Bestselling authors such as Paula Hawkins, Ian Rankin and Michel Faber are among the special guests appearing in Edinburgh next month for Book Week Scotland. The capital’s line-up for the festival taking place November 23-29 includes events featuring local authors and illustrators, alongside family-friendly workshops and activities.
‘Girl on the Train’ author Paula Hawkins will be discussing the inspiration for her bestselling debut novel at Waterstone’s Princes Street on November 25, while Edinburgh’s own Ian Rankin has chosen his favourite book-to-screen adaptation ‘Get Carter’ and will be celebrating the 1971 film at an event at Cameo Cinema, also on November 25. Another cinematic event will be the screening of Jonathan Glazer’s adaptation of Michel Faber’s ‘Under the Skin’ at Filmhouse on November 29. This will be followed by a Q&A with the author, who will discuss the experience of having his work adapted for the big screen.
For younger visitors, the programme includes a chance to make your own comic with graphic novelists Metaphrog at Craigmiller Library, a reading by Lesley Barnes of her colourful book ‘Jill and Dragon’ at Fruitmarket Gallery and an afternoon with drawing and storytelling with author Rebecca Colby and illustrator Kate McLelland, creators of ‘There Was A Wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie’, at Waterstone’s on Princes Street.
Other events will include a book swap library at Summerhall and a discussion about the importance of literary festivals featuring Edinburgh International Book Festival director Nick Barley. Book Week Scotland will also include the launch of a new campaign, #ThankBooks, encouraging members of the public to share how books have changed their lives. More than 300,000 free books will also be given away.
The full programme for Book Week Scotland is out now.
Book Week Scotland, November 23-29, various venues.
See more things to do in Edinburgh from Time Out.