Miss Vickers' Angel: Salley Vickers and her journey to Chartres

Last Thursday, in a sultry, packed Roysse Room in Abingdon's Guildhall, we welcomed novelist Salley Vickers to what was a very special event.

The evening started with a conversation about bookselling. This might have been because Mark was on stage putting the questions to Salley, but mainly it was because - in the long and eclectic list of jobs that Salley had before becoming a full-time writer - she had once been a bookseller, at an independent bookshop in Richmond.

And although her CV lists far more glamorous career choices, including a university teacher and a psychoanalyst, she’s very aware of the difference independent booksellers have made to her, since she became a novelist.

Her first book was ‘Miss Garnet’s Angel’, a book published when she was 50 and knew nothing about the book trade. It became a word-of-mouth bestseller.

‘My publisher said it was a “quiet” book, which I now know means a book on which they didn't spend any money. But...I use that word often when I review books myself, because I often think quiet books are the books I like best.’

It may have started out quietly, with none of the chains agreeing to take it, and with a initial print run of just 1,000 copies. But Salley said she knew it had taken off when eight months after that initial print run and several reprintings, her publisher had to rush out a final reprint of the hardback in time for Christmas.

That book has gone on to sell more than 350,000 copies. Salley is very clear how important independent booksellers were during those early days.

Salley was keen to explain how ideas for books seem to come from collisions of experiences past and present. In the case of 'Miss Garnet's Angel', the seeds were sown with a trip to Italy when she was very young and steeled to think Venice over-hyped and too touristy. Wandering off the beaten track she came to a dilapidated church and stumbled across a series of wonderful paintings.

Years later she did the very same thing, stumbling accidentally on the very same church, but had recently been teaching the story of 'Tobias and the Angel' on a continuing education course in Oxford. When she recognised that this was the story those paintings told, she went back to her hotel room, and started to write what she initially believed would be a short story - but became ‘Miss Garnet’s Angel’. 

But the importance of place is often the very first thing that gives her the start of the idea that will grow into a novel.

Her latest book ‘The Cleaner of Chartres’ came about from a similar mix of experiences. Having originally been taken round the cathedral when young, when travelling through France she decided to take a detour to see the cathedral again. And after a long night involving an accident and a visit to a hospital, she found herself - unable to sleep - in the cathedral very early in the morning when it was being cleaned.

‘I thought that a cleaner will know things about the cathedral that no-one else will know and have access to different parts. Thus the character of Agnes emerged, although at that time I didn’t even know what her history was.’

Salley gave insights into more than just the inspiration for her novels, but also how her ideas and characters grow.

She likes to write first thing in the morning, as it is the best time to tap directly into her unconscious mind. And although she loves books with good plots and stories, she doesn’t really plot, but instead does a lot of 'mulling and pondering' - and then writes very, very fast. 

She also likes to put in a character who is not like her, but to whom she gives her own views and opinions.

It is details like this which probably help to explain the huge popularity of her books and manage to be both fun and page-turning whilst at the same time allowing shadows and darkness to intrude.

Mark confessed to worrying a lot about Agnes (actually, he declared himself 'smitten'), concerned that the main character in 'The Cleaner of Chartres' would manage to have a happy ending herself, despite being a catalyst in improving the lives of the people around her.

It is that ability to draw readers into her world that many people care deeply about in her stories. Many people who have read 'Miss Garnet's Angel' have managed to take a detour while in Venice to visit the places mentioned in the book, and book groups have even visited expressly for that purpose.

Salley said it was a privilege to write books that she knows make a difference to people. She even heard from the owner of the cafe mentioned in 'Miss Garnet's Angel' who told her he had been about to close down when she wrote the book - and has recently expanded. Now that's a very tangible difference indeed. How many authors can say that?

We have a list of thank yous as long as our arm - but briefly - the team at Abingdon's Guildhall for looking after us splendidly, to some emergency staging supplied by Thomas Reade Primary School, a huge thank you must go to Penguin for making it all happen as part of Independent Bookseller's Week. But mostly to Salley herself for a wonderful evening - thank you.

An evening with Salley Vickers

(This event took place in 2013 - you can read what happened when Salley came to Abingdon here)

On Thursday, July 11 2013 we are delighted to welcome acclaimed novelist - and Mostly Books favourite - Salley Vickers to Abingdon's historic Guildhall, for an evening of bookish delight as she discussed her writing life and latest novel, 'The Cleaner of Chartres'.

