Parade’s End Books

Book Club 44: My Friends
2025-02-19 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Parade’s End Books, 406 Richmond Road, KT2 5QF, United Kingdom
This month we are reading My Friends by Hisham Matar.
This novel follows the friendship of Khaled, Mustafa and Hosam, bound together by their shared history, torn between the lives they have created in exile and the lives they have left behind in Libya.
All are welcome! Contact us if you’d like to come along.

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[SOLD OUT] Jazz Evening
2025-02-22 19:00 - 21:00
Our first jazz evening of 2025, with the Alice Black Jazz Duo!
Join us for an evening with Alice Black, a jazz, swing and soul singer based in Surrey. Her repertoire includes songs famously performed by Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Julie London, Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan, Dusty Springfield, Nat King Cole, Diana Krall and many more. She will be accompanied by her husband and talented pianist, David Black.
Get your ticket here. Jazz evenings are very popular, so book early to avoid disappointment!
A range of alcoholic and soft drinks will also be available to purchase during the evening.

Colours of Siena Author Event with Judith May Evans
2025-03-15 18:30 - 20:00
Join us to welcome brilliant author Judith May Evans, and be gloriously inspired by the art and life of medieval Tuscany.
Get your ticket here. Ticket price is redeemable against purchase of the book on the night.
ABOUT COLOURS OF SIENA:
A medieval feud – an arrogant artist – a woman’s passion. This compelling new novel follows Clara, forced from her home in Tuscany’s art capital, Siena, and her determination to return there to paint.
When the most expensive painting in Christendom is paraded through the streets of Siena, Clara, young servant to the city’s most powerful family, is inspired. Ambrogio, a young painter, spots her genius for colour, and ignites her passion to become an artist. But when her father is murdered, she’s banished to the country. Can Clara persuade Ambrogio to rescue her? Will family and the Black Death stop Clara realising her dreams?

Storytime!
2025-03-16 10:00 - 11:00
Join Courtney as she reads classic children’s storybooks! This event is perfect for inspiring little ones…
Cost is £2, redeemable against the purchase of any book. You can grab a ticket here or instore.

Book Club 45: Standard Deviation
2025-03-19 19:00 - 20:00
This month we’re reading Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny.
A witty, compelling and moving look into modern marriage. When Graham’s good-natured second wife Audra decides to make friends with Elsbeth – Graham’s first wife and Audra’s polar opposite – Graham starts to wonder: how can anyone love two such different women? And did he make the right choice?
All are welcome! Contact us if you’d like to come along.

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An evening with author Jess Kidd
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:30
We’re so pleased to welcome back fantastic author Jess Kidd, for an evening to celebrate her latest book release! Jess will talk about her new mystery novel, Murder at Gull’s Nest, followed by a Q&A. This event is simply a must for cosy crime fans – if you enjoy an Agatha Christie or Richard Osman, you’ll love this.
Get your ticket here – the price of the ticket is redeemable against purchase of the book on the night.
ABOUT MURDER AT GULL’S NEST:
The first in a sparkling new 1950s seaside mystery series, featuring sharp-eyed former nun Nora Breen.
In a house like Gulls Nest, curiosity might prove fatal . . .
After thirty years in a convent, Nora Breen has thrown off her habit and set her sights on the seaside town of Gore-on-Sea. Her fellow sister Frieda has gone missing and it’s up to Nora to find her.
Nora’s only clue is that Frieda was last seen at Gulls Nest boarding House. So she travels down, takes a room and settles in to watch and listen. Over dubious – and sometimes downright inedible – dinners, Nora gathers evidence about the other lodgers and what they knew about Frieda.
At long last, Nora has found the perfect outlet for her powers of observation and, well, nosiness. When one of the lodgers is found dead, Nora decides she must find the murderer. Not least because she suspects the victim knew Frieda. Could solving this mystery help her to understand what has happened to her friend?

