The Portobello Bookshop Podcast
The Portobello Bookshop 4 episodes Nov 11, 2026
This podcast is dedicated to book lovers, bringing conversations recorded at The Portobello Bookshop's events with authors from all genres directly to listeners. It also offers podcast-exclusive content, including in-depth author interviews, lively bookseller discussions, and predictions for literary prizes. Whether you're a voracious reader or just looking for your next read, the show aims to share the joy of books and the stories behind them.
Episodes
Bookseller Chats: Booker Prize Edition with Faye and Elise
Join Faye and Elise for a catch up about the autumn, the Booker Prize excitement, and a look ahead to the holiday season! As always, we have lots of books to recommend, and we hope you enjoy the conversation.___________________________________________________Books Mentioned in this Episode:The Disappearers by Marlon James Red Rising by Pierce Brown Taipei Story by Rebecca F Kuang The Newer World b
Gothic Literature Chats with Robyn Pritzker, Anahit Behrooz, and Bookseller Elise
To get in the Halloween spirit, bookseller Elise sat down with authors (and Gothic Literature experts) Robyn Pritzker and Anahit Behrooz for this episode. They'll get in to all sorts of uncanny, haunting, and spooky themes, plus the history of Gothic literature and more recommendations than any one person can read this autumn season.We did our best to link to all books and authors mentioned in
Event: Matt Haig on The Midnight Train with Len Pennie
This episode comes from our event with Matt Haig from May 2026 where he discusses his new book The Midnight Train with Scots poet Len Pennie.The Midnight Train is a companion to Haig's bestseller The Midnight Library, and we had a wonderful crowd of dedicated fans with us to celebrate the Edinburgh launch of this one!In this episode, Haig and Pennie get into the themes of the novel including unres
Ríoghnach Robinson on Bad Words with Booksellers Elise and Zoë
Today is a special publication day episode featuring Ríoghnach Robinson discussing her brand new novel Bad Words with booksellers Elise and Zoë. Many of us in the shop have read (and loved!) this book, and we're so excited that it's out now for you all to discover!Bad Words follows author Parker Navarro after his book is brutally reviewed by critic Selina Chan. He confronts her and they be
Event: Elle McNicoll on Unapologetic Love Story with Elliot Fletcher
For this episode, we are sharing a fantastic conversation with Elle McNicoll on her debut adult novel, Unapologetic Love Story. This event took place in the bookshop earlier this year.McNicoll is the bestselling author of books for children and young adults, and her debut children’s book, Like a Spark, was adapted into a wildly successful TV series.Elliot Fletcher is the Edinburgh based author of
Sarah Wang on New Skin with Bookseller Elise
In today’s episode, our Events Coordinator Elise is sitting down to chat with author Sarah Wang about her debut novel New Skin. We love this book and it was great to get into some of the fascinating and difficult topics that it covers including black market botox, class and immigration issues in America, reality TV, and mother/daughter relationships. Sarah Wang is an author and Creative Writing pr
Event: Brandon Taylor on Minor Black Figures with Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin
Join us for a hilarious, engaging, informative discussion with Brandon Taylor for his latest novel, Minor Black Figures. Taylor was in conversation with the wonderful Niamh Ní Mhoileon for a bookshop event earlier this year. We loved hearing them chat about sweaty NYC summers, hot priests, and art restoration. Brandon Taylor is the celebrated author of three novels including this one, Real Life, a
Event: Jem Calder on I Want You to Be Happy with Amos O'Connor
At the Portobello Bookshop, we're always excited to hear debut authors talking to dedicated booksellers, so you can imagine how much we loved the conversation featured in this episode!Jem Calder visited the shop to celebrate the launch of his debut novel, I Want You to Be Happy, earlier this year. Our very own bookseller Amos O'Connor led a fantastic discussion on the novel, the craft of writing,
Bookseller Chats: Autumn Recommendations with Elise, Zoë, and Faye
Check out the first of our Bookseller Chats!Elise, Zoë, and Faye discuss what Autumn means for the publishing industry and the books they think everyone should be looking out for in the coming months.To check out our upcoming events and learn more about the bookshop, find our website here or follow us @portybooks across social platforms.We hope you enjoy the conversation!__________Books mentioned
Event: Kiran Millwood Hargrave on Almost Life with Rachel Ashenden
This episode comes from our recent event with Kiran Millwood Hargrave for her latest novel Almost Life. Hargrave is the bestselling author of books including The Mercies and The Dance Tree, and we were so thrilled to welcome her to the shop for this one.Almost Life follows Erica and Laure from their meeting in Paris in 1978 across decades and continents, life changes, regrets, longing, and so much
Event: George Saunders on Vigil with Heather Parry
For our first full length episode, we are delighted to share a conversation with literary legend George Saunders on his most recent novel Vigil. You might know Saunders from one of his 13 bestselling books, including his 2017 Booker Prize winning debut novel Lincoln in the Bardo.Saunders was in conversation with Glasgow based writer and editor Heather Parry.To check out our upcoming events and lea
Introducing The Portobello Bookshop Podcast
Welcome all book lovers, we're so excited to officially launch this podcast!A very long time in the making, we can't wait to start sharing our favourite author conversations, bookseller recommendations, podcast exclusive interviews, and much more.Our events team, Euan and Elise, kick things off with a quick episode to discuss more about our bookshop, the podcast, and what you can expect to
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