From new book launches to open mics, read below for a range of anticipated upcoming literary events this October in the rich literary haven that is Edinburgh!
Theatre Book Club: Murder on the Orient Express
Saturday 26th October, 13:30
Blackwell’s, South Bridge
For literature and theatre lovers alike, Blackwell’s is hosting a collaborative book club with Capital Theatres to discuss one of the most beloved mystery novels. The event will involve a trip to the Festival Theatre to see the production and a discussion of the book and its connection to the show.
Andre Aciman for Roman Year
Saturday 12th October, 19:30
St Cuthbert’s Church, Lothian Road
Andre Aciman, author of best-selling novel and later turned film adaptation Call Me By Your Name, will spend an evening in Edinburgh to launch and discuss his newest book. The event is a chance to hear a discussion of what is described as “a deeply romantic memoir of his time in Rome”, while also spending an evening in one of Edinburgh’s oldest churches.
The Book of Disappearance: A Night of Palestinian Fiction With Ibtisam Azem
Monday 14th October, 19:00
Lighthouse Bookshop, West Nicholson Street
New-York based novelist and journalist Ibtisam Azem is coming to Edinburgh’ radical bookstore to discuss her newest novel, The Book of Disappearance. The novel follows a young Palestinian refugee displaced during the military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Joined by Noor Hemani, the two speakers will discuss contemporary Palestine and their experiences reading and writing fiction- a fantastic opportunity to build a larger insight into Palestinian writing
Witchcraft, Revenge & Legendary Women
Tuesday 29th October, 19:00
The Edinburgh Bookshop, Bruntsfield Place
For those looking for an event to match the spooky season, this evening will have two writers, Rosie Hewlett and Cathryn Kemp, discussing the cultural landscape of women and witches in fiction through their newest books, Medea and A Poisoner’s Tale.
Open Mic Reboot XVIII
Sunday 27th October, 19:00
Typewronger Books, Haddington Place
Come to Edinburgh’s non-for-profit second-hand bookstore for a 90-minute open mic night, a chance to sign up on the spot to read and perform essays, poetry, short stories, as well as music and comedy! It’ll be a spontaneous and perfect chance to present your own writing, or hear other people’s.
Harriet Walter & Friends: Shakespeare’s Women Speak!
Sunday 20th October, 19:30
Assembly Rooms, George Street
Considered one of Britain’s most esteemed Shakespearean actors and known for her roles in Killing Eve and Sense and Sensibility, Dame Harriet Walter is coming to Edinburgh to perform pieces from her new book, She Speaks! She re-imagines the voices behind Shakespeare’s female characters such as Ophelia and Lady MacBeth, giving you the chance to see Shakespeare’s women centre stage.
That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz: In Conversation with Malachy Tallack
Monday 28th October, 19:00
The Portobello Bookshop, Portobello High Street
This event will feature author and journalist Kate Molleson in conversation with Scottish writer Malachy Tallack, discussing the launch of his new novel That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz. If music is more up your alley, the evening will feature a band performing music from the book’s accompanying album and is a chance to hear more from the voices of Scottish writers and their perspectives of Scotland’s cultural ties to the concept of home and family.
Photo by Adam Wilson on Unsplash