‘There is something rare and special about Vickers as a novelist. In exploring the connections between faith and imagination, art and redemption, religion and science in an intelligent, unusual but very readable way, she manages to touch something buried deep in all of us. It gives her work a quietly compelling quality.’ - Peter Stanford, Independent

Salley was born in Liverpool and grew up as the child of parents in the British Communist Party. She read English at Newnham College Cambridge. She has worked, variously, as a cleaner, a dancer, an artist’s model, a teacher of children with special needs, a university teacher of literature and a psychoanalyst.

Her first novel, ‘Miss Garnet’s Angel’, became an international word-of-mouth bestseller and a favourite among book clubs and reading groups. She now writes full time and lectures widely on many subjects, particularly the connections between, art, literature, psychology and religion.

In 'The Cleaner of Chartres', the ancient cathedral, with its mismatched spires, astonishing stained glass and strange labyrinth, is a strange and special place. And there is something special too about Agnès Morel, the mysterious woman who is to be found cleaning it each morning...

No one quite knows where she came from - and yet everyone she encounters would surely agree that she has touched their lives in subtly transformative ways, even though they couldn't quite say how.

But with a chance meeting in the cathedral one day, the spectre of Agnès' past returns, provoking malicious speculation from the prejudiced Madame Beck and her gossipy companion Madame Picot. As the rumours grow more ugly, Agnès is forced to confront her history, and the mystery of her origins finally unfolds. 

"Salley Vickers is a novelist whose imaginative journey always promises magic and mystery. The Cleaner of Chartres shows her on top form in a rich weave of loss and redemption spiked with Ms Vickers' irrepressible wit." - Robert McCrum, Book of the Year 2012, The Observer 

The Cleaner of Chartres is a compelling story of darkness and light; of traumatic loss and second chances. Infused throughout with deeper truths, it speaks of the power of love and mercy to transform the tragedies of the past.

Salley Vickers will be talking about the book, her writing life and signing copies of her books in the Roysse Room, Abingdon's Guildhall on Thursday, July 11. Tickets are £7, to include a glass of wine on arrival, and a special discount on Salley's book on the evening.

We hope you can join us for what should be a very special evening. Reserve your ticket for the event by calling 01235 525880, email books@mostly-books.co.uk, tweet to @MostlyReading - or simply call into the shop.

Tear-stained pages and some good deaths! The Abingdon Carnegie Forum 2013

Today we were involved in one of the most enjoyable events of the year - the annual Abingdon joint-schools Carnegie Shadowing event. This year groups of children from six Abingdon schools took over the Guildhall to discuss, debate, argue, cajole, perform and vote for the eight books on the shortlist ahead of the public announcement tomorrow. 

As has become customary, there were special cakes baked in honour of the occasion. This year all the schools involved were represented on the cake:

The judges had the enjoyable - if intense - task of reading through scores of reviews from the different shadowing groups, picking winners and highly commended entries - and marvelling at the range of responses caused by each of the books. The reviews ranged from the funny and lighthearted, to more passionate and serious responses in which young reviewers pleaded with the reader to 'go read this book' sometimes with 'tear-stained pages' and 'crushingly heart-breaking' storylines.

Here are the judges hard at work in surroundings that had suitable gravitas : 

Children from the six schools were mixed up into different groups and given a book to 'champion' culminating in a three-minute performance in front of everyone to convince them that they should read the book:

Student facilitators from the Oxford Brookes PGCE course were on hand to guide the students and give advice...

 ...and the judges circulated to listen in on the sometimes intense and heartfelt discussions about the type of book it was, and how best to perform it on stage...

 Two groups stages an initial debate to discuss the pros and cons of the book. There were hugely imaginative approaches and it was a privilege to be involved.

Finally, ten groups staged 3-minute performances. They took the form of debates, 'reduced' plays of the books, philosophical skits and 'teasings out' of key elements of the books. Given that this year's books feature quite a bit of characters dying, there were some good stage 'deaths' during the afternoon (and at least one school uniform which got trashed by the looks of things).

The winners - "The Haitians" - staged an imaginative and highly effective 'book event' in which author Nick Lake defended his use of often violent subject matter in 'In Darkness' before Haitian gangsters stormed the stage to explain their position. Totally brilliant and worthy winners: 

Back at the Carnegie Tea earlier this year, the children voted on the book they expected to win before reading commenced. 'In Darkness' was the clear winner then. However, at the end of the event today, all the children voted on the book they would most like to win.

