A Room Above a Shop
A Room Above a Shop is a 2025 novel by Welsh author Anthony Shapland.[1][2]
Summary
The novel is set in South Wales in the late 1980s. It follows the love story between two men in a time of homophobia in the United Kingdom, notably under Section 28, as well as during the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Reception
Critical reception
John Self of The Guardian review the novel positively, saying that it was "memorable, striking, dark, beautiful and one of the best debuts I’ve read in years."[3] Stephen Price of Nation.Cymru wrote that the novel was "something very, very special indeed," saying that it was "a book of deep importance to Wales’ hidden histories, most of which we will never know, we will never bring back, and a glimpse at a world – a thrill and a hurting – so few will ever understand first hand."[4]
Awards
The novel was named Hay Festival Book of the Year 2025.[5] The novel was also named Welsh Book of the Year 2025 by Waterstones.[6]
References
- ↑ "Cardiff artist ANTHONY SHAPLAND's debut novel is a poetic, tender triumph". Buzz Magazine. 12 March 2025. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
- ↑ Boyne, John (15 March 2025). "A Room Above the Shop by Anthony Shapland: A potent work above frustrating love that dispels initial scepticism". The Irish Times. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
- ↑ Self, John (9 March 2025). "A Room Above a Shop by Anthony Shapland review – a striking story of concealed love". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
- ↑ Price, Stephen (16 March 2025). "Book review: A Room Above a Shop by Anthony Shapland". Nation.Cymru. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
- ↑ Price, Stephen (2 December 2025). "A Room Above a Shop named Hay Festival Book of the Year 2025". Nation.Cymru. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
- ↑ Price, Stephen (13 November 2025). "Waterstones announces Welsh Book of The Year 2025". Nation.Cymru. Retrieved 5 December 2025.