Books / Bookshops
Bristol bookshop to launch book club
It is an understatement to say Evelyn Heis loves books.
Her Goodreads profile runs deep.
A postgraduate student at the University of Bristol, Heis landed her “dream job” as an assistant manager and events coordinator at Max Minerva’s bookshop in Henleaze while she was still an undergraduate.
is needed now More than ever
She is currently putting together the finishing touches for the launch of Max Minerva’s new monthly book club.
The planned club promises to bring the joy of translated literature to a wider audience.
Max Minerva’s co-founder Sam Taylor hosting an author event with Anna Mazzola (left) and Elizabeth Fremantle (right) – photo credit- Max Minerva’s
Originally from Argentina, Heis has been fascinated by translated literature since she was child.
She says “every word is meticulously placed” in translated literature and acts as a window into other cultures which helps people “foster empathy” for one another.
Max Minerva’s first opened in 2018 on North Street.
While bookshops up and down the country were closing at an alarming rate, Sam Taylor and Jess Paul (a husband and wife duo) decided to take a calculated risk and open one.
This risk paid off and by 2022 they were able to move into a bigger location on Henleaze Road.
Inside Max Minerva’s book store on a busy Saturday – photo: Milan Perera
Heis loves working at Max Minerva’s.
As an avid reader, she was recently chosen to be an international reading challenge ambassador for the 2024 International Booker Prize and was invited to attend the ceremony.
She is very excited about the new book club.
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Heis said: “I was drawn to the idea of forming a book club to connect with like minded readers over translated literature and create a community. I want to establish a space for people to push themselves outside of their comfort zone and expose themselves to literature from languages and cultures different to their own.
“Translated fiction, for me, is the most admirable art form. Translators are tasked with interpreting literature in one language and piecing together – like a puzzle – the best possible version in another language, ensuring to retain the tone, humour, style, and sentiment of the original.”
Max Minerva’s is bracing for a busy autumn season including the newly launched monthly book club – photo credit- Max Minerva’s
Heis continued: “When I read translated literature, I am aware that every word I process has been chosen with care and intent – and this awareness completely transforms and elevates my reading experience.
“Translated fiction is my favourite kind of literature to read, for it has been meticulously crafted and thought over by translators who deserve recognition.
“Bristol is an extremely multicultural city, and it’s a privilege to be able to encounter so many varying cultures and languages through the people that we meet on a day-to-day basis and the shops that form part of our streets.
“Delving into a new author and language monthly, I hope to read around the world with our book club members and to instigate stimulating discussions about literature in translation.”
Evelyn Heis, events coordinator at Max Minerva’s, is preparing for the launch its monthly book club – photo: Max Minerva’s
Max Minerva’s will host the translated book club every last week of the month starting in September.
For more information about joining the book club, email info@maxminervas.co.uk to register your interest
Main photo: Max Minerva’s
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