top of page

0117 985 6588

Craftland - carousel.png

Craftland with James Fox

Join us in conversation with James Fox to celebrate the paperback launch of Craftland, uncovering a largely hidden history of craftspeople which is still alive all around us.

Wednesday 23rd September

Order a book
- Fast, free delivery
- Pick-up in shop
- Bulk order discounts

2026 Events

We're working on it.

Lots of exciting things planned for 2026!

Check out our current events

Upcoming Events

We're always adding events to our calendar.

Sign up to be the first to know!

Latest Titles

Upcoming Books We're Excited For

📣New event announcement!

Join us to talk queer novels with two of our favourite debut novels of the year: Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler and The Leveret by Anna Goldreich.

Wednesday 7th October
£7 entry with a free drink.
Free entry when you buy either book or the 15% off bundle.

Tickets available in the shop or on our website.

#authortalk #bookshopevent #queerevent #queernovels #debutnovels

📣New event announcement!

Join us to talk queer novels with two of our favourite debut novels of the year: Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler and The Leveret by Anna Goldreich.

Wednesday 7th October
£7 entry with a free drink.
Free entry when you buy either book or the 15% off bundle.

Tickets available in the shop or on our website.

#authortalk #bookshopevent #queerevent #queernovels #debutnovels

Some exciting new arrivals for sci-fi and fantasy fans! Our favourites include Exit Party, the highly anticipated new work from Emily St. John Mandel, The Strangers by Naomi Alderman, and Natasha Pulley's The Salt King.

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Some exciting new arrivals for sci-fi and fantasy fans! Our favourites include Exit Party, the highly anticipated new work from Emily St. John Mandel, The Strangers by Naomi Alderman, and Natasha Pulley's The Salt King.

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Bookseller Nic’s pick this month is End Times Fascism, new non-fiction from Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor.

“Klein confronts the big, planet-threatening issues of our day, but also shows us how resistance is possible. Enraging and inspiring – the most important non-fiction book of the year, in my opinion. Will you agree?”

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Bookseller Nic’s pick this month is End Times Fascism, new non-fiction from Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor.

“Klein confronts the big, planet-threatening issues of our day, but also shows us how resistance is possible. Enraging and inspiring – the most important non-fiction book of the year, in my opinion. Will you agree?”

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

📣 Event Announcement - Amy Jeffs!

Thrilled to welcome Amy Jeffs to Bristol for her new book, Arthur: A New Life, in conversation with award-winning historian & author, Helen Carr.
@amyjeffs_author
@helenhcarr

Wednesday 4th Nov
Loco Klub
Doors 6pm
Event Start 6.30pm

Arthur: A New Life
It is said that a monument now stands before the high church of Caerleon: an anvil pierced through with a sword. It is said that the sword can only be taken by the Britons' rightful king...

From Sunday Times bestseller Amy Jeffs', Arthur: A New Life mines the deep, elusive seams of a story we think we all know: the legend of King Arthur.

But here he is anew: a larger-than-life warlord, a hero raised by fairies, a leader of the wild hunt, a monster-slayer, lying wounded under the ash cloud, longing to rise again. Tracing an epic story from Merlin's conception and the building of the Round Table to the abduction of Guinevere and King Arthur's ambitious quest for Empire, this Arthur is as real as any other, brought back to life from the earliest sources. Drawing out the dark and beautiful stories from the original medieval and early modern texts, Amy guides the reader from citadels through forests, into volcanoes, caves and riverbanks and beyond, even as far as Hell and the Otherworld.

#authortalk #authorevent #bristolbookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk

📣 Event Announcement - Amy Jeffs!

Thrilled to welcome Amy Jeffs to Bristol for her new book, Arthur: A New Life, in conversation with award-winning historian & author, Helen Carr.
@amyjeffs_author
@helenhcarr

Wednesday 4th Nov
Loco Klub
Doors 6pm
Event Start 6.30pm

Arthur: A New Life
It is said that a monument now stands before the high church of Caerleon: an anvil pierced through with a sword. It is said that the sword can only be taken by the Britons' rightful king...

From Sunday Times bestseller Amy Jeffs', Arthur: A New Life mines the deep, elusive seams of a story we think we all know: the legend of King Arthur.

But here he is anew: a larger-than-life warlord, a hero raised by fairies, a leader of the wild hunt, a monster-slayer, lying wounded under the ash cloud, longing to rise again. Tracing an epic story from Merlin's conception and the building of the Round Table to the abduction of Guinevere and King Arthur's ambitious quest for Empire, this Arthur is as real as any other, brought back to life from the earliest sources. Drawing out the dark and beautiful stories from the original medieval and early modern texts, Amy guides the reader from citadels through forests, into volcanoes, caves and riverbanks and beyond, even as far as Hell and the Otherworld.

