North Books

28/05/2026

I thought Sophie might pop with excitement today when one of her favourite fantasy writers, Hazel McBride called by to sign her latest novel A Queen Crowned in Flames 🔥

27/05/2026

Bristol-based poet Sophie Dumont stopped by to sign her debut poetry collection, Sculling which was published in October 2025 by Corsair.
Sculling explores a deeply personal relationship to the River Avon and how a bereavement caused Sophie to reflect on her relationship to bodies of water, including her own body to the state of pollution in UK rivers.
A perfect read for those interested in the embodiment of our rivers in these tumultuous times.

26/05/2026

And no, I couldn’t ask the mighty to eat her ice-cream outside.

24/05/2026

Will you be 'reading with intent' or 'reading within tent' this festival? Bookshop customer, Hannah, created this splendid bunting with her own inspired spin on literary convention. Either way, drop by for your festival author books en route to hear your favourite authors!

22/05/2026

More words from me, sorry but if you can't make it to this year's Hay Festival perhaps this will create some anticipation for when you can...

"You know what you want to sell to make festival money? Chips."

21/05/2026

The winner has been announced and it’s Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ translated by Lin
King, the first title translated from Mandarin Chinese to win the prize. Book available in the bookshop and online at https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10764/9781916751651
Disguised as a translation of a rediscovered text by a Japanese writer, Taiwan Travelogue is a bittersweet story of love between two women, nested in an artful exploration of language, history and power.

20/05/2026

Does anyone have a bit of astroturf or similar in their shed or cellar that I could borrow for Hay Festival? I need 2m x 30cm so could be an offcut. And yes, it is a bit last minute😁Please email [email protected] with polite replies.

18/05/2026

Friends since first school, Tom and Liam hit Hay today! Starting with breakfast in the bookshop, they enjoyed an hour's private browsing over coffee from and pastries from across the road. Do you know that our breakfast voucher allows you time with your best buddy doing what you love best, book buying, in secret before hours? Tom's Mum knew this and gifted her son time with his bestie. Email [email protected] for details.

17/05/2026

Festival fever is about to hit so why not come to town now when it's quiet? - https://mailchi.mp/f470d3abe88d/gettingourbuntingout23-12756737

10/05/2026

Lovely to meet author, Helena Attlee (The Land Where Lemons Grow) in the bookshop. Her latest non-fiction book about the people and the food in the Etna region of Sicily, The Fire in the Mountain is signed and in the bookshop now. https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10764/9780241514399

09/05/2026

https://princessofhay.substack.com/publish/post/195873706?r=56ifjf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true