The captivating true story of an underdog business - a feminist bookshop founded in Thatcher's Britain - from a woman at the heart of the women's liberation movement.
What was it like to start a feminist bookshop, in an industry dominated by men? How could a lesbian thrive in Thatcher's time, with the government legislating to restrict her rights? How do you run a business when your real aim is to change the world?
Silver Moon was the dream of three women - a bookshop with the mission to promote the work of female writers and create a much-needed safe space for any woman. Founded in 1980s London against a backdrop of homophobia and misogyny, it was a testament to the power of community, growing into Europe's biggest women's bookshop and hosting a constellation of literary stars from Margaret Atwood and Maya Angelou to Angela Carter. While contending with day-to-day struggles common to other booksellers, plus the additional burdens of misogyny and the occasional hate crime, Jane Cholmeley and her booksellers created a thriving business. But they also played a crucial and relatively unsung part in one the biggest social movements of our time.
A Bookshop of One's Own is a fascinating slice of social history from the heart of the women's liberation movement, from a true feminist and lesbian icon. Written with heart and humour, it reveals the struggle and joy that comes with starting an underdog business, while being a celebration of the power women have to change the narrative when they are the ones holding the pen.
| ISBN: | 9780008651046 |
| Publication date: | 29th February 2024 |
| Author: | Jane Cholmeley |
| Publisher: | Mudlark an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 376 pages |
| Genres: |
Autobiography: arts and entertainment Feminism and feminist theory Autobiography: writers Publishing and book trade Literary studies: c 1900 to c 2000 LGBTQ+ Studies / topics Pressure groups, protest movements and non-violent action Nostalgia: general |