To celebrate the upcoming publication of Marta Sanz’s My Clavicle: And Other Massive Misalignments – translated from the Spanish by Katie King – Akoya spotlights five independent bookshops in Spain.  

 

Backstory Bookshop – Barcelona 

Founded by Abbie Hibler and Kate Fisher Barasz, Backstory Bookshop (@backstorybookshop) is an English-language bookshop in Barcelona. Hosting numerous events, from book clubs and writing workshops to open-mic nights and reading parties, the bookshop aims to be a space where readers can come together. It also has a delightful children’s section, accessible through a tunnel nestled between the shelves.

Desperate Literature – Madrid 

Founded in 2014 by Terry Craven and Charlotte Delattre, Desperate Literature (@desperateliterature) is an international bookshop in Madrid that has become a beloved cultural beacon for locals and visitors. After they were forced to leave their original location because of rising rents, the community supported them through donations and crowdfunding. This helped them secure and renovate a new space in La Latina, where they continue to offer the intimate bookshop experience that is now hard to find in big cities. 

Llibreria Finestres Bookstore – Barcelona 

In the heart of Barcelona, you’ll find Llibreria Finestres (@llibreria.finestres). Created to be more than just a shop, it’s a calm, inspiring space where books, art and community come together. Their big windows and cosy sofas invite visitors to stay and browse through over 40,000 titles. Their staff picks are not to be missed and their totes, notebooks and postcards will appeal to any bibliophile. 

Come In – Barcelona and Palma 

Since 1984, Come In (@comeinbookshop) has served as both a cultural meeting point and a resource centre for readers interested in language learning. Here you will find shelves stacked to the ceiling with literary fiction, genre fiction and essays in the English language. While Come In places a focus on English, they also stock self-study books and dictionaries in several languages including Spanish, German, French and Italian. You’ll be greeted by experienced staff who are well-versed in their books and language-learning options. 

Book Lovers Valencia – Valencia 

Located in the Ruzafa neighbourhood, Book Lovers Valencia (@bookloversvalencia) is a welcoming, independent bookshop specialising in English-language books, both new and used. Established in 2022, the current owner is a self-proclaimed ‘book dragon’ and ensures there is something for everyone on the shelves – from trending BookTok reads and LGBTQ+ stories to sci-fi classics and award-winning non-fiction. The bookshop’s busy schedule of book clubs, open-mic nights and community events, paired with its cosy and inviting atmosphere, makes it a true haven for readers in Valencia.