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...
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...
Books To Match Your Holiday Destination

Books To Match Your Holiday Destination

So you’re about to go on holiday to [insert lovely holiday destination that will make your friendly neighbourhood booksellers quite jealous]. Maybe...

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.

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