Last night in Edinburgh, a powerful new voice claimed Scotland’s Debut Non-Fiction Book of the Year. Katie Goh’sForeign Fruit, a strikingly original memoir, captivated judges with its exploration of identity, globalization, and migration through the unexpected lens of an orange.
Goh, a journalist and essayist originally from Northern Ireland, has called Edinburgh home since 2017.Foreign Fruitmarks her first full-length work, a testament to years of observation and deeply personal reflection. The book promises a unique and compelling narrative.
The awards ceremony also honored literary icon Kate Atkinson with a lifetime achievement award. Presented by fellow novelist Sir Ian Rankin, the recognition celebrated a career filled with critically acclaimed works likeBehind the Scenes at the MuseumandLife After Life.
Atkinson, visibly moved, expressed her gratitude, stating it was “a pleasure to be recognised alongside so many gifted writers.” Her enduring contribution to literature was celebrated by peers and admirers alike.
Sean Lusk’sA Woman of Opiniontook home the Fiction Book of the Year award, bringing to life the story of Mary Wortley Montagu, a pioneering eighteenth-century poet and feminist. The novel offers a fresh perspective on a remarkable historical figure.
Sarah Moss’sMy Good Bright Wolfresonated deeply, earning the Non-Fiction Book of the Year title. The memoir bravely charts Moss’s personal journey through the recurrence of an eating disorder, exploring themes of memory, thought, and the solace found in literature.
Poetry also found its champions. Anthony Vahni Capildeo’sPolkadot Woundswon Poetry Book of the Year, weaving together ecopoetics, identity, and faith through evocative imagery of relics and ruins. The work is a testament to the power of poetic exploration.
Leith-based Tim Craven received the Poetry Debut of the Year award forGood Sons, signaling the arrival of a promising new voice in the Scottish poetry scene. His work adds to the vibrant literary landscape of the city.
Chris Kohler’sPhantom Limbclaimed the Fiction Debut of the Year prize, introducing a darkly intriguing tale of a disillusioned Scottish minister and a mysterious seventeenth-century hand. The novel promises a captivating blend of history and suspense.
Mairi Kidd, director of the Saltire Society, celebrated the winners, emphasizing the exceptional literary talent within Scotland. The awards serve as a powerful showcase for the nation’s creative spirit.
Sir Ian Rankin’s presentation of the lifetime achievement award to Atkinson underscored the importance of recognizing enduring contributions to the literary world. The evening highlighted the vital role of literature in navigating complex times.
Atkinson eloquently captured the essence of the winning works, noting a “golden thread of connection” – the inherent value of literature itself. She observed that these writers grapple with urgent questions, offering clarity and connection through the power of storytelling.