'Wonder' by R.J.Palacio was the clear winner. The reviews from the children for this book had hinted at this. We in the bookshop tend to agree, despite some exceptionally fine books on the Carnegie list this year. 

Whoever wins tomorrow, we all think it's been a golden year for this most august of children's awards - and if you want to learn more about the individual books (and read a plea from Nicki about who should win) go and check out the 'space on the bookshelf' blog here...

Thanks as ever to the incredible hard work and skills of the Abingdon schools librarians, teachers and assistants for making the day so successful. And good luck to all the authors for tomorrow...

The awesome Mark Forsyth and The Horologicon

On Tuesday evening, we welcomed the author and journalist Mark Forsyth (aka The Inky Fool) to Abingdon's resplendent Guildhall.

The inevitable early morning uhtceare we suffer on the morning of any big event proved unfounded (Will the author arrive? Will he pull a hum durgeon?, etc.), and at 7.30pm there was a packed audience in Abingdon's newly refurbished and resplendent Roysse Room.

Despite some betwattled activity by staff to get the microphone working shortly before Mark arrived, it wasn't the the shturmovshchina I had initially feared. The evening was slightly warmer of late, not so swale as expected, so there was no collapsing of bumbershutes from guests as they grubbled for tickets and removed golgothas waiting to come in. The start time of 7.30pm was conveniently past any prior cinquasept I'm happy to say.

Historically a misocapnist, I was happy to stand as the dimpsy murkened with Mark for a pre-event smoko before the event kicked off, preparing my intro en charette and pointing out the County Hall in the distance with its fake-medieval ceiling fixing. Mark was thus able to point to this piece of skeuomorphism to begin his talk - and the evening really got going.

Mark talked about the romantic language of supermarkets, with their gondolas and light thieves, as well as communicating his incredible passion for dictionaries and their importance in recording social and oral history. With no interruptions or kittle pitchering, Mark's talk gave way to questions and duologues. The audience shared some of their own unfamiliar words: the words wassack and dap were bandied about.

But, sadly, gabos: there were books to be sold and signed. Having roughly translated the Roysse Room's greek inscription at the beginning of the event, Christmas was uppermost on everyone's mind, and as the meeting broke up into a collocation, Mark signed books and met the audience...

...whilst dispensing niffles of wisdom and even the odd old English insult to those that requested one:

Many good Mostly Books marrows and belamies had come along for the evening, and most seemed to have a good time.

Finally, quafftide had arrived. We decamped to have a small go at a local potation-shop, that fine sluicery The King's Head and Bell.

Our thanks to Mark for a truly wonderful evening, where we felt royally and golupshusly entertained and educated. Mark's tour around the country continues, and if you get a chance to hear him talk - please do so.

All that remains is for us to publish the blog in time-honoured fashion. I was perendinating, but as it happens I think this will do. It has a quality of doneness that I particularly like...

3 4 Friday - three reasons to come and meet Mark Forsyth

OK - something a bit different for our 3 4 Friday #fridayreads today. If you’ve ever looked at our author event programme and thought “you know what, I’d love to go along to a Mostly Books event” but have never had the opportunity, then perhaps we can lure you along to our next event which we think is going to be a great evening. It's our big seasonal outing for the year, which is always a fun and lively get-together.

On Tuesday, November 13th at 7.30pm we will be welcoming Mark Forsyth to The Roysse Room, at Abingdon’s Guildhall, and we’d love to tell you three reasons why we hope you will make it a date in your diary - and we’ll see you there.

Firstly, Mark is the author of ‘The Etymologicon’, a wonderful book which tells the hidden stories behind the evolution of words in our language. After being the Radio 4 book of the week last year, it was an unexpected Sunday Times bestseller. This year he has written ‘The Horologicon’, which means 'a book of things appropriate to each hour'. It follows a day in the life of unusual, beautiful (and forgotten) English words. Mark’s passion for words, and his own skill as a wordsmith, ensures that this book is endlessly fascinating. 


Secondly, Mark himself is a wonderful speaker, and describes himself as a ‘passionate pedant’ when it comes to the English language. Born in London in 1977, he was given a copy of the Oxford English Dictionary as a christening present and ‘never quite recovered’. After studying English language and literature at Oxford University he worked as a freelance writer, proof reader and ghostwriter for ten years. In 2009 he started the Inky Fool blog, which contained daily articles on words, rhetoric, poetry, but most of all etymology and the strange and often ludicrous stories behind familiar words.

Despite his pedantry, a knowledge of history has given him a common-sense approach to its proper use. As he says:  “Reality changes words far more than words can ever change reality.”. He has spoken at the TED series of conferences, and has a reputation as a great speaker, so we know it will be a fascinating evening.

