Mary Irvine’s blog: West Dunbartonshire Book Week November 2019
West Dunbartonshire Book Week November 2019
What a busy week! Monday kicked off with a very icy drive out to the Cove and Kilgreggan Literary Society who had kindly invited me to talk about my life in Greece and how it influenced my writing. I illustrated the talk with a slide show which I must improve! Everyone was very welcoming and I enjoyed the evening. The audience did too, I believe.
Wednesday was the Alexandria Library which was hosting local lad, Paul Murdoch. Paul gave a power point presentation of his latest book ‘Old Bloke Goes Running’ which I have already reviewed. A humorous/serious account of getting fit for the more mature person. Paul always relates well to his audience and this was no exception. www.paulmurdoch.co.uk
Thursday morning was a ‘Meet the Author Event’ at the Fruin Farm’ . Graham Morgan was talking about his book ‘Start’ in conversation with Robin Lloyd-Jones. Graham has the most wonderful speaking voice and his readings entranced everyone present. The book is a beautifully written, honest, account of how people with a mental illness can, and do, live productive lives in the community. It is, perhaps surprisingly, a cheerful book. For support or information Graham can be emailed on Graham.Morgan@mwcscot.org.uk
Mallachy Tallack at University of Glasgow
Thursday evening was Malachy Tallack being interviewed by Donny O’Rourke about Malachy’s first venture into fiction with ‘The Valley at the Centre of the World’ – (Longlisted for the Ondaatje Prize, Shortlisted for the Highland Book Prize). I had previously heard Malachy talk about ‘the Undiscovered Islands. And ‘Sixty Degrees North’ so knew Malachy spoke and read well. He and Donny, both eloquent speakers, gave a truly literary evening. I look forward to reading this book about a small community on Shetland.
Friday was Kerry Hudson at the Dumbarton Library. Interviewed by Allan Gordon Kerry spoke about her latest book, ‘Lowborn’. This is her first non-fiction book, following the success of two fiction novels. Often alluding to unpleasant, sometimes horrendous, events in her childhood Kerry did quite clearly demonstrate that such events can be overcome with the help of sympathetic, caring and positive people.
Thanks are due to Allan Gordon and all at West Dunbartonshire libraries for another successful Book week. I would also like to thank all those people who support me in my efforts to promote the literary talent in the area.
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This section: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene
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