madden
OK, Simon, you loved Molly Fox’s Birthday but you should stop buying so many books by her without reading any more of them. This is the last you can buy without reading more. Be STRONG.
Incidentally, the other book I got this week was from my friend Leen – Menfreya by Victoria Holt, with a garish schlocky cover, that is apparently good fun. Aaaand let’s try to have a whole week without buying a book, Si.
Used to devour Victoria Holt and Jean Plaidy books when I was in my early teens!
Me too! Read them all. Jean Plaidy started my love of English history.
LOL! We can’t possibly get through the week without bookish arrivals!
And Menfreya brings back memories. My mum had shedloads of Victoria Holt books when I was growing up and like Marina I pinched them when I was a young teen. A fairly harmless way to transition to adult reading, along with Agatha Christie!
Not been there for far to long. Do they still have a bookshop dog?
Love the possibilities that unknown writers might bring. I hope you will consider publishing more EH Young, Simon – esp Miss Mole. I’ve very been reading William and am really enjoying the writing.
They do have very nice food there, and I think you were very restrained with your book buying – last time I went I was into double figures! But I don’t go often, because I always get lost, even though it’s so near.
Sure… you do that… you try to go a week without buying a book. Yeah… right… THAT’S gonna happen (NOT)!
Please don’t promise to go even just one week without buying a book. I buy vicariously through you!