diff --git a/src/pyj/book_list/boss.pyj b/src/pyj/book_list/boss.pyj
index 400a4531f3..fde1fa5bee 100644
--- a/src/pyj/book_list/boss.pyj
+++ b/src/pyj/book_list/boss.pyj
@@ -111,6 +111,13 @@ class Boss:
         self.apply_mode()
         self.read_ui.load_book(book_id, fmt, metadata)
 
+    def return_to_book_list(self, book_id):
+        # Note that book_id could refer to a deleted book, that is, a book no
+        # longer in local storage
+        self.current_mode = 'book_list'
+        self.apply_mode()
+        self.push_state()
+
     def change_books(self, data):
         data.search_result.sort = data.search_result.sort.split(',')[:2].join(',')
         data.search_result.sort_order = data.search_result.sort_order.split(',')[:2].join(',')
diff --git a/src/pyj/read_book/overlay.pyj b/src/pyj/read_book/overlay.pyj
index 99ebd6b933..7092e31850 100644
--- a/src/pyj/read_book/overlay.pyj
+++ b/src/pyj/read_book/overlay.pyj
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from __python__ import hash_literals, bound_methods
 from dom import clear, set_css, element, svgicon, build_rule
 from elementmaker import E
 from book_list.theme import get_color
+from book_list.globals import get_boss
 from widgets import create_spinner
 from gettext import gettext as _
 
@@ -76,9 +77,9 @@ class MainOverlay:  # {{{
                 cursor='pointer', padding='0.5ex 0', margin='0 0.5rem',
             ))
 
-        add_button('home', _('Return to list of books'))
-        add_button('arrow-left', _('Back'))
-        add_button('arrow-right', _('Forward'))
+        add_button('home', _('Return to list of books'), self.return_to_book_list)
+        add_button('arrow-left', _('Back'), self.back)
+        add_button('arrow-right', _('Forward'), self.forward)
         add_button()
         add_button('refresh', _('Reload this book from the server'))
         add_button('cloud-download', _('Get last read position and annotations from the server'))
@@ -105,6 +106,18 @@ class MainOverlay:  # {{{
 
     def on_hide(self):
         clearInterval(self.timer)
+
+    def return_to_book_list(self):
+        view = self.overlay.view
+        book_id = view.book.key[1]
+        get_boss().return_to_book_list(book_id)
+
+    def back(self):
+        window.history.back()
+
+    def forward(self):
+        window.history.forward()
+
 # }}}
 
 class Overlay: