'The Paris Bookseller' by Kerri Maher

In preparation for my trip to Paris this week, I listened to the audiobook for 'The Paris Bookseller' to get the proper Parisian experience. The narrator was fantastic in bringing the characters to life, and sharing Sylvia Beach's story.

The book follows American Sylvia Beach, on her journey to setting up an English language bookshop in Paris in the 1920s. Shakespeare & Company would go on to become one of the most popular spots in Paris for creatives and writers around the world, and is still just as popular today - I was so excited to visit myself and see this beautiful shop and all the books it has on offer.

In the novel, Sylvia's life in Paris is documented in detail, from her relationship with fellow bookseller Adrienne, the friendships she created in the city, and of course, her career as a publisher for James Joyce's Ulysses. The plot eventually focuses on Sylvia and Joyce's professional relationship and how they got to know each other so well and be such an important part of each other's life.

It explores the ins and outs of the publishing industry at the time, and even has cameos of when other famous authors visited Shakespeare and Company, and the encounters they shared with Sylvia.

It's a novel with the magic and power of books at its heart, and perfect for book lovers and those interested in the history of bookshops and publishing great works.