The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell

Hilarious account of a year in the life of a bookseller in rural Scotland.

The best bit? When he encounters a customer called Mr Wildboar-Hands. I have also met a customer called Mrs Wildboar-Hands, so this was affirmation that I didn’t make her up.

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley

Intriguing story about a Japanese watchmaker in Victorian London.

Why did I like this book? Well, I lived in Japan for three years, so I enjoyed (and understood) all the references to Japanese language and culture. The clockwork technology in the story is very cool, like an alternative to steampunk. Highly recommended.