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    Desperate Literature

    4.9 (19 reviews)
    ModerateBookstores
    Open 10:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM

    Desperate Literature Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Desperate Literature

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    Love the aesthetic of this entrance that pulled me in!

    This bookstore is out of a dream! So happy I stumbled upon the store walking around Madrid. I love the overall vibe of the place with the quotes, plants, wooden shelves and desks, and welcoming atmosphere. There is something for everyone with a selection of texts in both English and Spanish and even a cool children's room in the back of the store. I bought a novel, and if you want them to, they'll stamp your book with their logo (see photo); I thought that was unique and fun. With the purchase of the book, the tote bag was only €5, so I had to get it.

    Best bookshop sign ever
    Briony C.

    I love a good bookshop and when you walk past this one will catch your eye with the cool signage. I was having a peer in the door when I saw a warning which made me laugh (see the photos!) and then was beckoned in. What a bookshop! This is the kind of place you read about in books, not experience in real life. I was a little buzzing when I got in (sure, I'd had a beer at lunch too) but the guy was super helpful and not put off by my inability to remember the name of the Spanish author I like (Zafon, for future reference). There's books in English and I was recommended a couple of books. I can't resist a book recommendation, especially when it's passionate so I bought both of them. Sure it set me back €22 but that's what being in another city is all about. He even said that if I don't enjoy the books once I start them, I can take them back and swap them for something else - how cool is that?! To me, this is a must visit for anyone in Madrid. Go along, be charmed and find your next book to fall in love with.

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    5 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    My favorite bookshop in Madrid. Grab a book and then grab a beer beside on the corner. Perfect.

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    I have just returned from this bookshop in Madrid, and will write a quiet love letter to it every week until I die.

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    Desperate Literature Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Desperate Literature

    They have books in three different languages (English, French and Spanish) and their prices are fantastic.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Fnac

    Fnac

    4.0(77 reviews)
    0.3 kmSol
    €€

    Child had soccer tickets gifted and his phone died Child had…read moresoccer tickets gifted by family to Real Madrid game. He needed his e-tickets for tonight or no access to the game. His phone connector stopped working and he took responsibilty to go the Plaza Rio2 with his S8+ in tow to get an adult here to help him. He came home with his new charger tried to charge and it didn't work. Walked back immediately another 30 mins to the all in 35°C weather determined to fix his problem and exchange. He was told for a refund he needed an adult. Now he needed an adult? I guess profit has no age, only refund. I left work to go with him, manager refused provide her name and Mario handled her proxy refusing to provide her name or any reference for the staff we dealt with. Though she signed the consumer complaint report, after stating the law in Spain does not protect customers if they opened box. HOW DOES ONE KNOW IF THEIR PRODUCT WORKS AFTER BEING SOLD SOMETHING INAPPROPRIATE ANYWAY? When I asked what she'd feel like if this was her child she agreed she'd doesn't care she's there to get paid!

    It's probably not cool to say this: but Fnac isn't brilliant. I understand that it's a massive…read moremulti-national and it's probably contributing to the demise of small retailers across Europe. But...there's just so much stuff, and it's all in one place. Spread across multiple floors of books, DVDs, comics, music, stationary and electronics, this place was a paradise for me. I could have lived in the little reading area between the books and music section quite happily. Prices are decent enough, roughly in line with the high street. But it's really just a joy to wander around. Located in the bustling Sol shopping district, it's a great spot for gifts for the discerning nerd in your life.

    Photos
    Fnac
    Fnac - La zona gamer

    La zona gamer

    Fnac

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    Librería Mujeres - Front door

    Librería Mujeres

    4.6(8 reviews)
    0.5 kmSol
    €€

    A favorite bookstore in the world since I first found it years ago in its previous location. Five…read moreweeks ago I saw a book I wanted to buy but didn't want to carry during my stay in Spain. Today I went back to buy it and it wasn't where it had been. I misremembered the title and the two women there spent a lot of time and energy finding it for me. Women, support this business. Just going in makes me happy.

    Lovely, helpful, supportive people!!! While in Madrid I needed access to STI/STD testing and online…read moreI couldn't find clear resources and didn't know what to do. I found this book store online and decided to ask the local feminists for help. I arrived just as they were closing but while standing in the doorway I asked if I could just ask a question. In my super awkwardly phrased Spanish I explained my situation and how I needed testing but didn't know what to do. IMMEDIATELY I was let inside and given a recommendation of where to go, when to go, what doctor to ask for, and what to say. The people inside were SO supportive, encouraging, and non-judgemental. PLUS the store is located in a super cute area and they had a really cool collection. SO, if you are seeking experts on books or local resources, GO HERE! The testing advice they gave: -Go the Centro Sandoval -Try to get an appointment with Dr. Juan Ballesteros -Get there early (9am or earlier) because it opens at 9am but there is always a line around the building before it opens -if you need testing you will need an appointment (I couldn't figure out how to make an appointment online as a foreigner) I went in-person and made an appointment - call back to get test results - if you have travel insurance, bring a printed copy

    Photos
    Librería Mujeres
    Librería Mujeres
    Librería Mujeres

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    Desperate Literature - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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