Bookshop of One’s Own

Jane Cholmeley is a key figure in the history of British feminism. She co-founded Silver Moon Women’s Bookshop, which became the largest of its kind in Europe and a vibrant centre of women’s writing, hosting prestigious events with authors such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Jeanette Winterson and Margaret Atwood. Sandi Toksvig nominated Jane Cholmeley as a Gay Icon in the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition of that name in 2009 and Jacqueline Wilson named Jane her feminist icon in Stylist, 2018.

'Funny and warm' Independent‘Cholmeley is an energizing riot, full of humour and grit, and her story is well worth telling’ TLS‘[Jane] has always taken a back seat, but I think it’s time that younger women knew what a part she played in making the feminist movement, and also the role of women in society in general, a talking point… I can’t go down the Charing Cross Road now without a little feeling of regret for where the bookshop used to be.’ Jacqueline Wilson‘A vivid and wonderful evocation of the feminist bookshop on Charing Cross Road that was a home to so many of us. A story both of the shop itself and those inspiring women's liberation movement campaigning days of the 1980s, it's a slice of social history and a much-needed reminder of how women always have to fight for space – to get it, and to keep it. Bravo "Silver Moon", you are much missed.’ Kate Mosse‘Silver Moon was the place where literature fed my life. Bookshops are always places of power; Silver Moon was a place of pilgrimage. I still dream of making my way there.’ Sandi Toksvig'Essential reading, both for those of us who remember Silver Moon fondly and those who were barely born when it closed but whose lives were shaped by its being.' Manda Scott'A gem of a book about a gem of a bookshop – this was my go-to for the best books!’ Lesley Thomson'Tells the fascinating story of the legendary bookstore which became the epicentre of feminism in the UK for almost 20 years.' Cheryl Robson'Delightful … conveys a real love of books, bookselling and the joys of shared-reading.' Rev'd Professor Alison Baverstock'Treasured history from a pivotal era rises from every page of this vivid, marvelous recreation of a magic carpet of a women’s bookstore on legendary Charing Cross Road' Katherine Forrest'What a treasure! … an important historical record' Lisa Alther