Lizzy Hadfield Shares Her Life In Books

What are you reading right now?

Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad and Little by Edward Carey. I just finished NW by Zadie Smith which is our current Buffy’s book club read. 

What book from childhood will always stay with you?

I was a huge Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging fan. I remember laughing with my mum so much when we read those Louise Rennison books together.

When and where do you read?

Mostly on public transport – and I travel a lot, so airports and flights are a great time to read. The one time I don’t like to read is before bed. I find I can’t concentrate, so I prefer to read early in the morning with a cup of tea. 

Where do you buy books?

I try to go to book shops as much as possible. I love browsing through shelves of physical books. Burley Fisher Books in London is amazing. If I’m shopping online, I use World of Books. 

How do you choose what to read?

I try to read widely – different genres, eras, genders, nationalities, ethnicities. I am always mindful of making sure each book is slightly different to the last. 

Do you have a favourite author?

I always find this so hard to answer. I recently read my first Louise Erdrich book and definitely feel intrigued to read more of her work. Ursula Le Guin is always a joy to read, and last year I had a Stephen King phase that was very enjoyable.

What's been your favourite read of 2025 so far?

The Sea, The Sea by Iris Murdoch and Butchers Crossing by John Williams. The Sea, The Sea follows retired thespian Charles Arrowby, who moves to the remote English coast and ends up in a relentless pursuit of his childhood girlfriend. The dialogue is incredible in this novel, and Charles is a perfectly realised character. And Butchers Crossing is a western classic. It includes one of the tensest scenes I have ever read in a book. 

What one novel will always stay with you?

The Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Another western! Famously relentless and violent, McCarthy doesn't give the reader a break, and if you make it to the end, it really does leave a mark. He also has created one of the evilest characters I have ever read in Judge Holden.

Favourite biography?

It’s more of a memoir than a biography, but Childhood, Youth and Dependancy by Tove Ditlevsen is brilliant. And anything by David Wojnarowicz. 

What book would you give as a gift?

My Friends by Hisham Matar. It’s a moving story about the lifelong friendship of two Libyan migrants in London. Everyone who has read this loves it; it's challenging and accessible at the same time, which I think makes for a great gift.

What was the last book that made you cry?

Telephone by Percival Everett. He is a writer who can make me laugh too, which is a testament to how brilliant he is.

Any recommendations for ‘laugh out loud’ books?

Bill Bryson and David Sedaris always make me laugh. Start with Calypso by Sedaris, it’s so enjoyable. 

What’s your favourite film or TV adaptation of a book?

Brideshead Revisited or The Virgin Suicides. Jeremy Irons as Charles Ryder has to be one of the best castings of all time, and it's the epitome of British TV. As for the The Virgin Suicides, Sophia Coppola takes Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel to a different place and makes it more dreamlike. It really works.

Are there any books that have helped you through difficult times?

All of them. I think reading great fiction can be more of an escape than self-help reading. Something that gets you away from your own thoughts is so valuable when you’re struggling personally. 

Favourite literary character?

I loved reading Charles Arrowby in The Sea, The Sea. He is dreadful and Iris Murdoch writes him perfectly – he is so fun to hate. The audiobook is read by Richard E. Grant and he was perfect as Charles. I was laughing and seething in equal measures. 

Do you have a favourite book of all time?

It’s ever changing. I loved The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe and think about it often. Monstrillio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova is a great horror novel. I always enjoy reading horror.

Why did you decide to start Buffy’s?

Moving to New York made me realise how hard it is to make new friends as an adult, and I wanted to create a space for people to connect. Selfishly, I also wanted to be able to meet new people too. Through a decade-long career online, I had the community there already, and I knew a lot of those people loved to read too. Buffy’s has been a way to bring that community into a physical space. The goal was to put on luxe events with great wine and cocktails in a gorgeous venue, but always for an affordable price, so it’s accessible to everyone.

How can people get involved?

We run monthly events between London and New York. You can buy tickets online via Instagram, and we also discuss the book on Substack throughout the month. We vote for the books we read too, which is one of my favourite parts of Buffy’s. There are a lot of opportunities to get involved. 

How do you choose which books will be shortlisted?

Lots of research! We vote from a shortlist of five books, and picking those each month is the most time-consuming part of Buffy’s. We hope the list of five will also act as a way to discover new reads or finally tackle a classic you have been meaning to read for years. The book we read together is chosen by the community through a vote. We are trying to find more ways for people to connect over a love for reading. We are planning one of our biggest events yet in London in November which I am so excited about. All the information will be announced on the Buffy’s Instagram soon.

For more, follow @LIZZYHADFIELD, @BUFFYS__  & visit BUFFYSBOOKCLUB.COM

Join the Buffys Book And Wine book club at BUFFYANDWINE.SUBSTACK.COM