22th November Newsletter
What’s On At Veranda
Welcome, welcome! We don’t know if we’re coming or going this week – on the one hand, the end of the year is approaching, and the team have been discussing their favourite books of 2025 (round-up coming your way in a couple of weeks). But then again, we’ve had visits from publishers bringing us exciting news about launches in early 2026 – and we can’t wait to get them on our shelves and tell you all about them. For all the speculation, it seems the news of reading’s demise has been greatly exaggerated. The economic reality is tough, but the publishing world is ablaze with talented writers, enthusiastic editors and above all, the appetite of the reading public. Lifelong readers, the Veranda team is still in thrall to the power of literature and believe that everyone reading this newsletter feels the same – stick with us for more recommendations in the coming months.
Shop News
The Veranda Bench…
You know how it is. Famous author comes to your bookshop. You absolutely loved their book, but in the moment of meeting your hero/heroine, you find yourself lost for words and the whole encounter’s becoming a bit awkward. At Veranda, we have an ice-breaker par excellence, in the form of a lovely green bench. Not just a place for resting/smoking/gossiping, though all of the above are encouraged! Also a place for any professional writer who comes to visit to take a moment and sign their name. Look closely and you’ll see Louise Kennedy, Andrey Kurkov and Cécile Tlili’s autographs on the olive-green slats. The brainchild of Emily, Veranda’s creative-thinker-in-residence, our bench perfectly combines practicality with that showbiz moment that all authors deserve. Stop and take a look the next time you visit!
Peirene Press
It’s very much in the spirit of independent bookshops to champion independent publishers. We work closely with many small presses, who consistently dazzle us with their impeccable taste and boundless energy for great writing. This week we bring you Peirene Press (pie-ree-nee) established in 2008 to publish European novellas, and now filling our shelves with global literary fiction in all shapes and sizes. Regularly featuring on prize lists such as the International Booker, Peirene in turn supports its own Translation Prize, hard evidence of this stalwart publisher’s belief in the beauty and power of translated literature.
Particular favourites at Veranda this year have been Agnes Lidbeck’s Supporting Act (tr. Nichola Smalley) and Fatma Aydemir’s Djinns (translated from the German by Jon Cho-Polizzi). Come and browse our Translated shelves for more of Peirene’s books, well worth exploring.
Other highlights:
Imagine Breaking Everything by Lina Munar Guevara (tr. Ellen Jones)
Sea Now by Eva Meijer (tr. Anne Thompson Melo)
Four By Four by Sara Mesa (tr. Katie Whittemore)
Now Booking
Halcyon Literary Festival
Our friends at Halcyon International School are running their first literary festival this week, under the banner of The Stories That Make Us. We’ve collaborated with the school on a couple of public events, which we’d heartily encourage you to attend!
Wednesday 26th November (6.30-7.30), we’ll be at the school for what promises to be a fascinating and insightful discussion about missing voices in literature. Encompassing censorship, the publishing industry, translation and AI, this promises to be an enlightening conversation, led by Will Forrester (English PEN), Kim Trân Thùy Thiên (Major Books) and Justin Scheck (New York Times).
Thursday 27th November (6-7.30) please join us at the shop, where bibliotherapist Bijal Shah will be discussing the healing power of books with poet Sarah Fletcher. Wine, nibbles and enriching conversation – the perfect way to round off your day.
Reserve your space on the school’s Eventbrite listings, or call in at the shop.
Our Recommended Reads
Can Europe Survive? by David Marsh
David Marsh is already a prominent figure to those in the know in European economics, politics and finance, but this book should, rightfully, introduce him to a wider audience. Examining the continent’s current crisis, including populism, France-German malaise, and the breakdown of relations with Russia. Marsh’s expansive analysis is a fascinating examination of where we are headed and what the outcome could be. A perfect end-of-year reflective read to savour during that rare period of calm between Christmas and New Year.
The Christmas Companion by Skye McAlpine
Maybe it’s a bit early, but we’re going to say it: Let the festive season commence! With Skye McAlpine – hostess with the mostess – as your guide, this book will inspire you to get organised, get crafting, and even get to grips with the idea of Eggnog Cream Pie. Definitely one you’ll go back to in years to come, this book is packed with Christmassy drinks, recipes and finishing touches.
What we’re loving this week…
Emily has read and loved the memoir I’ll Tell You When I’m Home by Palestinian-American writer Hala Alyan. Recommended by a customer, it’s the beautifully lyrical story of Hala waiting for her baby to be born via surrogate while she watches her estranged homelands of Palestine and Lebanon come under fire. It weaves her grandmother’s stories of home and crossing borders into new lands. Raw, honest and unflinching.
She also enjoyed the new Frankenstein film this week. Wasn’t completely convinced by this retelling, however, it’s beautifully shot and has amazing sets and costumes!
Leo (along with Emily) went to see Postures: Jean Rhys in the Modern World at local art hub and hidden gem, Michael Werner Gallery. Curated by writer, Hilton Als, the show is presented as a collective portrait of Rhys’ life and work through the lens of different artists, and explores how her master work Wide Sargasso Sea influenced a generation of leading writers including Jamaica Kincaid, Derek Walcott and Carly Phillips
Currently reading: Smile Please: An Unfinished Autobiography by Jean Rhys
Alison saw the Lee Miller exhibition at Tate Britain a really impressive collection of work displaying Miller’s fearless sense of adventure and artistry. Particularly enjoyed the avant-garde years, the time spent in Paris when immersion in the Surrealist movement and collaboration with the likes of Man Ray shaped Miller’s distinctive creativity.
She’s also been loving the Radio 6Music series The Rise and Fall of…Sex Pistols. Hugely entertaining, and absolutely jaw-dropping.
Be the first to hear
Sign up to the newsletter to get this delivered to your inbox weekly
