An evening with… Anthony Shapland

We can’t wait to welcome Anthony Shapland to the Book-ish Loft to celebrate the publication of his debut novel, A Room Above A Shop. Anthony Shapland has been named one of The Observer’s top ten debut novelists for 2025, so don’t miss out on what’s sure to be a brilliant evening – all tickets include a glass of wine or a soft drink and there will be the opportunity to get books signed too.

About A Room Above A Shop
When two quiet men form a tentative connection neither knows where it might lead. M has inherited his family’s ironmongery business. B is younger by eleven years and can see no future in the place where he has grown up, but when M offers him a job and lodgings, he accepts. As the two men work side by side in the shop, they also begin a life together in their one shared room above – the kind of life they never imagined possible and that risks everything if their public performance were to slip. Unfolding in South Wales over three years during the decade of Section 28 and against the backdrop of the HIV and AIDS crisis, moral judgement and growing prejudices, this is a tender and resonant love story, and a powerful debut. 

About Anthony Shapland
Anthony Shapland grew up in Bargoed, South Wales. He is a writer and artist, and founder of g39, an artist-led space in Cardiff. His short story ‘Foolscap’ was shortlisted for the Rhys Davies Award and he was selected for the Hay Writers at Work programme in 2023. This is his debut.