#authortalk #authorevent #bristolbookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk

Saturday morning bookshop - looking pretty and stacked with new books.

#saturdayvibes #bookshopsoftheworld #bristolbookstagram #bristolbookshop #bristolbusiness

Saturday morning bookshop - looking pretty and stacked with new books.

#saturdayvibes #bookshopsoftheworld #bristolbookstagram #bristolbookshop #bristolbusiness

Now we're back to school, find new stories that they can lose themselves in, under the covers, by torchlight, as the nights draw in.
Some of our favourites this week are Grimwood: The Fast and the Furriest, and the newest addition to the World of Skandar, The First Unicorn Rider.

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Now we're back to school, find new stories that they can lose themselves in, under the covers, by torchlight, as the nights draw in.
Some of our favourites this week are Grimwood: The Fast and the Furriest, and the newest addition to the World of Skandar, The First Unicorn Rider.

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

🌿Gruffalo Granny is here! It's the first new Gruffalo story in 20 years and it's finally Granny's turn. She appears in the deep dark wood at just the right time! You won't believe it.

🌿We have beautiful illustrations to give away with the first 10 copies purchased.

🌿OR just come and get some Granny stickers.

----------------------------------

#macmillankidsuk #gruffalogranny #independentbookshops #bs5 #shopindie #shoplocal #juliadonaldson #axelscheffler

🌿Gruffalo Granny is here! It's the first new Gruffalo story in 20 years and it's finally Granny's turn. She appears in the deep dark wood at just the right time! You won't believe it.

🌿We have beautiful illustrations to give away with the first 10 copies purchased.

🌿OR just come and get some Granny stickers.

----------------------------------

#macmillankidsuk #gruffalogranny #independentbookshops #bs5 #shopindie #shoplocal #juliadonaldson #axelscheffler

We currently have a towering selection of signed editions available from a range of authors in both fiction and non-fiction, including newly released Taipei Story from Rebecca F. Kuang, and the Booker Prize longlisted The Disappearers from Marlon James. Stop by and find your new favourite!

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

We currently have a towering selection of signed editions available from a range of authors in both fiction and non-fiction, including newly released Taipei Story from Rebecca F. Kuang, and the Booker Prize longlisted The Disappearers from Marlon James. Stop by and find your new favourite!

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

First event of our Autumn event calendar and it was an absolute cracker!

We had such fun we only remembered to take one photo.

Huge thanks to Donal Ryan and @elvinjamesmensah for spending their time with us, sharing their thoughts and stories.
We talked new novels, writing male relationships with care, romantic friendships, coming of age, the importance of fiction, and writing sitting down vs standing up vs lying down.

Thanks, as always, to our lovely audience for coming out.

Coming up next:
- The Vanishing Girl of Kabul with Zahra Joya.
- Craftland with James Fox.
- The Recovery House with Derek Owusu.

Tickets on our website or in the shop.

#authorevent #authortalk #bookshopevents #bristolbookstagram #bristolbookshop

First event of our Autumn event calendar and it was an absolute cracker!

We had such fun we only remembered to take one photo.

Huge thanks to Donal Ryan and @elvinjamesmensah for spending their time with us, sharing their thoughts and stories.
We talked new novels, writing male relationships with care, romantic friendships, coming of age, the importance of fiction, and writing sitting down vs standing up vs lying down.

Thanks, as always, to our lovely audience for coming out.

Coming up next:
- The Vanishing Girl of Kabul with Zahra Joya.
- Craftland with James Fox.
- The Recovery House with Derek Owusu.

Tickets on our website or in the shop.

#authorevent #authortalk #bookshopevents #bristolbookstagram #bristolbookshop

American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee.
Out on 29th September 2026.

The whole shop is a fan of Pachinko and we so excited for American Hagwon to be released to the world. We got our hands on an early copy and we can report that we loved it!

Pre-order your copy from our website or in the shop so you can get it as soon as it comes out and hurry home to read it before anyone can talk to you.

**About American Hagwon**
Min Jin Lee, the acclaimed author of Pachinko, returns with a breathtaking contemporary epic that follows one family as they reckon with personal dreams and familial duty.
John and Helen Koh and their three children – Bo, DH and Mido – are building new lives in Korea when they find their worlds upended, first by a terrible betrayal and then by the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
Striving to regain their footing, the Kohs set out to do whatever it takes to provide for their children’s futures.

They leave Seoul for Sydney and eventually settle in California, where new opportunities open for the Koh children, as the parents, strangers in a strange land, adjust to a difficult existence in which their qualifications mean little.
Their way forward is lit by the faith that education will lead the next generation to the success and security that have eluded their parents. The Kohs, their friends, relatives and even their foes move in and out of each other’s lives as they navigate love, work, fortune and fulfilment across the years.

But with each new sacrifice and fresh horizon, larger questions begin to open up before them: what are we willing to give up to secure the happiness of the ones we love? What is the purpose of education? And what is truly important for a good life? American Hagwon is the most ambitious and extraordinary work yet by one of our greatest novelists.

#newbooks #preorder #septemberbooks #bristolbookshop

American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee.
Out on 29th September 2026.

The whole shop is a fan of Pachinko and we so excited for American Hagwon to be released to the world. We got our hands on an early copy and we can report that we loved it!

Pre-order your copy from our website or in the shop so you can get it as soon as it comes out and hurry home to read it before anyone can talk to you.

**About American Hagwon**
Min Jin Lee, the acclaimed author of Pachinko, returns with a breathtaking contemporary epic that follows one family as they reckon with personal dreams and familial duty.
John and Helen Koh and their three children – Bo, DH and Mido – are building new lives in Korea when they find their worlds upended, first by a terrible betrayal and then by the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
Striving to regain their footing, the Kohs set out to do whatever it takes to provide for their children’s futures.

They leave Seoul for Sydney and eventually settle in California, where new opportunities open for the Koh children, as the parents, strangers in a strange land, adjust to a difficult existence in which their qualifications mean little.
Their way forward is lit by the faith that education will lead the next generation to the success and security that have eluded their parents. The Kohs, their friends, relatives and even their foes move in and out of each other’s lives as they navigate love, work, fortune and fulfilment across the years.

But with each new sacrifice and fresh horizon, larger questions begin to open up before them: what are we willing to give up to secure the happiness of the ones we love? What is the purpose of education? And what is truly important for a good life? American Hagwon is the most ambitious and extraordinary work yet by one of our greatest novelists.

#newbooks #preorder #septemberbooks #bristolbookshop

Here’s the newest bookseller to our team, Gen – with her pick of the month!

“A prequel to Shannon's bestselling The Priory of the Orange Tree, Among the Burning Flowers is classic high fantasy full of dragons, political intrigue and intricate worldbuilding that feels fresh and captivating. Expanding on the richly detailed events of the previous novels, this addition follows the perspectives of several different characters as the Draconic Army awakens to threaten the people of Yscalin, threading together to reveal the tragic but hopeful foundations of the series. Whether read as an enthralling introduction to the world, or to bring further depth to well-loved stories, this beautifully illustrated novel is a must-read for fantasy fans. This series got me feeling passionate about fantasy again—would whole-heartedly recommend!”

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Here’s the newest bookseller to our team, Gen – with her pick of the month!

“A prequel to Shannon's bestselling The Priory of the Orange Tree, Among the Burning Flowers is classic high fantasy full of dragons, political intrigue and intricate worldbuilding that feels fresh and captivating. Expanding on the richly detailed events of the previous novels, this addition follows the perspectives of several different characters as the Draconic Army awakens to threaten the people of Yscalin, threading together to reveal the tragic but hopeful foundations of the series. Whether read as an enthralling introduction to the world, or to bring further depth to well-loved stories, this beautifully illustrated novel is a must-read for fantasy fans. This series got me feeling passionate about fantasy again—would whole-heartedly recommend!”

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

We're very excited to announce our event with Derek Owusu to celebrate the launch of The Recovery House.

Thursday 1st October
Doors: 6.45pm
Start: 7pm
£7 entry only or get free entry when you buy the book.

Tickets available in the shop or online.

**About The Recovery House**
Jamal, a gifted and introspective young poet, wakes in a quiet, claustrophobic recovery house after a devastating mental breakdown, unsure how the bright edges of his life became so fractured. In this stark yet strangely tender sanctuary, with its watchful nurses, restless corridors and overlooked garden, he encounters several wounded, but radiant souls who are each wrestling with their own invisible storms.
As Jamal navigates this suspended world, at once suffocating and strangely sacred, he begins to observe rather than retreat, finding in the rhythms of shared cigarettes, half-finished conversations and midnight confessions a hesitant, flickering sense of belonging.

#authortalk #bookevent #bristolevents #bookshopevent #bristolbookshop

We're very excited to announce our event with Derek Owusu to celebrate the launch of The Recovery House.

Thursday 1st October
Doors: 6.45pm
Start: 7pm
£7 entry only or get free entry when you buy the book.

Tickets available in the shop or online.

