Entertainment

Book guru David Torrans on Raymond Carver, John Connolly, Tom Waits and Blondie

Jenny Lee puts David Torrans of Belfast bookstore No Alibis on the spot to find out what really matters to him

David Torrens, owner of No Alibis, Northern Ireland’s only specialist crime bookstore and one of north's few surviving independent bookstores
David Torrens, owner of No Alibis, Northern Ireland’s only specialist crime bookstore and one of north's few surviving independent bookstores David Torrens, owner of No Alibis, Northern Ireland’s only specialist crime bookstore and one of north's few surviving independent bookstores

1. When did you think about turning your passion for literature as a career and what were your first steps into it?

The first inklings came around 1995/96 when I was working in The Bookshop at Queen's. I had always been passionate about books – reading them, talking about them and selling them. With the support from two former lecturers and my family, along came the impetus to jump into running my own bookshop, No Alibis. I haven't looked back since I answered my call by carving out my path in literature. Everyone should make their passion their everyday, that way, you never work a day in your life.

2. Best gigs you’ve been to?

Oh that’s a tricky one because we have hosted some amazing intimate gigs here in the shop. Three of my favourite, further afield, were: Tom Waits in Hammersmith Odeon, 2005; Isobel Anderson at Glastonbury, 2011 and John Bramwell at Union Chapel, Islington in 2016.

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?

Blondie or The Pretenders.

4. The record you’d take to a desert island?

Bach Suites adapted for guitar. It's amazing sitting back and listening to melody without the lyrics that often interrupt your train of thought.

5. And the book?

Raymond Carver: Collected Stories (Library of America Edition).

6. Top three films?

Paris Texas, Buffalo 66 and Fargo.

7. Worst film you've seen?

London Has Fallen.

8. Favourite authors?

Raymond Carver, John Connolly and Flannery O’Connor.

9. Sports you most enjoy and top teams?

Cycling and football – Tottenham has been my team since I was seven years old. I also love watching ice skating.

10. Ideal holiday destination?

France or Italy.

11. Pet hate?

Selfishness.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? Steak.

Dessert? Apple pie.

Drink? Bushmills Black Bush.

13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?

Claudia Edelmann. She is my partner.

14. Is there a God?

Doubt it.

:: David Torrans is collaborating with Bushmills Irish Whiskey on the #AnswerTheCall campaign to give undiscovered writers the opportunity to have their words printed in a special No Alibis/Bushmills Black Bush publication. To submit your ode to the fearless, confident and brave among us, visit www.answerthecall.co.uk before May 31.