Book Week Scotland 2018 – Events at Arlington Baths Club

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Book Week Scotland 2018 – Events at Arlington Baths Club

Book Week Scotland runs from 19 – 25 November.

Arlington Baths Club invites you to come along and enjoy a range of literary events in the fascinating surroundings of Glasgow’s first bath’s club founded in 1870.

Mongol: a journey from loss and prejudice to belonging

Monday 19 November, 7pm

Travel from Mongolia to Scotland with author and broadcaster Uuganaa Ramsay. In her powerful memoir, Mongol, she interweaves the extraordinary story of her own childhood in Mongolia with the sadly short life of her son Billy, diagnosed with Down Syndrome, who becomes a symbol of different cultures, stigma, superstition and inspires her to challenge prejudice.

Swimming against the tide

Tuesday 20 November, 7pm

How do ordinary people deal with extraordinary events? Swim Until You Can’t See Landcharts the relationship between two rebellious women: ex-professional swimmer Hannah Wright and Marièle Downie, once a wartime spy in occupied France. Hear novelist Catriona Child chat about her inspirations: sport and her Granny’s stories of the Second World War.

The Tom Shields’ guide to hidden Glasgow

Wednesday 21 November, 7pm

Join Tom Shields, the long-time Glasgow Herald diarist and a former member of the Baths, for a meander around hidden corners of Glasgow. He’ll guide you to some intriguing and under-appreciated places, all in his book 111 Places in Glasgow You Shouldn’t Miss. And, yes, a certain swimming baths is featured…!

Who are the Scots? Exploring challenges to national identity

Thursday 22 November, 7pm

Join three writers wrestling with knotty questions of national identity. Brian McHugh (Torn Edges, Between Two Bridges) looks at Scots-Irish connections; Mary McCabe (Stirring the Dust, Two Closes and a Referendum) explores the Scots-English experience; and Sandy Jamieson (A Subtle Sadness, Own Goal) addresses Scots-European identity.

Creative writing discussion: making progress and avoiding pitfalls with your novel

Friday 23 November, 3pm

Do you have an idea for a novel? Here’s your chance to take part in an informal discussion with successful novelist Fiona Gibson (The Woman Who Upped and Left, As Good As It Gets, Take Mum Out). She’ll share her experiences, chat about the pitfalls and the pleasures of writing fiction, and how to overcome creative writing challenges.

(Free / ticketed)

Friday night poetry with Iain Matheson and Jane Bonnyman

Friday 23 November, 7pm

Take an enlightening journey with poetry by two modern Scottish poets: Iain Matheson and Jane Bonnyman. Hear them read their work, including poems in a new anthology responding to the novels of Muriel Spark, and talk about how they work with words.
Ticket includes a free glass of wine and cake!

Rebelling against traditional ideas of family

Saturday, 24 November, 7pm

The real-life experiences of three women are the focus for this inspiring event. Shazia Hobbs (The Gori’s Daughter), Carol Fox (Memoirs of a Feminist Mother) and Susan Campbell (A Dog Owners’ Guide to Fulfilment) will discuss the social pressures, pitfalls and joys of different kinds of families.

Book Your Place

Book Week Scotland Events

There will also be tours every day from 6pm, so if you have friends who have not yet visited the Baths, please encourage them to come along to an event and have look round!