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ANTHONY SHAPLAND grew up in Bargoed, South Wales. He is a writer and artist, and founder of g39, an artist-led space in Cardiff. His short story 'Foolscap' was shortlisted for the Rhys Davies Award and he was selected for the Hay Writers at Work programme in 2023. This is his debut.
Like looking into a kaleidoscope, every tiny twist in Anthony Shapland's novel results in a cascade of new colour and light. A story to savour, from a writer in total command of his powers -- Mike Parker, author of On The Red Hill An achingly intimate story, rich and ragged with emotion, told with loving intricacy and delicate precision... it winded me -- Megan Barker, author of Kit An atmospheric portrayal of gay, working-class life in a South Wales Valley, to read A Room Above a Shop is to feel held within the hands of a master craftsman in control of his form. I dare anyone to read this and not feel the ache of M and B's story, their solitude and their desire -- Joshua Jones, author of Local Fires One of the most beautiful and original gay novels I have a read in a long time. Spare, sad and intensely poetic, like a Swimming In The Dark for grown-ups -- Neil Blackmore, author of Radical Love There's a moving uncertainty, a vulnerability on the page that allows the reader to hear, and to listen. There's a quiet, brave strength in that -- Cynan Jones, author of Cove