**About The Recovery House**
Jamal, a gifted and introspective young poet, wakes in a quiet, claustrophobic recovery house after a devastating mental breakdown, unsure how the bright edges of his life became so fractured. In this stark yet strangely tender sanctuary, with its watchful nurses, restless corridors and overlooked garden, he encounters several wounded, but radiant souls who are each wrestling with their own invisible storms.
As Jamal navigates this suspended world, at once suffocating and strangely sacred, he begins to observe rather than retreat, finding in the rhythms of shared cigarettes, half-finished conversations and midnight confessions a hesitant, flickering sense of belonging.

#authortalk #bookevent #bristolevents #bookshopevent #bristolbookshop

New in non-fiction!!

From food and drink to famous musicians, technology to tradition and folklore, you're sure to find it in our new stock of non-fiction.

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

New in non-fiction!!

From food and drink to famous musicians, technology to tradition and folklore, you're sure to find it in our new stock of non-fiction.

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Excitement for rain is not just for gardeners but quiet, squirreling-yourself-away readers.

Embrace the inside and read the weekend away.
We have book supplies to top up that pile.

We suggest snacks too.

#bristolbookshop #weekendreading #indiebookshop #rainreadingday #bookshop

Excitement for rain is not just for gardeners but quiet, squirreling-yourself-away readers.

Embrace the inside and read the weekend away.
We have book supplies to top up that pile.

We suggest snacks too.

#bristolbookshop #weekendreading #indiebookshop #rainreadingday #bookshop

For little ones who aren't quite ready for school or nursery yet, how about one of our board books to get them started on things like bathtime, getting dressed, or ready for bed? 🛀👕🛌

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

For little ones who aren't quite ready for school or nursery yet, how about one of our board books to get them started on things like bathtime, getting dressed, or ready for bed? 🛀👕🛌

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Do you know someone who's about to start school or nursery this September? We have some great books to help them get ready and looking forward to the big day!

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Do you know someone who's about to start school or nursery this September? We have some great books to help them get ready and looking forward to the big day!

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

We're thrilled to have James Fox coming to the shop in September to celebrate the paperback launch of Craftland.

We can't wait to talk about Britain's trade and craft heritage with time for Q&A and book signing.

Wednesday 23rd September
Doors: 6.45pm
Start: 7pm
£7 entry only or get free entry when you buy the book.

Tickets available in the shop or online.

**About Craftland**
Connect with Britain’s extraordinary heritage and be awakened to the beauty all around you with this Sunday Times bestselling journey to Craftland – by award-winning historian and broadcaster James Fox.

For generations, what we made with our hands shaped who we were. The skills and knowledge passed down to us built our communities and defined our regions. And if you know where to look, they still do.

In Craftland, James Fox seeks out Britain’s last great craftspeople – those who are keeping our vanishing trades and traditions alive. Through them, we witness not only the living past but a deeper, more connected way of living today: one that is not yet lost and might still shape our future.

#authortalk #bookevent #bristolevents #bookshopevent #bristolbookshop

We're thrilled to have James Fox coming to the shop in September to celebrate the paperback launch of Craftland.

We can't wait to talk about Britain's trade and craft heritage with time for Q&A and book signing.

Wednesday 23rd September
Doors: 6.45pm
Start: 7pm
£7 entry only or get free entry when you buy the book.

Tickets available in the shop or online.

**About Craftland**
Connect with Britain’s extraordinary heritage and be awakened to the beauty all around you with this Sunday Times bestselling journey to Craftland – by award-winning historian and broadcaster James Fox.

For generations, what we made with our hands shaped who we were. The skills and knowledge passed down to us built our communities and defined our regions. And if you know where to look, they still do.

In Craftland, James Fox seeks out Britain’s last great craftspeople – those who are keeping our vanishing trades and traditions alive. Through them, we witness not only the living past but a deeper, more connected way of living today: one that is not yet lost and might still shape our future.

#authortalk #bookevent #bristolevents #bookshopevent #bristolbookshop

Upcoming books we're excited about!

Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel.
Out on 17th September 2026.

We've been big fans of Emily's novels since Station Eleven. We got our hands on an early copy and we can report that we loved it!

Pre-order your copy from our website or in the shop so you can get it as soon as it comes out and hurry home to read it before anyone can talk to you.

**About Exit Party**
From the bestselling author of Station Eleven, Exit Party is Emily St. John Mandel’s epic new story of crimes committed and loves lost across worlds and decades. 2031.

America is at war with itself, but for the first time in weeks there is some hope: the Republic of California has been declared, the curfew in Los Angeles is lifted, and everyone in the city is going to a party. Ari, newly released from prison, arrives with her friend Gloria just as a fragile new era begins. But there are people at the party who shouldn’t be there.

Something is very wrong . . .

