Reading retreats, bookish suppers, reviews, recommendations, connections and conversations

At By The Book, we believe in the power of the written word.

By the Book gives you permission to stop and read.

We want to help you unwind and lose yourself in a good book in the company of fellow readers.

What's it all about?

We are building a community of readers, spending time together, sharing ideas, book recommendations and great food.
We're starting conversations and forging friendships through a common love of literature.

Love the idea of a book club but hate the idea of regular commitment?

This is the one for you, a perfect combination of good books, great food and lively conversation in interesting settings.

MORE INFO

Our ultimate unwind - a multi-faceted experience that combines reading with the opportunity to refresh and replenish your body and mind. Immerse yourself in nature, enjoy Pilates sessions, creative activities and melt away your cares in the

wood-fired sauna.

An opportunity to read with no distractions and relax away from the pressures of everyday life. Stay for four revitalising nights in a variety of venues.

The Reading Party is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow booklovers.

MORE INFO

If you're thinking about joining us for The Well Read retreat at @cabillacornwall and are wondering about the accommodation, this is for you.
The gorgous Koyt cabins are off-grid so you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life but they're equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. They can be made up for single or shared occupancy and everyone will have access to the communal barns. Just a stone's throw away, these house the studio space, kitchen, areas for relaxing and dining as well as lovely modern bathrooms.
The retreat runs from 29th April for four days. You'll find all of the information on our website (link in Bio) or ping us a message if you have any questions.
#readingretreat #bookretreat #pilatesretreat #cornwallretreat #bythebook

Have you ever wondered what Frenchman's Creek is like? Well, I was out paddle boarding there yesterday so I thought I'd give you a little look.

I have to be honest here, Frenchman's Creek isn't my favourite du Maurier novel. Published in 1941, it was her first work after Rebecca but it pales in comparison. The plot isn’t much to speak of and the characters are pretty cliched but nobody captures the spirit of Cornwall better than Daphne. Her writing evokes this strange and beautiful place perfectly.

Frenchman's Creek is a tidal inlet on the Helford river. Its steep banks are covered in ancient oak trees and like Cabilla, the location for our April reading retreat next year, it's home to a rare pocket of Atlantic temperate rainforest. It'secluded and quiet even at the height of summer. There are many theories about the origins of its name but one is that it was once a hiding place of smugglers. You can see how this might have inspired du Maurier although she makes the hero of her novel a pirate rather than a smuggler.

For those of you not familiar with Frenchman's Creek, it's the story of the beautiful and spirited Lady Dona St Colomb who flees the boredom of Restoration London and her doltish husband for his country estate near Helford. There she meets the dashing French pirate, Jean-Benoit Aubery, who’s been secretly mooring his ship in Frenchman’s Creek and raiding the Cornish coast. As the local gentry redouble their efforts to capture Aubery, he and Dona embark on a dangerous and passionate affair.

I’m not averse to a bit of romance or swashbuckling but this just doesn't do it for me. Du Maurier has some success exploring the limitations and frustrations Dona experiences as a woman in 18th century society but Aubery is like a cardboard cutout. The only character that really interests me was his servant. Having said that, it’s a light and diverting read and Du Maurier is as masterful as ever at evoking atmosphere and a sense of place.

Are you a fan of Frenchman's Creek? Have I done it a disservice? Let me know your thoughts.
Christen x

#frenchmanscreek #daphnedumaurier #cornwallbooks #romancenovels #explorecornwall

Windswept cliffs, roaring fires, hearty food, great company and lots and lots of reading time.
This is what our reading retreat at Prussia Cove is all about. Spend five nights in The Haven, a Victorian house overlooking the sea. With a wonderfully nostalgic vibe, it feels like you're stepping back in time. There's no better way to switch off.
Think Daphne du Maurier, The Camomile Lawn, Agatha Christie and even the Famous Five.
Have a swipe to see our Prussia Cove mood board.
If you'd like more details about our retreat visit our website - link in bio.

#readingretreat #bookretreat #cornwallretreat #prussiacove #bythebook

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@bythebookonline