March’s must-reads

The brilliant team at GloucesterRoadBooks suggest five new releases that need to be added to your must-read pile...

Anote from the team: “Our primary aim is that the shop be a fascinating place to explore. Some of the subject sections are a little broader than they might be elsewhere –for instance our ‘Time and Place’ section encompasses books on History, Travel Literature, Geography and Reportage. We also have a significant focus on titles published by small independent presses. There are lots of really brilliant small publishers putting out incredibly exciting books, and we want to help get these out into the world. The stock is carefully chosen and constantly changing, so even if you pop in every week there will always be new books to find.”

Visit Gloucester Road Books’ website: gloucesterroadbooks.com. Follow them on Instagram: gloucester_rd_books and browse the collection in store: 184 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NU. Open Monday –Tuesday 9.30am –5pm; Wednesday –Saturday 9.30am –6pm

Old Babes in the Wood by Margaret Atwood. Published by Chatto & Windus and released on 7 March

This is Atwood’s first new work since 2019’s Booker winning novel, The Testaments Old Babes in the Wood is a collection of stories that features a return of her characters Nell and Tig (from Moral Disorder). Atwood’s full range of storytelling talents are displayed here, in a collection that traverses the breadth of human experience.

One Small Voice by Santanu Bhattacharya.

Published by Penguin Books and released on 23 February

A coming-of-age novel set amidst the political and social instability of 1990s Mumbai. Bhattacharya’s first book comes highly anticipated with The Observer naming it a ‘best debut novel of 2023’. We are also very much looking forward to an evening with Santanu on Friday 10 March. Limited tickets available, please get in touch with Gloucester Road Books for details.

Dr. No

by Percival Everett.

Published by Influx Press and released on 16 March

Those who read The Trees when it was Booker shortlisted have already been introduced to the wild imagination of Percival Everett. The Trees was one of my favourite books last year, and I have no doubt that Dr. No (a story about a supervillain, and an academic who is an expert on nothing, and does nothing about it) will be strange and brilliant.

Tomás Nevinson

by Javier Marías

and translated

by Margaret Jull Costa.

Published by Hamish Hamilton and released on 30 March

This is the last novel by the brilliant Spanish writer. Marías writes atmospheric literary thrillers full of intrigue and murky morality. Tomás Nevinson is set in Spain in the 1990s amid tension during Basque Homeland and Liberty’s campaign of terror. We’re big fans of his writing, and it’s a bittersweet occasion to have this final novel.

Porn: An Oral History by Polly Barton. Published by Fitzcarraldo Editions and released on 16 March

Through semi-formal conversations with friends and strangers Polly Barton unpacks the subject of pornography and its ubiquitous and often insidious presence in our relationships and daily lives. Barton brings an atmosphere of openness and warmth to each exchange in what feels like a long overdue discussion on this complex and murky topic.

March Beauty Social

Calling all beauty lovers

Join Harvey Nichols for an evening of beauty talks, masterclasses and makeovers. Elevate your spring beauty regime this March with this exciting Beauty Social event. Discover exclusive tips from beauty experts and learn how to wear the latest makeup trends. Plus, enjoy some surprises along the way.

REWARDS members are invited to take home a luxury goody bag.* Tickets cost £10 per person, fully redeemable on purchases made during the evening.

Ticket upgrade: Redeemable beauty event ticket, deli board and cocktail at The Second Floor Bar, £30 per person.

Thursday 16 March, 6.30pm – 9pm

Harvey Nichols, Bristol

To book: email: reception.bristol@harveynichols.com or scan the QR code to book online.

*T&Cs apply.