The Happy Reader

Book excerpt: For avid readers and the uninitiated alike, this is a chance to reengage with classic literature and to stay inspired and entertained. The concept of the magazine is simple: the first half is a long-form interview with a notable book fanatic and the second half explores one classic work of literature from an array of surprising and invigorating angles. The book of the winter will be the original 'sex and shopping' novel, Au Bonheur des Dames by Emile Zola. With its vivid portrayal of greedy customers and gossiping staff, its lavish descriptions and sense of theatre, this is a rich and exciting novel about a glittering Paris department store and the capitalist society we live in. Our cover star will be revealed at publication.