Reading Scotland: James Robertson, Ghosts of the Glen

We are thrilled to present the new novel by one of Scotland’s most gifted authors, James Robertson. Ever since the acclaimed And the Land Lay Still, readers have been waiting for another novel by Robertson that would articulate the changing spirit and soul of Scotland. News of the Dead is that book. Featuring three characters, hundreds of years apart, the novel is set in the Braes of Angus, where the fictional Glen Conach is the home of fables and folklore gathered over the centuries. Seen through the eyes of an ancient hermit, a Victorian charlatan and a present-day young couple, there are plenty of ghosts haunting the stunning Scottish landscape. As part of the Book Festival’s Reading Scotland series, we have commissioned a new short film made by Robertson and award-winning filmmaker Anthony Baxter which is premiered at the beginning of the event. Set in the Angus glens, the five-minute piece evokes the spirit of the landscape and the mood of the novel, forming the perfect introduction to a discussion about Robertson’s landmark book.

This is a live event, with an author Q&A. Authors and participants will be on stage, in the venue. After the event, James Robertson will be doing an in-person book signing on the Festival site.