This is a fascinating six-minute talk on how reality changes the nature of words:

Finally, Mostly Books events are always fun, with a glass of wine on offer on the evening and  the chance to get up close and personal with an author right here in Abingdon. Tickets cost £8, and as well as refreshments, will include £3 off the cost of ‘The Horologicon’ on the night. And dare we say it is a beautifully produced book and a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who is interested in books, words and language.

Have we tempted you? If so, why not come along with a friend (!), reserve a ticket or two by emailing us at books@mostly-books.co.uk – and if you know anyone who might love a fun and stimulating evening on November 13th – share this link with them!

We really hope you will be able to join us.

Mark & Nicki

The Mighty Phinn

Four years ago (October 2006) we hosted our first ever author event at Mostly Books. Upon setting up the event, our initial joy in celebrating the fact that we had convinced an author to come to the shop was soon tempered by the realisation that no-one had ever heard of the author, and thus the tickets weren't exactly flying out of the door...

A few days before the event, and desperate to round up an audience, I accosted one lady in the shop, gave her one of my best 100 watt bookseller smiles, and endeavoured to lure her to buy a ticket. She declined, but said "You know who you should get for an event? That Gervase Phinn. He'd be fab."

"I'll see what I can do" I said.

And so (because these things can take some time to pull off) four years later we welcomed the legend himself to the Guildhall in Abingdon. And what a night it was...

Gervase's own website declares that "you can always tell a Yorkshireman, but you can't tell him much" and it was clear from the outset that there was only one man calling the shots in terms of how the evening was going to be run.

As befits someone who has a reputation as one of the country's best raconteurs and after-dinner speakers, Gervase had the audience in the palm of his hands, with stories, anedoctes, observations and poems on everything from the use of language and modern life, to his passion for education and family life. It was a virtuoso performance.

Having decided to do an impromptu signing before the event, he then continued to sign and chat afterwards as well.

He seemed very happy with the whole event - particularly the response from the audience. So a big thank you for everyone who came - we hope you had a great evening.

Rumour has it that Gervase's next project is his first fiction novel, and when it gets published I will do my best to lure him back to Abingdon for a repeat performance. And hopefully it won't be another four years...

Griff Rhys Jones and Rivers

Just before we opened Mostly Books three years ago we took a holiday abroad (assuming it would be the last one we would take for some time, which turned out to be very accurate) and whilst waiting to fly out, I spotted someone sitting in one of the waiting lounge cafes who looked remarkably like Griff Rhys Jones. "Ooh look" I said to Nicki "it's Griff Rhys Jones. Should I go and ask him if he'll do an event?". Nicki looked totally mortified and said "No". Me being me, however, I bimbled up to him, told him about our about-to-open new bookshop, and asked him if he'd like to do an event. He probably thought I was a harmless nutter (and even if he thought I *wasn't* a harmless nutter, he probably wondered how successful I would be as a bookseller if my primary strategy for booking authors was going up to them cold in airports). Given all that, he couldn't have been nicer and more generous, giving me the contact of his publisher, and wishing me luck. And that was that. In the melee of setting up the shop, and the dawning realisation of what organising an event really meant, I never followed this up. Fast forward three and a bit years to this Thursday, and luckily Griff had no recollection of this embarrassing incident as I greeted him and his wife Jo at Abingdon's Guildhall for what was a fantastic evening in front of a sell-out crowd.

Griff was here to talk about Rivers. Not just the eponymous book that ties-in to the TV series, but rivers in general and how wonderful, important, magnificent they are to our culture, heritage and lifestyle. Sadly (for any dog-lovers who has been watching the series) his dog Cadbury hadn't come along, but Griff more than made up for this omission with a truly vituoso performance of history, anecdote, passion and humour. And he signed some books too... As always, we are very lucky to have several bloggers coming along on Thursday, please read Gaskella's report, BooksPlease - and of course the Abingdon Blog. Obligatory shot with booksellers. I don't know why I'm looking so intense, it was a very enjoyable evening... Nicki and I are taking the boys to the seaside tomorrow for a week, on a much-needed holiday (yippee!) leaving the shop in the hands of our brilliant staff (check out the free craft activities we're running every Tuesday for kids in the shop BTW). A big thank you to the Mostly Booklovers who helped make the event happen, to those members who helped out on the night and to everyone who came along on Thursday night to make it a great - and very Abingdon - evening...