Live Music: Three for the Price of One
2025-03-29 19:30 - 21:30
Three for the Price of One! Join singer-songwriters Chas Warlow, Surya Cooper and Keith Buckman for a fantastic evening of original music.
Tickets are £10 – get yours here! Live music events often sell out fast, so we’d recommend booking now to avoid disappointment.
There will also be alcoholic and soft drinks available to purchase on the night.
About the musicians:
Surya Cooper:
Surya has lived in the Richmond Borough for most of her life, and has been teaching music for many years. She has taught children, young people and adults, many of whom have additional needs.
She is a singer, song-writer, guitarist and teaches guitar, ukulele, singing and piano.
She is also a workshop facilitator and events co-ordinator and runs the Wilful Community Choir www.wilfulchoir.com/ in Kingston. She performs with her students and choir members for various local charities
Her album Mischief of self-penned songs in a variety of styles was released in 2018.
Chas Warlow
Chas has produced 3 albums of original music, ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous – from songs about love and vulnerability to songs about taxing Apple (or not taxing them) and eating messy food on the tube.
He has played his music in the UK and abroad, most recently in a pre-pandemic North America.
His website is chaswarlow.comand his albums are available at https://chaswarlow.bandcamp.com/
Chas says “some people have tried to compare me to other singer-songwriters – but they’ve failed. I’m worried that what I do might be said to be completely original.”
For an example of one of Chas’s tongue-in-cheek satirical songs, see the video of the “brilliant original topical song” (Marc Nerenberg, founder of the Yellow Door Coffee House, Montreal), Raise the Straight Flag, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CB0huea5ro.
Keith Buckman:
Best known to progressive rock and folk listeners for his work with The Far Meadow, Kindred Spirit Band, and Marshpoem, Keith Buckman has only recently branched out as a solo performer. Writing songs inspired by history and landscape, his debut solo EP ‘Of the Low Weald and the Marsh’ is inspired by stories discovered while researching his own family history, set in the Low Weald and Romney Marsh areas of Kent during the late nineteenth century. Combining narrational vocals with intricate fingerstyle acoustic guitar accompaniment, his songs explore themes of hardship, resilience, love and aspiration. ‘Although I grew up in the suburbs of Greater London and have no photographs or handed-down accounts of those who inspired the songs, I feel a deep personal connection to their stories and the rural landscape they inhabited. I’m sure many listeners will relate to similar stories and themes
they can find in their own family histories.’
Of The Low Weald and the Marsh is due for release as a digital download on Bandcamp on 21 st February 2025. Release link: https://keithbuckman.bandcamp.com/album/of-the-low-weald-and-the- Marsh
Live studio performance of ‘The Milleress’: https://youtu.be/3UcWVmeIj2Y
Short documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FswKXz9qQQ
Email: keithbuckmansongs@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/keithbuckmansongs/

Storytime! Easter special
2025-04-09 10:30 - 11:00
Join Courtney as she reads classic children’s storybooks! This event is perfect for inspiring little ones.
Cost is £2 per child, redeemable against the purchase of any book. You can grab a ticket here or instore.

Book Club 46: Saltblood
2025-04-16 19:00 - 20:00
This month we’re reading Saltblood by Francesca De Tores.
Breathing life into the Golden Age of Piracy, Saltblood is a thrilling adventure on the high seas and an exploration of identity and freedom. Described as ‘Master and Commander meets Thelma & Louise’, it follows the story of Mary Read, one of history’s most remarkable figures.
All are welcome! Contact us if you’d like to come along.

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Storytime!
2025-04-27 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-05-11 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-05-25 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-06-08 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-06-22 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-07-06 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-10-12 10:00 - 10:30

Book Club 47: Gabriel's Moon
2025-05-14 19:00 - 20:00
This month we’re reading Gabriel’s Moon by William Boyd.
Gabriel Dax is an acclaimed travel writer by day, capturing changing landscapes in the grip of the Cold War. When he’s offered the chance to interview a political figure, his ambition leads him unwittingly into the shadows of espionage… now an accidental spy, we follow Gabriel from the vibrant streets of sixties London to the sun-soaked cobbles of Cadiz and the frosty squares of Warsaw.
All are welcome! Contact us if you’d like to come along.

