In news that will shock absolutely no-one, it was revealed yesterday that books written by women and about women are less likely to win major literary prizes. Amongst the findings – compiled by author Nicola Griffith – was the depressing note that “women wrote zero out of 15 [Pulitzer] prize-winning books wholly from the point […]
There is a culture of diplomacy at the heart of the Scottish book industry. It sounds quite nice, doesn’t it? In the abstract, it connotes an image of benign fair-mindedness, of tea-supping, left-leaning culturals just being really nice about saving a largely independent industry. Read just a small number of reviews of Scottish books – indeed, […]
Calling all Burkes, Marlowes, Bosches and Salanders – we have a treasure hunt to solve! To celebrate the publication of Jane Alexander’s debut novel, we’re taking part in a thrilling book-blog treasure hunt. The prize? Well, aside from the knowledge that you’re the savviest sleuth in town, there are two copies of the book up for grabs, while the […]
Now that the official figure for unemployment has exceeded three million, is the Prime Minister proud of the fact that she has brought so much despair to so many families in the United Kingdom? Is she proud of the fact that she and the Government have created more havoc in the British economy than the […]
Guest reviewer, crime writer DOUGLAS SKELTON, discusses the latest thriller from MICHAEL J. MALONE. All families have secrets. Some are more deadly than others. In Michael J. Malone’s new book Beyond the Rage (Contraband, 2015), we find out more about Kenny O’Neill, the decidedly dodgy best friend of DI Ray McBain in both Blood Tears […]
The first anthology of Scottish LGBT writing in over 12 years, Out There (ed. Zoë Strachan, Freight 2014) brings together a series of bold and exciting dialogues on the sexual and cultural landscape of Scotland, cleverly hinged on the paradigm of ‘otherness’ that has been so central to the independence debate this year. It could not be […]
Hey, you. Yes, you. Close that jungle-themed shopping tab and get your boots on. High time you treated yourself to a bricks and mortar bookshop experience! I know this little place… And so, our second Glaswegian Bookshop Spotlight turns to the City Centre and Oswald Street Bookshop, owned by Denis Rixon. This fresh-faced indie bookshop […]
Come join the Novel Bookblog group for a chat about A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing, the intense debut novel by Eimear McBride. We encourage passionate endorsements, vehement counterattacks and the imbibing of wine throughout. More details below: BOOK: A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing by Eimear McBride DATE: Sunday 9 November TIME: 7pm-8.30pm LOCATION: The […]
Drumroll please… The first entry in our Bookshop Spotlight series is the West End treasure trove that is Thistle Books! Located (hidden) on a small lane just off Otago Street, Thistle Books is owned and run by Robert Dibble and is packed to the rafters with literary delights, an impressive selection of sheet music and […]
Like books, wine and a good old natter? Great news: you’ll find all three at our first book group meeting! BOOK: The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector DATE: Sunday 7 September TIME: 7pm-8.30pm LOCATION: The Sparkle Horse The Hour of the Star Blurb: Living in the slums of Rio and eking out a […]
A Novel Bookblog 