Book Chat: The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell

Shaun Bythell, owner of Wigtown Books, Scotland’s largest secondhand bookshop, has been referred to as the real-life Bernard from Black Books, the BBC’s series from the early 2000s.

If his commentary about customers who actually buy a book is anything to go by, let alone those who don’t, then the comparison is not too far off the mark.

But don’t let his curmudgeonly tone fool you, Shaun Bythell may not be complimentary about his customers or his staff – such as his only permanent staff member, Jehovah’s witness Nicky, whose penchant for dumpster diving makes Foodie Friday a hilarious, if risky weekly ritual and whose shelving system is more creative than consistent – but as a reader you have the sense that his bark is much worse than his bite.

Beneath his slightly surly exterior, his heart beats true as a book lover who is fighting a constant battle against the faceless giants of online retail.

In addition to his days in the shop, readers are also privy to the times Shaun spends driving around the countryside buying collections from deceased estates, people downsizing, retiring, and specialist libraries with eccentric collectors.

It’s Shaun’s hugely entertaining and relatable interactions with the people he encounters that make this a fascinating and very funny read.

This gem of a book was born out of the Facebook musings of this slightly grumpy, mostly impatient and highly observant bookseller.

Whether you are a voracious reader or only occasionally skim the pages of a book, it is well worth making the time to pick this one up.

It carries a vital underlying message about the importance of valuing a literary culture and sharing the love of reading.

The Diary of a Bookseller is available for loan at your local library.

Reserve a copy online at the website at grlc.vic.gov.au.