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An Evening with A. D. Bergin, author of The Wicked of the Earth
2025-06-11 18:30 - 20:00
Join us in welcoming fantastic author A. D. Bergin for an evening of historical intrigue as he discusses his debut historical thriller. There will also be a Q&A, the chance to get a signed copy of the book, and alcoholic and soft drinks available to purchase on the night.
Tickets are £5 and can be redeemed against the purchase of any book instore – get your ticket here!
About The Wicked of the Earth
We think you’ll love this pacy, twisting historical crime fiction based upon the true story of Britain’s biggest and most corrupt witch trial.
October, 1650. Traumatised Parliamentarian spy James Archer returns north seeking his sister Meg, missing in the aftermath of Newcastle’s recent witch trials. Aloof, enigmatic Elizabeth Thompson draws him to investigate the ongoing killing of women who had worked to free the accused. But when Elizabeth herself becomes hunted, the only chance of escape lies in Archer setting himself as bait…
Set against the backdrop of the greed and brutality of Interregnum England, The Wicked of the Earth is an historical thriller perfect for readers of Andrew Taylor, S J Parris, or C J Sansom.

Book Club 48: The Heart in Winter
2025-06-18 19:00 - 20:00
This month we’re reading The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry.
“He was ready to die for love. He just needed to find the right girl.”
October, 1891. In Butte, Montana, a thunderbolt love affair takes spark. Tom and Polly strike out west on a stolen horse. But a posse of deranged Cornish gunsmen are in hot pursuit of the lovers, and closing in fast…
Everyone welcome to join! Email us to be added to the mailing list, then just get your copy of the book from the bookshop, and come along.

Hair Rig by Toby Adams
2025-07-12 19:00 - 20:00
Ever wondered why anglers go fishing?
Don’t worry. They’re wondering as well.
Toby Adams has been performing stand-up/spoken word for twenty years. Hair Rig is a new 45 minute gentle comedy about fishing the Thames.
Join us at Parade’s End for this summer comedy treat! Get your tickets online here, instore, or by phone at 020 8549 5425.
Praise for Toby’s previous shows:
‘A special experience.. I laughed a lot.’ – Stewart Lee
‘Quiet charisma… charming… treat yourself.’ – Chortle

Book Club 49: The Safekeep
2025-07-16 19:00 - 20:00
This month we’re reading The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden.
It is fifteen years after the Second World War, and Isabel has built herself a solitary life of discipline and strict routine in her late mother’s country home. But all is upended when her brother Louis delivers his graceless new girlfriend, Eva, at Isabel’s doorstep – as a guest, there to stay for the season… what happens between the two women leads to a revelation which threatens to unravel all she has ever known.
Everyone welcome to join! Email us to be added to the mailing list, then just get your copy of the book from the bookshop, and come along.

Live Music Evening - Bamboo Nation
2025-07-19 19:30 - 21:30
Join us for a fantastic evening of live music with local band Bamboo Nation!
Tickets are £10 – get yours here or instore. There will also be alcoholic and soft drinks available to purchase on the night.
About the band:
Bamboo Nation are a guitar / vocal and cello duo who cover the much-loved classics. If you like Prince, Sting, Ray Charles and Pink Floyd, to name but a few, you will love this evening! They also play some original material – expect jazz and hits all night.

Book Club 50: Tell Me Everything
2025-08-13 19:00 - 20:00
This month we’re reading Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout.
A tale of human bonds and the search for the meaning of life, as Lucy Barton befriends the town lawyer who has become enmeshed in a murder investigation and finally also meets the legendary Olive Kitteridge.
Everyone welcome to join! Email us to be added to the mailing list, then just get your copy of the book from the bookshop, and come along.

