5 Modern Cornish Reads

Clemo Books is an independent bookshop that’s “curating books and creating community” just minutes from the Cornish coastline. Based in Newquay, it’s run by Jaimie Poyner, who has a true love for words and stories. We caught up amongst the cosy shelves of Clemo Books. Jaimie shared five reads, from a fantasy set on the moors to a must-have fish cookery book, which explore a facet of our favourite landscape – we hope they transport you to Cornwall’s shores, wherever you are. 

“Tired of London, the author escapes to Newlyn, sets sail on a fishing trawler and regales the history of Cornwall’s fishing industry in an engaging way.” - Jaimie

In Dark, Salt, Clear, Lamorna Ash recounts her experience of moving to Cornwall and discovering a different reality to the one she had seen on childhood holidays. She joins a crew of local fishermen on a week-long trip and gains insight into their warm-hearted but tough world. Set against the threatening backdrop of looming globalisation, she quickly learns that fishing forces you to confront yourself and the issues around you.

We spoke to Lamorna in 2020 when Dark, Salt, Clear was published in 2020. Read the interview and listen to an extract.  

“Lighthouse keepers go missing off the coast of Cornwall in this novel inspired by a hauntingly true story.” - Jaimie

The unexpected disappearance of three lighthouse keepers leaves a deep hole in the communities that mourn them. Vanishing without a trace and leaving behind only locked doors and stopped clocks, the incident is shrouded in mystery. Twenty years on, a writer arrives to tell the story - but only then does the truth start to surface. 

“An exciting glimpse into the world of plastic archaeology. The perfect read for beachcombers.” - Jaimie

A fascinating true story from 1997. When a cargo ship was hit by a rogue wave on the Cornish coast, nearly five million pieces of sea themed Lego were lost to the sea. They’ve been washing up on beaches along the southwest coast ever since, leading to an unexpected treasure hunt.  

“Historical fantasy set in Cornwall. It’s a folkloric romp through the moorland and we are eager for the second instalment.”  - Jaimie

Set in an 18th-century Cornish village, Gorse is an atmospheric read that confronts themes of folklore and faith. A friend to spriggans, pixies and humans, Nancy Bligh sets out to restore balance between the fey and the village people. Described as a combination of The Bear and the Nightingale and Poldark, this story transports the reader to another place. 

“This will become your go to cookbook for seafood, midweek meals, dinner parties – any time you’re in the kitchen really!”  - Jaimie

Time & Tide by Emily Scott explores how life by the Cornish coast influences her cooking. From breakfast to dinner, the book includes over 80 recipes - each one as delicious and creative as the next. She reflects on how the coastal landscapes and the changing elements inspire her dishes, infusing them with creativity and a strong sense of place. The book reveals how these inspirations shape her daily life and cooking throughout the year.