Shaun is in the right place to read some wonderful books. There were two titles that attracted me: “Blindness” by Jose Saramago where all but one character lose their sight simultaneously, not unlike The Plague by Albert Camus, which we read recently. The second, “The Master and The Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov, is a powerful mash-up of religion and the supernatural, set in Russia. Mainly though, I let most of the book titles flow over me as I read. The approach is in diary-form from 1st January to 31 December 2015 where the year starts with the shop, which is located in the Scottish town of Wigtown in Dumfries and Galloway, closed for New Year's Day.

Confessions of a Bookseller - Books from Scotland Confessions of a Bookseller - Books from Scotland

Overall, Fawn is a unique character that will stay with me for a while, but then I'm rather fond of eccentric older female characters. Four stars and not five because I found the ending a little too convenient and a little too happily-ever-after. Not that I begrudge Fawn a little lightness and optimism for the future, it just didn't fully ring true to me. Something of Bythell’s curmudgeonly charm may be glimpsed in the slogan he scribbles on his shop’s “Avoid social always carry a book.” — The Washington Post Thank you to Goodreads Giveaway and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a copy of this novel.

Comments

It is endlessly entertaining and genuinely laugh out loud in places. Customers, those oh so wanted people, come in many shapes and sizes and we learn of their foibles, manners and interests. There are descriptions of regular customers, as well as many who drive the author to despair. I appreciated Shaun's further insights, as well as meeting a new character, Granny. As usual, I've forgotten the specific details of the previous book, but here I wasn't particularly fond of Anna. From what I gather she can be clingy (needy), which might explain his fear of commitment with her. If the authors are serious, this is a silly, distasteful book. If they are not, it’s a brilliant satire. The shop's place in Wigtown is well described, as we see the various life of the town interact with the people - and tourists - and see how Shaun plays his part in festivals and other's initiatives and events.

Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell, Paperback Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell, Paperback

The authors have created a sort of anti-Book of Virtues in this encyclopedic compendium of the ways and means of power. Anyway, it's a cute book although it does get dull in spots. I mean no one's life is that interesting 365 days a year but his life is pretty darn close. I mean visiting places and looking through their book collections to buy, working in an actual store and reading actual books seems ideal to me. humorous, philosophical, personal, written by someone shaking his head at the eccentricities of his fellow human beings… an easy and entertaining read.” I ended up skipping through and although Fawn's character did show development and we learn more about her upbringing and why she is the way she is however it comes much too late at the end. To be fair I probably missed elements of the story and character growth due to the writing style.

The eccentric customers, strange incidents, and Bythell’s sharp wit prove that running a bookstore is anything but boring.” Out of season, the book shop’s takings are paltry but they gradually increase as the weather warms up and the tourist footfall grows. When Shaun does takes time off from the shop, I can almost sense his relief as he sets off for a bit of fishing. His penmanship also seems to escape the diary’s limitations when he describes the beauty of Scotland’s scenery and is a temporarily more pleasant experience for the reader.

Confessions of a Bookseller - GODINE Confessions of a Bookseller - GODINE

Our main protagonist is Fawn Birchill, who is the owner of the a local bookstore. She is struggling to keep her father's legacy of this bookstore running smoothly. There are some beautiful lines on family, lost childhood, priorities, and empathy. Made me wonder, we only know parts of the exchanges, and still form a solid image of the characters, develop love and hatred for them, how opinionated and judging we are! That is exactly what I loved about the story too, a very good read, a very critical one too on the protagonist, that doesn't show an all positive or all negative person as the head. Bythell remains an unwavering correspondent whose daily rambles reminds us of the joy in real bookshops.” But as she wages her war, Fawn is forced to reflect on a few unavoidable truths: the tribulations of online dating, a strained relationship with her family, and a devoted if not always law-abiding intern—not to mention what to do about a pen pal with whom she hasn’t been entirely honest and the litany of repairs her aging store requires.Something I do appreciate about any book is if it continues to evolve after I have completed it. This one did. Did anyone else wonder about her poor old tenant? Did she really exist? Was she actually alive (creepy thought of Psycho in my head)? Notice that she never opened that box of old Valentine candy. Was George really traveling with her? No one saw him but Fawn. But these books, both the "Diary..." and the "Confessions" are amazing! Thoroughly recommend for a long week on quarantine. For me, in the end, there was just something missing. That said, this might simply be my being the wrong reader for this novel. This is an absolute delight. Shaun Bythell brings to life the trials, tribulations and thoughts of a independent bookshop owner.

Confessions of a Bookseller: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Bythell is a skillful writer . . . he creates a full, appealing world populated with colorful characters. The Scottish landscape—geese flying over the salt marsh, the meandering river where he likes to fish—is gorgeous . . . an endearing and thoughtful book.”As noted above - similar content to the previous book, but as a diary - a few year of happenings! Just don't go in expecting there to be many new revelations! I wanted the book to continue, but rather like when the shop closes and Shaun goes off for a pint to read a book from his ever growing TBR, I have to do the same.