Through The Looking Glass
2025-08-20 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-21 15:00 - 16:00
A family interactive show based on Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, that is as colourful as it is silly.
Have you ever stepped through a looking glass? Alice has. She stepped through her living room mirror on a spring day, and discovered a back to front world! Stop means go, forwards means backwards, and you can remember things before they’ve happened! Join Alice, as she meets some topsy-turvy characters living in a land where opposite day is every day!
Featuring some well known faces like Tweedledum and Tweedledee, The Mad Hatter, and the Talking Flowers, and some less known faces like, the White King and Queen, The Train Conductor and Humpty Dumpty!
The show is one hour long. Features a dress up parade at the end – adults and children, please feel free to dress up in your favourite Lewis Carroll character costumes, and the best ones will receive a prize!
Tickets are £10 for adults and £7 for children – get your tickets here.

[SOLD OUT] An Evening With Journalist and Author Karen Bartlett
2025-09-04 18:30 - 20:00
We are so excited to be hosting an evening with bestselling journalist Karen Bartlett, who will talk about her book The Escape from Kabul: A True Story of Sisterhood and Defiance. There will also be a Q&A, and the opportunity to get yourself a copy of the book.
Tickets are FREE – book your spot here.
About ‘The Escape from Kabul’:
Combining moment-by-moment drama with an emotional story of friendship and bravery, The Escape from Kabul is also a searing insight into the captive fate of women in Afghanistan.
In the twenty years since 2001, Afghan women had obtained legal degrees, became judges and set out to transform their country – tackling corruption, and reducing horrifying levels of violence against women and children. These educated women of power were clear targets for the Taliban. But their friends – and sister judges – from the UK, Poland, USA and ANZ were not prepared to abandon them, using WhatsApp and sheer bloody-minded persistence, they found escape routes and new homes for family after family.
This is a heart-stopping story of rescue; but also a moving account of ambition, public service and the difficulties of having to build a new life abroad. Veteran, bestselling journalist Karen Bartlett’s compelling account also celebrates the capabilities and global power of united, working women and of the bond of a career spent in service to justice. Individuals who are often the last and only check to unbridled power, influence and violence.

Book Club 51: Homegoing
2025-09-10 19:00 - 20:00
This month we’re reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.
Spanning three continents and seven generations, the novel begins with Effia and Esi: two sisters with two very different destinies. One sold into slavery; one a slave trader’s wife. The consequences of their fate reverberate through the generations that follow.
Everyone welcome to join! Email us to be added to the mailing list, then just get your copy of the book from the bookshop, and come along.

Live Music Evening: Songs inspired by Poems, Tales and Magical Islands
2025-09-13 19:30 - 21:30
Nette Robinson returns to Parade’s End for an unmissable, intimate, evocative evening of songs inspired by stories, characters and places, as well as settings of sonnets and other poems, including Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Masefield…
Join acclaimed British jazz singer Nette Robinson, phenomenal saxophonist Tony Woods and compelling pianist Meredith White for a poetic & literary musical feast in the lovely setting of this cosy, independent bookshop.
Get your tickets here. Live music events tend to sell out, so book now to avoid disappointment!

Book Club 52: The Redemption of Galen Pike
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:00
This month we’re reading The Redemption of Galen Pike : and other stories by Carys Davies.
In a remote Australian settlement, a young wife with an untellable secret reluctantly invites her neighbour into her home. A Quaker spinster offers companionship to a condemned man in a Colorado jail. In the ice and snows of Siberia, an office employee from Birmingham witnesses a scene that will change her life. Spare, precise, charged with a prickly wit, the stories in Carys Davies’s sparkling second collection remind us how little we know of the lives of others.
Everyone welcome to join! Email us to be added to the mailing list, then just get your copy of the book from the bookshop, and come along.

An Evening with Author Benjamin Wood
2025-10-17 19:00 - 20:30
We are delighted to welcome Benjamin Wood, whose wonderful novel Seascraper has been longlisted for the Booker Prize! Join us for an evening with Benjamin as we delve into the world of Seascraper, along with a Q&A and the opportunity to get a signed copy of the book.
Tickets are £5 – get yours here.