Years later, living a different life in Paris, Ari remains haunted by that night.
Whatever happened at the party fractured her sense of reality – and may hold the key to a very different world. Freedom and surveillance, art and survival, love and loss in a broken world: Exit Party is the electrifying new novel from Emily St. John Mandel.

#newbooks #preorder #septemberbooks #bristolbookshop

Upcoming books we're excited about!

Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel.
Out on 17th September 2026.

We've been big fans of Emily's novels since Station Eleven. We got our hands on an early copy and we can report that we loved it!

Pre-order your copy from our website or in the shop so you can get it as soon as it comes out and hurry home to read it before anyone can talk to you.

**About Exit Party**
From the bestselling author of Station Eleven, Exit Party is Emily St. John Mandel’s epic new story of crimes committed and loves lost across worlds and decades. 2031.

America is at war with itself, but for the first time in weeks there is some hope: the Republic of California has been declared, the curfew in Los Angeles is lifted, and everyone in the city is going to a party. Ari, newly released from prison, arrives with her friend Gloria just as a fragile new era begins. But there are people at the party who shouldn’t be there.

Something is very wrong . . .

Years later, living a different life in Paris, Ari remains haunted by that night.
Whatever happened at the party fractured her sense of reality – and may hold the key to a very different world. Freedom and surveillance, art and survival, love and loss in a broken world: Exit Party is the electrifying new novel from Emily St. John Mandel.

#newbooks #preorder #septemberbooks #bristolbookshop

New arrivals and our bestselling nonfiction for August so far. Quite the range! 🧚 🪵 🧙🕶️ 🌈 🤖 🌍🌳

#choosebooks #choosebookshops
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

New arrivals and our bestselling nonfiction for August so far. Quite the range! 🧚 🪵 🧙🕶️ 🌈 🤖 🌍🌳

#choosebooks #choosebookshops
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

It's another lovely sunny day, so why not treat yourself to one of our new arrivals in fiction? 🌞📖

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

It's another lovely sunny day, so why not treat yourself to one of our new arrivals in fiction? 🌞📖

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

📣Event Announcement!
We're very excited to host Zahra Joya to the shop in September.

We can't wait to hear her speak. Zahra will be in speaking about her new book with time for Q&A and book signing.

Thursday 17th September
Doors: 6.45pm
Start: 7pm
£7 entry only or get free entry when you buy the book.

Tickets available in the shop or online.

-------------------------------------
Join us in conversation with exiled Afghan human rights journalist and former TIME Woman of the Year, Zahra Joya on her new book, The Vanishing Girl of Kabul.

This book is a unique and compelling account of refusing to be silenced or erased.

It is about extraordinary courage and refusing to submit to oppression. Above all it is about hope and optimism, and one woman's fight for freedom' Sir Laurie Bristow, Former British ambassador to Afghanistan A powerful and poignant memoir about growing up female in Afghanistan, being betrayed by a world that promised to protect women's rights and how these rights are under threat across the world. When the Taliban first ruled Afghanistan in the 1990s, Zahra Joya disguised herself as a boy simply to attend school.

After the US-led invasion, her world transformed. Education, opportunity and freedom flourished. Like many Afghans, Zahra dared to believe in a future.

She became a journalist and established her own media company to tell the stories of Afghan women. Then, in 2021, the Taliban returned. Decades of hard-won progress vanished overnight.

Women were erased from public life once again, and the promises made by the West collapsed into silence. The Vanishing Girl of Kabul is Zahra's powerful story of betrayal, survival and resistance. Co-written with award-winning journalist, Amie Ferris-Rotman, a longtime friend of both Zahra and Afghanistan, this book blends the intimacy of memoir with the urgency of investigative reporting, exposing the brutal realities of gender-based oppression - not only in Afghanistan, but around the world.

Now living in exile in London, Zahra refuses to be silent. This book is her clarion call, a warning to a world too willing to look away.

#authortalk #bookevent #bristolbookshop #bristolevents #bookshopevents

📣Event Announcement!
We're very excited to host Zahra Joya to the shop in September.

We can't wait to hear her speak. Zahra will be in speaking about her new book with time for Q&A and book signing.

Thursday 17th September
Doors: 6.45pm
Start: 7pm
£7 entry only or get free entry when you buy the book.

Tickets available in the shop or online.

-------------------------------------
Join us in conversation with exiled Afghan human rights journalist and former TIME Woman of the Year, Zahra Joya on her new book, The Vanishing Girl of Kabul.

This book is a unique and compelling account of refusing to be silenced or erased.

