Bloomsbury Books has resisted change for a hundred years run by men and guided by the general manager's unbreakable rules. But after the turmoil of war the women in the shop have plans. The brilliant and stylish Vivien Lowry has a long list of grievances the biggest of which is Alec McDonough the head of fiction. Loyal Grace Perkins has been working to support her family following her husband's breakdown after the war while torn between duty and dreams of her own. Fiercely bright Evie Stone was one of the first female Cambridge students to earn a degree but was denied an academic position in favour of a less accomplished male rival. As they interact with literary figures of the time Vivien Grace and Evie plot out a future that is richer and more rewarding than anything society will allow.