POND - Staff Pick of the Week

Claire-Louise Bennett’s Pond is a luminous, unconventional exploration of solitude and the inner workings of the mind. The novel eschews traditional plot structures, opting instead for a series of fragmented, introspective vignettes narrated by a nameless woman living in rural Ireland.

Bennett’s prose is richly textured, blending sensual detail with philosophical musings. She captures the minutiae of everyday life—eating a bowl of porridge, observing nature, or contemplating a broken stove—with extraordinary depth and wit. The narrator’s inner monologue is simultaneously precise and meandering, creating a deeply immersive experience that mirrors the complexity of thought.

What sets Pond apart is its ability to evoke a profound sense of place and self without grand narratives. The novel invites the reader to find beauty and meaning in the seemingly mundane, making it a deeply meditative and rewarding read for those who appreciate a slow, contemplative pace.

The book stands so tall, it inspired Amelia to write a poem, which she read at her monthly open mic night (it ended up being reviewed along with the open mic itself here). 

You can purchase the book here on our website, or come into the shop and pick up a limited signed edition published in a beautiful hardback.