Staff Profile – Lena
11 November 2025
Get to know Lena, one of our booksellers.
Lena reads narrative nonfiction, cozy fantasy, and modern fiction with complex familial relationships, but often strays from any one category to enjoy an eclectic selection of writings. Their desert island reads are: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, and Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.
As a family favourite, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle was an early introduction to science fiction and one I return to as a reminder of home. Its explorations through space and time and its dedication to familial love are transportive and uplifting—ideal for a desert island.
Another classic adventure through fantastical places is, of course, The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. What is there to say about it that hasn’t already been said? As a child it enthralled me, and as an adult I reread it every Christmas season. It’s hard to imagine a situation that cannot be improved by The Hobbit.
Finally, as an actor it would be remiss of me if I did not select a play to read out loud without fear of annoying flatmates or neighbours, so my third choice is Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. One of my favourite of Shakespeare’s comedies, its happy ending, along with those of its companions, would be best for high spirits and time well spent on a desert island.