Photo © Al Forbes 2015
I’d been meaning to visit this independent bookshop for a while. I knew it had been torched by thugs, six months ago. Fortunately, the shop was up and running again in no time – good for him. I wanted to show my support.
It felt good to see that there was still a bookshop not controlled by the corporate evil that is ‘New International Bookshops’ (N.I.B.)
NIB, A global entity, with their slogan, ‘Might is Write’, now dominates all written media. NIB shops sell only officially approved titles.
A bell rang as I opened the door. A small man appeared behind the counter, looking a little nervous. I noticed that discreet CCTV cameras had been fitted, covering both inside and outside the shop. Sad, but necessary.
I tried to start a conversation with him, but all his answers were very guarded. I gave up and went back to browsing.
It was only when I walked to the ‘Classics’ section that he showed any interest in me. I could feel his eyes burning into the back of my neck.
“After anything in particular there, sir?”
I turned towards him. “I’m looking for ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Do you have it?”
He flushed. “I’ll probably have it in the storeroom, if it’s not on public display, sir.”
“Okay. I’ll wait.”
Something in his eyes gave him away. I was already running for the door before he reached behind the counter and jabbed the button. The shutters were only half down, as I slid out through the door and onto the street.
There were shouts and heavy footsteps behind me – two NIB agents in black suits. They were determined, but I know these streets well, and was able to shake them off within minutes. Now they had my face on camera, I couldn’t return home.
After several days, I managed to make contact with the Underground, who gave me a new identity. In return, I helped them plan their next mission: to torch the bookshop, this time for good.
The story was inspired by Sunday Photo Fiction, January 25th 2015, hosted by Al Forbes. Click the logo for more details.
To view other entries click the link here.
This post is also entered in the Word Snap Weekly challenge, hosted by Amanda Lakey at UniqueArt Chic.com. Click the logo for more details, and to read the other entries.
Walk the Self-Talk 
Oh nice! I didn’t see that coming at all. Always a fan of a good “resistance” story!!
Thanks. I wanted to add some intrigue to an innocent book shop!
Almost got him! Shame he was just too fast out the door. I wonder why he wants to torch the place, what’s in it for him? 🙂
In a world where buying ‘Pride and Prejudice’ can get you arrested, the Resistance have got to be good guys! 🙂
Big brother gone bad.
DJ
A scary thought, to live in that kind of world. Thanks for commenting.
Well done, Steve. This has a definite Fahrenheit 451 feel to it. I like that motto: Might is Write. It’s true, to a point, or at least Write is Might.
-David
Thanks, David. I wanted to turn the idea of a cosy bookshop on its head. I would imagine the idea of books being banned is something that sets alarm bells ringing for most of us.
That was good! I wasn’t expecting the way it ended. Yes! Torch it.
Thanks! I wanted a dramatic twist at the end. 😀
It was and I loved it! 😀
Quite a take. Enjoyed reading this.
Thanks. 😀
i thought it was a true story! lol
It’s probably safer to shop at Amazon than use a bookshop like that! 😉
To have the media so controlled would be an ominous state of affairs indeed.
Yes, unfortunately there are countries where this is the case.
That what worries me. It is happening now.
Seems like the small bookstore owner caved in to the N.I.B. Good thing the lover of book freedom got away. What a terrible world that would be. Well done, Steve 🙂 — Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne. For us it seems unthinkable, but there are countries where this is probably the norm.
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