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Books Archive


Mancunion exclusive: A.M. Shine interview
7th April 2023

Mancunion exclusive: A.M. Shine interview

After the announcement that his first novel ‘The Watchers’ is to be adapted into a film, The Mancunion contacted author A.M. Shine to talk about all things horror, and how he feels about his work being adapted for the big screen.
Slaughterhouse Five: The most thought-provoking novel of the 20th century
7th April 2023

Slaughterhouse Five: The most thought-provoking novel of the 20th century

Rising out of the dust of the 1960s, Slaughterhouse-Five questions the meanings of war, and our own personal roles within it.
Margaret Atwood at the Liverpool Philharmonic: Witty and wonderful
6th April 2023

Margaret Atwood at the Liverpool Philharmonic: Witty and wonderful

Margaret Atwood promotes her new short story collection Old Babes in the Wood and gives an insight into her writing process, her feelings about the Handmaid’s Tale television show and more.
If books could kill: Are course books too expensive?
21st March 2023

If books could kill: Are course books too expensive?

Should students be made to fork out hundreds of pounds each year for course books? We explore the social and financial implications of the prices of university books.
Mother and child: Exploring the complexity of Mother’s Day
20th March 2023

Mother and child: Exploring the complexity of Mother’s Day

As much as Mother’s day can be a day of celebration for some, for others it can be one of the hardest days of the year – with that in mind here are some books to explore the harder side of Mother’s day.
The Darkness Manifesto Review: Johan Eklöf’s illuminating new book sheds light on the night but warns us against doing the same
27th February 2023

The Darkness Manifesto Review: Johan Eklöf’s illuminating new book sheds light on the night but warns us against doing the same

See the world through a new lens as Johan Eklöf’s ‘The Darkness Manifesto’ poetically exposes the dark undertones of nature, politics and pollution for better or for worse.
Romance novels revisited: Finding the modern love story
21st February 2023

Romance novels revisited: Finding the modern love story

The Mancunion discusses love stories throughout literary history, as well as which novel modern book lovers should spend your days reading!
2022 Words of the Year: Book recommendations from last year’s questionable picks
21st February 2023

2022 Words of the Year: Book recommendations from last year’s questionable picks

After 2022’s Word of the Year being ‘goblin mode’, we take a look back to review what other lingo came out of 2022
Fall in-love with these mood boosting books
21st February 2023

Fall in-love with these mood boosting books

Take a look at these non-conventional, light-hearted reads. These recommendations are easy to read, empowering for women and fab to read for some self-love!
Act of Oblivion Review: Robert Harris at his explosive best
1st February 2023

Act of Oblivion Review: Robert Harris at his explosive best

In his 15th outing, Robert Harris brings us a cross-continental masterpiece; a tale spanning decades and challenging beliefs. Act of Oblivion is a devastating, heart-warming and tragic novel that you won’t stop thinking about.

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Poetic Prizes: The Forward Prizes takes on the North
29th January 2023

Poetic Prizes: The Forward Prizes takes on the North

After relocating to Manchester’s Contract Theatre, the Mancunion attends the prestigious Forward Prizes for a night of awe and bereavement
Book references in Taylor Swift’s songs: Lyrical masterpieces
16th December 2022

Book references in Taylor Swift’s songs: Lyrical masterpieces

Taylor Swift has dominated the music industry for over ten years. She has ten original award-winning studio albums, with her most recent one, Midnights, breaking Spotify records. Swift’s love of books is no secret, especially when considering the many books she has recommended over the years. This includes Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney, recently […]
Review: The Leviathan
14th December 2022

Review: The Leviathan

Witchcraft. Demonic possession. All-knowing entities. these are just a few of the themes to expect in Rosie Andrew’s explosive debut novel
A Bookmark biography: The charity that helps children read
13th December 2022

A Bookmark biography: The charity that helps children read

As well as providing all the information you need to know about who Bookmark are, what they do and how you can get involved, the Mancunion interviews Bookmark’s Anna Pickles to ask about all the extra info, plus her favourite book
Books not to fill your stockings with
7th December 2022

Books not to fill your stockings with

Not every book should end up in stockings this Christmas – here is just a small selection of the Books that the Mancunion Books section would not want to find in their stockings on Christmas morning
Cosy Reading Spots in Manchester perfect for this winter!
4th December 2022

Cosy Reading Spots in Manchester perfect for this winter!

Looking for the perfect, relaxing spot to enjoy your winter read this weekend? Here are a few cosy reading cafes to take a look at!
Anarchist Book Festival 2022
3rd December 2022

Anarchist Book Festival 2022

Intrigued to learn more about the Anarchist Book Festival? This community driven book pop up not only introduced me to the world of of Anarchist literature, but more how literature in the 21st century can help prompt change
The beauty behind Call Me By Your Name
1st December 2022

The beauty behind Call Me By Your Name

It’s been almost 15 years since the release of CMBYN. Since then, the book has made its mark in Western culture. This month it debuts a new cover, reminding us of the beauty and intricacy behind the novel’s words.
X: A Manchester Anthology review
29th November 2022

X: A Manchester Anthology review

The Mancunion attended the book launch of X: A Manchester Anthology, to get low-down on everything from the free food and drink to the works included in the anthology itself
The Creeper review: A chilling second novel by A.M. Shine
28th November 2022

The Creeper review: A chilling second novel by A.M. Shine

Shocking and gruesome, this gothic horror nightmare has just the right amount of scares but suffers from some poor character development towards the end