5th December Newsletter
What’s On At Veranda
Welcome, welcome! A frequently-asked question at Veranda is “Have you read all these books?” Honestly, we WISH we had! But since we’ve not, you may wonder how we go about choosing our stock. We’re all lifelong book-lovers, and have always paid attention to reviews, literary awards, recommendations and general bookish gossip. So we just do more of that. But we’re also now in the very fortunate position of meeting publishers, writers, translators and reviewers, and make our choices based on conversations with them. Books are our passion and we work really hard to make sure that every book on our shelves deserves its place there. We hope you enjoy our selection – and we’re always happy to make suggestions, whether you’re choosing for yourself or others. Which leads us neatly on to this week’s news…
Shop News
Curated Book Bundles
What could be better than finding a great, well-chosen book under the tree? Finding a whole bundle of them! We’ve put together some selections which are sure to delight your loved ones, whatever their literary poison. At the shop, you’ll find bundles for foodies, culture vultures, politics nuts and for those who just want a bl**dy good read. Grab them as they are, deliciously wrapped in green ribbon, or tell us who you’re buying for, and we’ll work on a bespoke bundle.
Remember: A Book Isn’t Just For Christmas!
May we suggest a Gift Subscription to keep your favourite people reading for the next 6 or 12 months? How do they work, you ask. Well,…
- Choose from Contemporary Fiction or Translated Fiction
- Would you like a 6-month subscription (£130) or 12 months (£260)?
- Tell us a little bit about the recipient’s tastes, favourite writers etc.
We’ll take it from there. Every month, we’ll send a lovingly-selected book to the lucky reader’s home. Books will be newly-published, and a mix of paperback and hardback. Something to look forward to every month!
Oh – and we have a Junior Subscription too! Let us know a bit more detail about the younger bookworm in your life (reading level, interests, type of books they enjoy etc), and we’ll unearth the best kids book for them every month. (6-month subscription = £100, 12-month = £200).
Now Booking
Book-buying made easy
We know it’s a busy time, and books should never be a source of stress*. So if you’re on the hunt for literary gifts, allow us to make life easier for you!
- Call in to the shop if you can, and have a browse or a chat with one of the team. We’re always happy to offer suggestions, make recommendations – and can usually wrap your gifts too!
- Most of our current stock is also available on our website, and can be delivered to you in 2-4 days
- If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we can order it in. Usually delivered to us the next day – collect from the shop, or ask us about arranging delivery (usual postage costs apply)
- If you’ve got a wishlist or any gift queries at all, drop us a line – to alison@verandabooks.com or emily@verandabooks.com
- If you just can’t decide, we have Veranda Books Gift Tokens – any amount, to be redeemed at the shop
- Final touches – Christmas cards, kids’ stocking filler toys and tree decorations also in stock
*(exceptions: We Need To Talk About Kevin, I Am Pilgrim, A Little Life… OK, fine, sometimes books are a bit stressful!)
Our Recommended Reads
The Winter Warriors by Olivier Norek (tr. Nick Caistor)
Leo has been reading Olivier Norek’s novel, translated from the French by Nick Caistor. From brilliant indie publisher, Open Borders Press, this is a compelling fictional retelling of the Winter War of 1939-40 between Finland and the Soviet Union. Based on extensive historical research and archive material, the novel focuses on a group of ordinary conscripts from a small Karelian village, but it’s Simo Häyhä, the legendary Finnish sniper who’d would become immortalised as the ‘White Death’, who emerges as the axis around which the story unfolds. This is an atmospheric and immersive read that feels timely and relevant to today’s troubled world.
The Duke by Matteo Melchiorre (tr. Antonella Lettieri)
Alison’s been waiting for the nights to properly draw in before recommending the latest treat from Foundry Editions, because it should be properly enjoyed in a big armchair with a drink of your choice. Set in an isolated village high in the Dolomites, this cinematic novel reads like a 19th century Italian epic, rich in secrets and politics – all of which boil over as a neighbourly feud envelops the residents.
What we’re loving this week…
Emily has been reading the astounding House Of Grief by Helen Garner. A story of a real-life trial of a man accused of murdering his three children, relayed through the humane eyes of Garner. True crime at its best!
She also enjoyed Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at the Lyric Theatre – really got her in the Christmas spirit and brought back the nostalgia of her childhood.
Leo walked to Marylebone High St to start Christmas shopping, checking out Portman Estate’s exquisitely tasteful festive decorations along the way.
With wait times to pay averaging 10+ minutes, he was heartened to see that everyone waited patiently to be served. In a world of great uncertainty, it felt so reassuring to see the sanctity of the Great British Queue upheld.
Alison went to see Porridge Radio at Koko in Camden, and she liked it. Lead singer Dana Margolin has the most amazing voice and a way with an electric guitar. For songs so steeped in heartbreak, the power of their live performance meant this was a great, uplifting show.
With her thoughts turning to 2026 travel plans, she’s also been enjoying the website www.seat61.com featuring every rail journey you could ever hope to make – and some you’d be advised to avoid.
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