Patrick Forsyth has given a review of Maldon Book Store

Renowned Essex author Patrick Forsyth visited the store to see what it had to offer.

Maldon Book Store sits at the top of the High Street opposite the church.

Despite opening just weeks before the first lockdown of the pandemic, the business survived and has been thriving ever since

Reviewing his visit, Mr Forsyth said: “As a writer and a book lover I guess I am prejudiced, but I agree with the saying that a town is not a town without a bookshop.

Pleasing - Maldon Book Store has a lovely warm feeling from outside (Image: Patrick Forsyth)

“The shop is bright, attractive and well stocked. They will track down any title; even when all you can remember about it is that it is set in Paris, the author’s name begins with D and the cover is blue.

“Olivia and her stalwart assistants know their stuff, welcoming their customers, recognizing their regulars, how many times have I been reminded that you can’t have too many books, I wonder and are always pleased to make recommendations."

The recently expanded section for children has already seen many families visiting it, with the expansion providing more room for customers.

It also added a section selling vinyl records new and old.

In addition, the shop regularly organizes a variety of events such as talks, authors’ signings, workshops and a free weekly young children’s song, rhyme and story session.

Just this month they have already hosted two events - a creative writing workshop and a poetry reading.

With many of the events free and offering free drinks and entertainment such as live music, it is a great place to take the children and for them to explore the books on offer and experience reading from authors.

Mr Forsyth added: “It is simply a gem. The town is lucky to have them.

"A visit there is a real treat and besides, a bookshop is the only place where you can spend money and come out richer.”