A Bookshop of One’s Own : How a Group of Women Set out to Change the World

Description

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. An Independent and Stylist Best Non-Fiction Book for 2024 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.