With countless literary haunts, an abundance of bookshops, more than 100 libraries to visit, and a university alumnus that ranges from Sylvia Plath to Salman Rushdie, the historic city of Cambridge is a book lover’s dream. But where to lay your head after a day exploring its cobbled streets? The University Arms is a must for the bibliophiles among us. It’s a historic hotel, in which guests are encouraged to borrow a tome from the mahogany-panelled library, curated by independent bookshop Heywood Hill in London. Not sure what to read next? Cue your very own Book Butler. This service includes a personalised book consultation, where you’ll discuss your literary interests, preferred authors and themes. Then a hand-picked selection of books is delivered to your room. You’ll discover under-the-radar writers, indie bookshops and alluring reading spots by the city’s canals.
Service95 was recently lucky enough to spend a night at the University Arms. During our stay, we sat down with their Book Butler, Margherita Zeviani, who provided us with recommendations for your next read, and tips for choosing a book to push you outside your comfort zone...
What does a working day as a Book Butler look like? Alongside my main job at the hotel, I put my Book Butler hat on when a guest schedules an appointment in the library, or if I see a guest perusing the shelves and ask if they need any recommendations. I’m always thinking of new titles and books to add to the library – including emerging writers, classic reads or undiscovered gems.
How does someone become a Book Butler? What is your story? It all happened by accident really. I’ve always loved to read and studied English Literature at University. When I started working at University Arms, I always thought the library at the hotel, with over 300 books and counting, was a great space with loads of atmosphere. However, it felt like it wasn’t being used as a library enough, and we had all these books going untouched. At the same time, we also had many guests coming up to us and saying, ‘Can I take this book to the room? Can I read it and bring it back later?’ This interest was organic – especially from guests who stayed for multiple nights. So one day I thought, why not make this a real service? Helping people find books they love became something I loved to do!
What are the questions you ask guests to curate their selection? I start by asking about books they’ve recently read and favourite genres and books of all time, to get a sense of what the person gravitates towards. This is a great place to start. If the person is amenable to an in-depth conversation, I’ll ask how they are and what’s going on in their lives. For example, are they stressed by work and need an escape? Are they going through any big life changes? As I prepare a selection of books, I’ll also ask if they fancy trying something completely new. If so, I will throw in a book they’d never pick for themselves but, in some way, I feel they’ll connect with.
What are you reading right now? I’m currently reading The Shard by Bret Easton Ellis – he’s the bestselling author of Less Than Zero and American Psycho. I just recently started reading his work and it is interesting to see how they are all somehow connected and belong to the same ‘universe’. The story tracks a group of privileged LA high school friends as a serial killer strikes across the city. It’s full of suspense and dark humour and explores the author’s own life as a teenager.
What advice would you give people who are looking to find a book outside their comfort zone? Go for a completely new genre. I think we often stick to the things we like – whether that’s romance, crime, fantasy – but sometimes it’s so rewarding to try something a little difficult, something that makes you feel uncomfortable and makes you work. You can really surprise yourself and discover that a good book is a good book, no matter the genre. Another fun exercise is just going to the library or bookshop and choosing something totally at random.
How do you keep on top of all the books coming out? I subscribe to newsletters from different publishers and read a lot of reviews in newspapers and online. Social media is also a great help, and more often than not many book influencers provide a great array of recommendations. Following people who work in the industry is a good idea!
Book Butler Margherita Zeviani On The 5 Books Everyone Should Read:
- The Shadow Of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – It’s a modern classic and a love letter to reading. Zafón’s writing is deeply imaginative and he effortlessly builds new realms where stories possess a life of their own. It’s gripping from start to finish.
- The Bastard Of Istanbul by Elif Shafak – Elif Shafak is one of Turkey’s most acclaimed and outspoken novelists and this is a fascinating book that digs into some of the most turbulent years in Turkey’s past. It’s a brave and beautifully written book.
- Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin – I mean, what a book. If you had told me years ago that I’d read a book about video games that would have me so emotionally hooked, I wouldn’t have believed you.
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver – An incredible book loosely based on Charles Dickens’ social epic David Copperfield. We follow the story of a young boy in America on his difficult journey through a family crisis, the social care system and the opioid crisis. It’s an angry, moving book and Demon’s character will stay with you.
- Masters Of The Air by Donald L Miller – It’s the book that inspired the new Apple+ TV Series and it’s super relevant for us at the University Arms as it explores the fascinating time when hundreds of thousands of American airmen were based in East Anglia during World War II. We’ve launched a history itinerary at the hotel so people can visit the key historical spots around us and delve further into these stories! This is an essential read and an incredible story of courage and sacrifice.
Poppy Roy is Service95’s Picture Director and Pia Brynteson is Service95’s Digital Editor
