Backstory is an independent bookshop proudly based in South London.

Founded by ex-Economist journalist Tom Rowley, Backstory is on a mission to bring readers closer to the world’s most interesting writers. We offer a curated selection of the best new fiction and children’s books alongside our particular expertise in non-fiction. Through events, newsletters and conversations with our brilliant team and community of readers, we share the stories behind the stories, the backstory.

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What's the point of your job?

What's the point of your job?

Sorry, that's a bit of a blunt one. But I’ve been mulling it over a lot after hosting a fascinating conversation with Charlie Colenutt, a newbie au...
Celebrating Black Authors

Celebrating Black Authors

To celebrate Black History Month, the Backstory Team has put together some of our favourite books by black authors - from classics to recent reads ...
Indie Books At Our Indie Bookshop

Indie Books At Our Indie Bookshop

As an Indie bookshop ourselves, we love encouraging readers to seek out hidden gems. There are so many incredible indie presses out there doing ama...

Book of the Month

Albion by Anna Hope

We love this very modern twist on the English country house novel.

As a family gathers to bury its patriarch, a newcomer reveals a hidden (or consciously overlooked) history that sheds sinister light on the foundations of their sprawling Sussex estate.

This is a gripping novel that asks big questions about what we owe the past – and the future. 

Buy now

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