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.
Sign up to Tom’s newsletter, gift a subscription or browse our latest recommendations, and be part of the Backstory.
Browse our collectionsBooker Longlist












Signed & dedicated editions
Mystery books (it's a surprise!)







Beautiful Penguin clothbounds











Latest news and recs
View all
What's the point of your job?

Indie Books At Our Indie Bookshop
Upcoming events











Book of the Month
Dusk by Robbie Arnott
Set in Tasmania, Dusk follows twins Iris and Floyd as they pursue a puma that the locals desperately want to get rid of. On one level, it has the air of a Western. On a deeper level, it's about the after-effects of colonialism, inheritance, and belonging to a place. Arnott ties it all together in beautiful, yet simple prose.
Buy now