Paul Collins
While this book might seem self indulgent at a glance, this tale of an author's move to a small town in the Welsh countryside where the predominant attraction is multiple (and occasionally feuding) antique book sellers turns out to be a charming personal memoir.
During their stay, nearly everything that can go wrong does; from misdirected mail and difficulty reaching publishers and editors overseas, to his stint working in one of the antiquarian dealerships where directions are scant, frequently changed daily, and chaos reigns supreme. The titular Sixpence House is part of their search for permanent lodging in a town filled with old buildings full of odd measurements, and sometimes odder history.
In any other author's hands, this book might be tedious or reek of vanity, but Collins ultimately gives a charming (albeit strange at times) portrait of a place that any fan of good old fashioned hard copy books will find themselves fantasizing about visiting, or perhaps even staying. Just be sure to find out the history of a place, as well as it's structural stability and history.
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