It is about extraordinary courage and refusing to submit to oppression. Above all it is about hope and optimism, and one woman's fight for freedom' Sir Laurie Bristow, Former British ambassador to Afghanistan A powerful and poignant memoir about growing up female in Afghanistan, being betrayed by a world that promised to protect women's rights and how these rights are under threat across the world. When the Taliban first ruled Afghanistan in the 1990s, Zahra Joya disguised herself as a boy simply to attend school.

After the US-led invasion, her world transformed. Education, opportunity and freedom flourished. Like many Afghans, Zahra dared to believe in a future.

She became a journalist and established her own media company to tell the stories of Afghan women. Then, in 2021, the Taliban returned. Decades of hard-won progress vanished overnight.

Women were erased from public life once again, and the promises made by the West collapsed into silence. The Vanishing Girl of Kabul is Zahra's powerful story of betrayal, survival and resistance. Co-written with award-winning journalist, Amie Ferris-Rotman, a longtime friend of both Zahra and Afghanistan, this book blends the intimacy of memoir with the urgency of investigative reporting, exposing the brutal realities of gender-based oppression - not only in Afghanistan, but around the world.

Now living in exile in London, Zahra refuses to be silent. This book is her clarion call, a warning to a world too willing to look away.

#authortalk #bookevent #bristolbookshop #bristolevents #bookshopevents

Join us in looking (safely!) up to the sky tonight for the eclipse. And while you're waiting, come on in to take a look at our selection on all things space, including activity books about the moon, getting to grips with the night sky above the UK, and being transported to the stars with some of our favourite moon-featuring fiction 🌘

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Join us in looking (safely!) up to the sky tonight for the eclipse. And while you're waiting, come on in to take a look at our selection on all things space, including activity books about the moon, getting to grips with the night sky above the UK, and being transported to the stars with some of our favourite moon-featuring fiction 🌘

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Have you seen our new window yet? Beautifully illustrated by the wonderful @freyahartas. ✨Believe ✨ is published on 29th August and is by @catdoyleauthor and illustrated by Freya. Look out for copies in store.

Also here’s a little tour of shop things that are not books, but book-adjacent!

☀️ Have a lovely Saturday all ☀️

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #poems

Have you seen our new window yet? Beautifully illustrated by the wonderful @freyahartas. ✨Believe ✨ is published on 29th August and is by @catdoyleauthor and illustrated by Freya. Look out for copies in store.

Also here’s a little tour of shop things that are not books, but book-adjacent!

☀️ Have a lovely Saturday all ☀️

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #poems

Need some inspiration for fun things to do this summer? Of course, read a book, OR read a book about an activity?

Walk 🚶‍♀️
Play 🎮
Create 💡
Cook 🍰

or just read a book...

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #shoplocal #bristolbusiness

Need some inspiration for fun things to do this summer? Of course, read a book, OR read a book about an activity?

Walk 🚶‍♀️
Play 🎮
Create 💡
Cook 🍰

or just read a book...

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #shoplocal #bristolbusiness

It's Women in Translation Month, so here's some of our recent favourites in translated works. With stories translated from all over the world, from Catalan and Korean, to Norwegian and Persian, you're sure to find a new favourite 🌏

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

It's Women in Translation Month, so here's some of our recent favourites in translated works. With stories translated from all over the world, from Catalan and Korean, to Norwegian and Persian, you're sure to find a new favourite 🌏

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

📣Event announcement!
Join us with two titans of modern literature, discussing their new books, Where Are The Kings and White Spaces, exploring modern masculinity and relationships.

Tuesday 8th September
7pm (Doors 6.45pm)
Tickets available online or in the shop.

**Donal Ryan & Where Are The Kings
The tender, exquisite new novel from the winner of the Orwell Prize for Fiction and the Irish Book of the Year, asking how can a simple boy learn to become a king?

**Elvin James Mensah & White Spaces
The brilliant and beautiful new book from the author of Small Joys is a hymn to brotherly love and its transcendent power to heal.
It poses challenging questions about the way we were and the world we were creating, while always holding on to a powerful belief in the strength of love and friendship to overcome the worst that life can throw at us. Hilarious, heartbreaking and hopeful, White Spaces is an unforgettable novel that cements Mensah's reputation as one of the most exciting young British novelists working today.

#authortalk #bristolbookshop #bristolevents ##bristolbookstagrammers

📣Event announcement!
Join us with two titans of modern literature, discussing their new books, Where Are The Kings and White Spaces, exploring modern masculinity and relationships.

Tuesday 8th September
7pm (Doors 6.45pm)
Tickets available online or in the shop.

**Donal Ryan & Where Are The Kings
The tender, exquisite new novel from the winner of the Orwell Prize for Fiction and the Irish Book of the Year, asking how can a simple boy learn to become a king?

