We'd challenge anyone who doubts Edinburgh’s claim to be one of the planet's literary capitals. Can you think of another city train station which is named after a novel, a capital football team which is christened by another and finally, the world's largest monument dedicated to a writer?
Edinburgh has inspired an endless list of late and contemporary creatives: Robert Burns, Arthur Conan Doyle, JK Rowling and Irvine Welsh, just to name a few. Now comes the time for 2015’s writers to shine.
This year is set to be yet another vintage year for Scottish novels, so here is a marvellous mix of books from both brand new and established writers.
The Hourglass Factory by Lucy Ribchester
'The Hourglass Factory' is the first literary offering from Edinburgh-based Lucy Ribchester, and what a debut. Set in London during the 1912 suffragette movement, we witness trapeze artist Ebony Diamond’s mysterious disappearance. The novel features a world of tricks, society columnists, corset fetishists, suffragettes and circus freaks. How did Ebony vanish, who was she afraid of, and what goes on behind the doors of the mysterious Hourglass Factory? A short synopsis cannot possibly do this 500 page whopper of a novel justice.
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson
Renowned author Kate Atkinson’s brand new creation is set for release in May. Her work is celebrated for its wit, wisdom, twists and turns; following her recent 'Life After Life', 'A God in Ruins' promises to be a real companion piece. The novel follows the life of Teddy, would-be poet, RAF bomber, husband and father, as he navigates the perils and progress of the 20th century.
The Paradox by Charlie Fletcher
Edinburgh resident Charlie Fletcher brings us the second installment of his Oversight Trilogy. This gothic fantasy adventure sees a secret society wearily patrol London’s borders between the natural and supernatural. 'The Paradox' serves to provide us with fantastically dark characters, goodies and baddies, as well as some rather unexpected alliances.
Sweet Caress by William Boyd
Needing little to no introduction, William Boyd’s new novel is set for release this coming September. Described by his publisher as his 'most daring and enthralling novel to date', 'Sweet Caress' follows the life of Amory Clay whose developing career as a photographer takes her to 1920s Berlin, 1930s New York and to World War Two as one of the first female war photographers.
The Importance of Manners by HG Watt
Istanbul-born Edinburgh-based writer Watt will be providing us with a dark comedy set in Benin. The novel follows four pampered Western Europeans on a misguided Heart of Darkness cruise through contemporary Africa's interior. 'The Importance of Manners' is a slapstick satire novel in the vein of Alexander McCall Smith and Evelyn Waugh.
See things to do in Edinburgh from Time Out.