Feature | STYLE
Medi na Bookshop
Spri n g book rev iews A selection of titles persona l ly recommended by the team at Medina Bookshop: these books ref lect what it means to belong – to ourselves and w ith others
The Smallest Man by Frances Quinn
Friends by Robin Dunbar
Raceless by Georgina Lawton
This emotional debut centres around Nat Davy, a dwarf, who is gifted against his will to Queen Henrietta Maria (wife of King Charles I) in 1625. Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War and loosely inspired by a true story, Quinn brilliantly interweaves captivating fiction into historic fact.
We get by with more than just a little help from our friends; recent research states friends are vital for our health and wellbeing. In this book, worldrenowned psychologist Robin Dunbar utilises a wealth of information, including first person experience, neuroscience and anthropology, to give a comprehensive explanation of how and why we make friends.
Journalist Georgina Lawton writes a unique and moving memoir about her fascinating search for identity and belonging. Growing up Black in a white family her race was never acknowledged. It was only when her non-biological father sadly died that she began to question her racial identity.
As Nat recounts his story to the reader, we come to know a troubled young person plagued with resistance to who he is. You can really feel his desperation to be liked and respected by others. Only through his unexpected journey do we understand the true meaning of acceptance, strength and hope.
From strengthening our existing relationships to the difference between family and friends; this is the ultimate read for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of social human behaviour.
Travelling across the world, Lawton speaks to experts in genetic testing, sociologists and psychologists as well as people who have similar experiences to her. This is an eyeopening investigation into what it means to define ourselves, our truth and the nuances of family and connection.
Medina Bookshop. 50 High Street, Cowes. 01983 300044. medinabookshop.com Facebook @medinabooksiow Instagram @medinabooksiow March and April 2021
45
