Exciting news is emerging from Europe as a wave of new bookshops opens, putting the spotlight on female authors. This historical feat aims to give long-overdue recognition to the voices and stories of women. Notable among them are Greta Livraria in Lisbon, Portugal, and Rare Birds in Edinburgh, Scotland. These bookshops are dedicated exclusively to women's writing, aiming to create spaces that recognize and validate the diverse perspectives of female writers.
Greta Livraria is a project by Lorena Travassos, a photographer and teacher of visual culture/photography. The bookstore houses works of women, including magazines and graphic novels. Travassos seeks to counter the longstanding disparities faced by women in book sales and publications. Authors like Virginia Woolf, Clarice Lispector, Agustina Bessa-Luís, and Natália Correia are shown in the bookstore's website.
The store aims to provide spotlight in books from small publishers or self-published ones that may not be found in larger bookstores. Greta Livraria aims to highlight current gender issues and offer quality publications often overlooked.
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Greta Livraria also plans to host discussions, workshops, and book launches, providing a safe space for LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and Afro-descendant communities worldwide. While the books are exclusively by female authors, the store welcomes everyone who seeks an inclusive and more ethical world.
In Scotland, Rachel Wood launched Rare Birds six years ago. Rare Birds is a book subscription service championing women's writing. Fueled by a passion for women's captivating stories, Wood aims to share these narratives globally. The success of the subscription service led to a physical store in Edinburgh in 2021, illustrating the demand for a different kind of bookstore. This growth reflects a significant shift in reader preferences, emphasizing the increasing demand for literature penned by women.
Wood's Edinburgh store received overwhelming support, with thousands of people visiting on its opening weekend. Visitors express excitement at seeing every inch of shelf space devoted to women's writing, challenging the notion of genres as 'women's interest.' Wood emphasizes the vast scope of ideas and styles women bring to literature.
The initiative of Greta Livraria and Rare Bird is part of a larger movement across Europe, where bookshops like Mujeres & Compañia in Madrid and She Said in Berlin are dedicated to highlighting female and queer authors.
While the primary customers for both stores remain women, there is a noticeable rise in interest from male readers. At Greta, about 98% of purchases are made by women, highlighting the prevailing perception that feminist bookstores are exclusively for women. Similarly, Rare Birds sees a majority of women customers but welcomes a growing community of men. Wood believes that, ultimately, a good book transcends gender.
These bookstores are not just places to buy books; they are cultural spaces challenging stereotypes and championing the rich diversity of women's voices. The success of Greta Livraria and Rare Birds reflects a growing desire for bookstores that prioritize inclusivity and celebrate the literary contributions of women, past and present.
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