The North recommends: The Book Corner
At the Book Corner, we have tried to create an inviting space where our customers can browse our wide range of both fiction and non-fiction titles. An archway leads to Bookworms, our children’s bookshop, with its comfortable woodland reading corner. We hope we have created a unique space for the whole family to enjoy their favourite books, with dedicated, knowledgeable staff always happy to give recommendations and advice. We also stock beautiful ranges of stationery, notebooks, cards and literary gifts for all ages. We are keen to support local authors, stocking and promoting a range of titles. We will both host and be involved in more events in 2018.
The following titles have been on our reading lists recently:
The Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers is a visceral re-telling of the Cragg Vale Coiners’ efforts to ‘clip’ the late 18th century England’s economy into devastation. Myers dives head first into the murky world of pseudo King David Hartley and his gang of land-workers as they bully and spit their enterprising scheme across the Calder Valley. No man will stand in their way, but can they avoid the hangman’s noose? Myers weaves a rich, authentic tale full of poetry, landscape and Yorkshire vernacular that has you grasped by the throat long after the final page has been turned.
The Companion by Sarah Dunnakey is an atmospheric novel of mystery and secrets hidden in the past. Set around the local beauty spot of Hardcastle Crags, and drawing on the history of the area, the story moves between the present day and the 1930’s. The author deftly handles the two time lines as researcher Anna uncovers the secrets of the past and, in the character of Billy, has created a character that will stay with you long after reading.
The Single Soldier by George Costigan is an interesting novel set in rural France during the second world war. As the war and the fear of occupation creeps up on the inhabitants of this small village their reactions and the choices they make vary widely. The author explores loss, love, guilt, secrets and history through a diverse set of characters.
Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile by Adelle Stripe is a gritty debut novel based on and inspired by Bradford born playwright Andrea Dunbar. Affectionate but never sentimental, Stripe tells the story of Dunbar’s working class life on the infamous Buttershaw Estate, battling alcoholism and domestic violence to become one of her generations most important playwrights. The double narrative warmly gives voice to someone often described as a lost genius.
Books we are looking forward to include: Breakout at Stalingrad by Heinrich Gerlach, Bookworm – a memoir of childhood reading by Lucy Mangan, Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce and the Penguin Women Writers Series being released to celebrate the centenary of women getting the vote.
To find out more about The Book Corner click here.