Main Point Books is a friendly bookstore situated in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, near the Castle.
We carry a wide general stock, including, fiction, post-colonial studies, labour history, feminism, Scottish history, art, spirituality, indigenous peoples and a smidgeon of antiquarian (fluctuating according to what comes into stock).
We also sell collectable old books and 19th century prints.
A small selection of our stock is available via Abebooks, linked here under our Second-hand catalogue.
published by Main Point Books
Gripping memoir and poetry from Palestinian writer Nada Shawa
In this blend of memoir and poetry, Nada Shawa writes in solidarity with her home country, recalling a happy early childhood spent in Gaza.
Three prose pieces, written between 2009 and 2019, are full of honesty, defiance and humour. Their poignancy is heightened by our knowledge of the desperate situation in Palestine today, which inspired her poems on Gaza, mostly written this year.
Nada recounts her experiences of travelling with a wheelchair in and out of a country in military occupation and the unique hardship this brings.
Her voice is powerful, peaceful yet fierce. Her poetry deals with grief, displacement and war, but also the restorative power of nature and art.
This new edition contains poems and an extended introduction that reflect on events in 2025.
Nada’s voice and story are a bridge between Scotland, her home since childhood, and Gaza, where she comes from a family lineage of truthseekers dedicated to the rights and protection of the Palestinian people. Her words are an almighty call to justice, a heart’s keepsake and a lovesong to family, culture and home.—Karine Polwart
Nada Shawa’s writing is delicate, vivid and full of hope despite the grave personal losses which she laments.—Raja Shehadeh
Grief and sorrow, the joy of good company, family and friendship, and through it all, music, of all kinds, give this short book a remarkable buoyancy and assurance.—Alan Riach, The National
A complex, deeply personal story which paints a distinct picture of a resilient and caring author and her family.—Marianne Tambini, Snack Magazine
FOR DELIVERY OUTSIDE THE UK:
https://www.abebooks.com/Indigenous-Soul-Gaza-Shawa-Nada-Main/32180668219/bd
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A blend of poetry and memoir from Palestinian writer Nada Shawa.
Her voice is powerful, peaceful yet fierce. Her poetry deals with grief, displacement and war, but also the restorative power of nature and art. -
New guidebook to the iconic steps in Edinburgh's Old Town. The backdrop of Edinburgh Castle makes the Steps a uniquely romantic place for trysting lovers and travellers posing for a selfie. But there is more to the Vennel than can be captured through the lens of a camera. The Flodden Wall, George Heriot’s Hospital, a community garden for slum children, fireball football, false testimony at the trial of Burke and Hare – these are all part of the Vennel story.
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A chance aside by Zoe Venditozzi of the Witches of Scotland campaign inspired these poems, which question identity, vilification and the names historically used to constrain women.