When Ruth Shaw started her first Wee Bookshop out the W back of her and husband Lance's home in Manapouri, it was only supposed to be a retirement hobby.
Both in their 70s, she and Lance had very different ideas of what retirement was supposed to look like. Within weeks, it was clear that this hobby was going to be more like a full-time job. Now aged 75, Ruth has just released her first book, a memoir titled The Bookseller at the End of the World.
The first Wee Bookshop was small enough to sit on their property without requiring a building permit, and the gypsy-caravan look of it - plus the great selection of books - made it a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. Manapouri sits on the edge of Fiordland and it's beautiful in its own right.
Now, a charming and colourful adult bookshop, children's bookshop, and "a snug" sit on the property, receiving a constant flow of visitors from spring to autumn each year.
The shop bell is taken from Breaksea Girl, the boat Ruth and Lance used to run tours on, and it's rung frequently by eager book buyers when they arrive in the shop.
Ruth and/or Lance, who have been together 30 years and married for 11, are always ready to come out, offer a book recommendation, some wisdom and maybe a cup of tea or two.
As you would imagine, these wee bookshops attract a clientele that's as colourful as they are and funny little snapshots of their customers are interspersed throughout Ruth's Bookseller memoir. But if you're expecting a mild-mannered book about, well, books, you'd be wrong.
This story is from the June 13, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 13, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The butt OF JOKES
Kevin wasn't so keen on wife Linda’s reaction to his medical emergency!
A space to CALL HOME
Michele reflects on finding your safe place
Gut REACTION
Want to live a healthier, happier life? Experts think the bacteria in your belly could be the secret to living well
Right as ROTI
This delicate Malaysian-style flatbread can be quickly prepared in a frying pan. Enjoy on its own or paired with a curry or soup
LAURA'S BACKYARD DRAMA
The theatre star’s taking The Bard's work to a familiar venue
PAULA & BREE'S SPECIAL BOND
The director admits her leading lady does a bett er job of being her than she does!
KEEPING UP WITH DUSKIE
With a special limb to fast-track her progress, there’s no stopping her now!
MKR SISTERS' KITCHEN CRED
Their taste buds are stronger than most, thanks to wacky childhood creations
'I COULDN'T TELL A SOUL'
In a top-secret mission, the TV star’s uncovered how Pippa took on the Nazis
HOW THEY PLAN TO WIN BACK FANS
The couple’s polo date is just the start of more fun and games