A Bookshop of One’s Own by Jane Cholmeley

Shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards, Christopher Bland Prize and The People's Book Prize A Waterstones Best Memoir of 2024 An Independent and Stylist Best Non-Fiction Book 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.

Format:Paperback / softback 384 pages
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Imprint:Mudlark
ISBN:9780008651077
Published:13 Feb 2025
Classifications:London, Greater London, Of specific Lesbian interest, Autobiography: arts & entertainment, Memoirs, Literary studies: from c 1900 -, Feminism & feminist theory, Gay & Lesbian studies, Pressure groups & lobbying, Small businesses & self-employed, Publishing industry & book trade, Nostalgia: general
Weight:264g
Dimensions:197 x 129 x 27 (mm)