Bookshops by The Sea
As summer draws to a close, we thought we’d reflect on the wonderful synergy between literature and the sea.
Whether this idea is most vivid to you in books set on the coast, the idea of reading on the beach, or just the general sense of calm and serenity that comes with the presence of water – the combination of the written word and the ocean appears to be universal and, quite simply, timeless. In the following feature, we shine a spotlight on an acclaimed seaside bookshop, The Aldeburgh Bookshop, and Grace Alexander, book blogger and assistant to Cathy Rentzenbrink, tells us more about her own creative relationship with books and the sea.
The Aldeburgh Bookshop
The Aldeburgh Bookshop is over 70 years old. John and Mary James have owned the shop since 2000, so they have had 22 years working together as a husband-and-wife team. There’s a glorious view of the North Sea from the back office and customers often come into the shop in towels and wet swimming costumes. As well as a large core of residents, Aldeburgh Bookshop also has regular visitors, many of whom come back year after year and have become friends. John and Mary have even enjoyed watching children coming into the shop who are now coming back with their children.
Soon after buying the shop, the literary husband and wife team started the Aldeburgh Literary Festival and are now planning the 22nd year of the festival, which will take place in March 2023. The festival takes place in the Town Hall beside the lifeboat station — there have even been occasions when the Lifeboat maroon call interrupted prestigious speakers!
Bookstall at the Aldeburgh Literary Festival
Introducing Grace Alexander, Reader by the Sea
I grew up on the North Coast of Cornwall surrounded by the rugged coastline with its storms and crashing waves. I now live on Cornwall’s South Coast, which is far more tranquil and perfect for sea swimming. The sea has been a constant presence and thread throughout my life. So, it is no wonder that most of my favourite books are set by the sea: The Salt Path by Raynor Winn; The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey; Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier.
Particularly when I was away from home, I would find myself reading as a form of comfort, and I was drawn to books about the sea in all their visceral magic. So, when I decided to start my book blog, it seemed only fair to anchor it with my other great love – the sea. I find that books set on the coast often have a magical, tantalising quality to them; with all its hidden depths, mysteries and beauty, the sea has undoubtedly captured the hearts of many a writer and reader. It really is one of the most evocative muses.
Grace Alexander
@ReaderByTheSea