**Elvin James Mensah & White Spaces
The brilliant and beautiful new book from the author of Small Joys is a hymn to brotherly love and its transcendent power to heal.
It poses challenging questions about the way we were and the world we were creating, while always holding on to a powerful belief in the strength of love and friendship to overcome the worst that life can throw at us. Hilarious, heartbreaking and hopeful, White Spaces is an unforgettable novel that cements Mensah's reputation as one of the most exciting young British novelists working today.

#authortalk #bristolbookshop #bristolevents ##bristolbookstagrammers

Happy Saturday! We're open and it's perfect weather for strolling and book-browsing.

Stacks of excellent books - new-in, go-to-recommendations, prize-nominees, staff-favourites, local-champions, best-illustrated-light-bulb, weird-girl-fiction, hopeful-nature, seasonal-folklore, so-many-trees, graphic-novels-that-are-still-reading, summer-reads, sad-reads, fast-reads and slow-reads.

In short, we have good books.

Come visit.

#bookshop #weekendbooks #bristolbookshop #shoplocal #shopindie

Happy Saturday! We're open and it's perfect weather for strolling and book-browsing.

Stacks of excellent books - new-in, go-to-recommendations, prize-nominees, staff-favourites, local-champions, best-illustrated-light-bulb, weird-girl-fiction, hopeful-nature, seasonal-folklore, so-many-trees, graphic-novels-that-are-still-reading, summer-reads, sad-reads, fast-reads and slow-reads.

In short, we have good books.

Come visit.

#bookshop #weekendbooks #bristolbookshop #shoplocal #shopindie

It’s longlist season… so here is a longish list of some Small City Bookseller fiction picks that you might not have heard of yet (part 2!)

Half Light by Mahesh Rao: “Set on the cusp of India’s ruling to decriminalise homosexuality, this is the story of Pavan and Neville. Beautiful descriptions of Darjeeling contrast with the shame felt by one of the men. Wry humour, a bit melancholic, there is still hopefulness. I was totally absorbed” Sarah

Bitter Honey by Caryl Lewis: “I completely fell in love with this book! Told through the lens of loss, it’s a story of life and regeneration. Set in an orchard in Wales, it’s about home and making a home, with characters you want to spend time with. It’s joyful, optimistic and gentle, but done really well” Christie

Arborescence by Rhett Davis: “People are turning into trees! I love this smart and witty parable for our times. It’s profound and thought-provoking, yet also very readable” Nic

Pagans by James Alistair Henry: “Terrific crime fantasy thriller, set in an alternate 2020s London. The island of Britain is split into 3 conflicting territories: the dominant Saxon east, the ‘Tribal’ Celtic west, and the Nordic Picts in the north. When a diplomat is found murdered, two mismatched cops from opposing tribes must work together. Great world-building, pacing, politics & plot – written with humour and verve” Nic

Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor: “Two interlinked stories of Zelu, a Nigerian-American, and the Scholar, a robot. A beautiful tale of Zelu’s life as it begins to blur into the sci-fi drama she is writing. Love and loss, heritage and family, this is easily accessible sci-fi. I loved it!” Sarah

The Home of the Drowned by Elin Anna Labba: “Following the lives of 3 Sami women across 1940s – 60s in Sapmi (only recognised indigenous people of the EU) as their village is repeatedly flooded for hydro-electric dams. It’s beautifully drawn with complex characters, in a part of the world I knew little about” Christie

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

It’s longlist season… so here is a longish list of some Small City Bookseller fiction picks that you might not have heard of yet (part 2!)

Half Light by Mahesh Rao: “Set on the cusp of India’s ruling to decriminalise homosexuality, this is the story of Pavan and Neville. Beautiful descriptions of Darjeeling contrast with the shame felt by one of the men. Wry humour, a bit melancholic, there is still hopefulness. I was totally absorbed” Sarah

Bitter Honey by Caryl Lewis: “I completely fell in love with this book! Told through the lens of loss, it’s a story of life and regeneration. Set in an orchard in Wales, it’s about home and making a home, with characters you want to spend time with. It’s joyful, optimistic and gentle, but done really well” Christie

Arborescence by Rhett Davis: “People are turning into trees! I love this smart and witty parable for our times. It’s profound and thought-provoking, yet also very readable” Nic

Pagans by James Alistair Henry: “Terrific crime fantasy thriller, set in an alternate 2020s London. The island of Britain is split into 3 conflicting territories: the dominant Saxon east, the ‘Tribal’ Celtic west, and the Nordic Picts in the north. When a diplomat is found murdered, two mismatched cops from opposing tribes must work together. Great world-building, pacing, politics & plot – written with humour and verve” Nic

Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor: “Two interlinked stories of Zelu, a Nigerian-American, and the Scholar, a robot. A beautiful tale of Zelu’s life as it begins to blur into the sci-fi drama she is writing. Love and loss, heritage and family, this is easily accessible sci-fi. I loved it!” Sarah

The Home of the Drowned by Elin Anna Labba: “Following the lives of 3 Sami women across 1940s – 60s in Sapmi (only recognised indigenous people of the EU) as their village is repeatedly flooded for hydro-electric dams. It’s beautifully drawn with complex characters, in a part of the world I knew little about” Christie

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

It’s longlist season… so here is a longish list of some Small City Bookseller fiction picks that you might not have heard of yet (part 1!)

Upward Bound: “Exceptionally moving and joyful novel by Woody Brown – characters and connections of young people attending an adult day care centre. So perceptive and forgiving, I’ve never read anything like this!” Sarah

Cathedrals: “Love Claudia Pineiro, this might be my favourite yet. Both complex & fast-paced, it reads as both literary fiction and a mystery thriller – exploring a decades-hidden truth from each character’s perspective. An excellent read!” Christie

Uprising by Tahmima Anam: “Sensational…powerful…profound…harrowing…uplifting, I loved this brilliant novel about the lives of trafficked women trapped on a Bengal island and forced to sell sex. So much is packed in to 200 pages – an outstanding work of literature” Nic

Tangerinn by Emanuela Anechoum: “This Italian-Moroccan author’s debut is part love letter to her father, part reflection on Italy’s attitude to immigration, part searingly accurate account of millennial London life and its trials. It’s funny, heartfelt, moving – comparisons to Elena Ferrante are well-deserved” Lucy

The Mars House by Natasha Pulley: “January, an ex-ballet dancer & Earth refugee, and Aubrey, a several-generations deep Mars inhabitant & big name in politics, enter into a made-for-TV marriage in order to secure both of their futures. A joyful & compelling exploration of climate, gender and class – my favourite work of Pulley’s to date” Gen

The Left and the Lucky by Willy Vlautin: “An unlikely friendship story between a lonely housepainter and the kid next door. A tale of misfits and heartbreak in sad Americana that is ultimately hopeful and uplifting” Christie

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

It’s longlist season… so here is a longish list of some Small City Bookseller fiction picks that you might not have heard of yet (part 1!)

Upward Bound: “Exceptionally moving and joyful novel by Woody Brown – characters and connections of young people attending an adult day care centre. So perceptive and forgiving, I’ve never read anything like this!” Sarah

Cathedrals: “Love Claudia Pineiro, this might be my favourite yet. Both complex & fast-paced, it reads as both literary fiction and a mystery thriller – exploring a decades-hidden truth from each character’s perspective. An excellent read!” Christie

Uprising by Tahmima Anam: “Sensational…powerful…profound…harrowing…uplifting, I loved this brilliant novel about the lives of trafficked women trapped on a Bengal island and forced to sell sex. So much is packed in to 200 pages – an outstanding work of literature” Nic

Tangerinn by Emanuela Anechoum: “This Italian-Moroccan author’s debut is part love letter to her father, part reflection on Italy’s attitude to immigration, part searingly accurate account of millennial London life and its trials. It’s funny, heartfelt, moving – comparisons to Elena Ferrante are well-deserved” Lucy

The Mars House by Natasha Pulley: “January, an ex-ballet dancer & Earth refugee, and Aubrey, a several-generations deep Mars inhabitant & big name in politics, enter into a made-for-TV marriage in order to secure both of their futures. A joyful & compelling exploration of climate, gender and class – my favourite work of Pulley’s to date” Gen

The Left and the Lucky by Willy Vlautin: “An unlikely friendship story between a lonely housepainter and the kid next door. A tale of misfits and heartbreak in sad Americana that is ultimately hopeful and uplifting” Christie

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5
#shoplocal #bristolbusiness

📣Huge announcement of our first set of Autumn events!

We're so excited about these and can't wait to chat to these incredible authors about their books.

Pre-order the book and get free entry to the event (via the event page), or just buy an entry ticket and get a free drink and an excellent evening.

More to be announced.

#bristolevents #authortalks #bristol #bristolbookshop #bristolbookstagrammers

📣Huge announcement of our first set of Autumn events!

We're so excited about these and can't wait to chat to these incredible authors about their books.

Pre-order the book and get free entry to the event (via the event page), or just buy an entry ticket and get a free drink and an excellent evening.

More to be announced.

#bristolevents #authortalks #bristol #bristolbookshop #bristolbookstagrammers

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@thesmallcitybookshop

bottom of page