Mary Paulson-Ellis
Aberdeen City Libraries next week commemorate Book Week Scotland with a fabulous line up of author talks.
The annual event which this year runs from November, 19 - 25 will see three famous authors, Theresa Talbot, Mary Paulson-Ellis and Rosemary Goring give free talks, at Aberdeen Central Library on Rosemount Viaduct.
Councillor John Wheeler, education operational delivery convener, said: “We are delighted to mark Book Week Scotland by welcoming three outstanding authors to Aberdeen Central Library for what I’m sure will be a fascinating and thought-provoking series of talks.”
The talks begin with Theresa Talbot discussing her life in books with BBC’s Fiona Stalker on Monday, November 19 between 6 and 7.30pm.
Familiar to many as the voice of BBC Scotland’s Traffic & Travel and Beechgrove’s Potting Shed, author and broadcaster Theresa will be discussing her works which include ‘This Is What I Look Like’, ‘The Lost Children’ and ‘Keep Her Silent’ as well as giving us an insight into the books which have had an impact on her life as a writer and reader.
Theresa said: “I'm especially excited to be appearing at Aberdeen Central Library and chatting to readers. Aberdeen was part of my weekly routine when I presented The Beechgrove Potting Shed each week for BBC Radio Scotland, so it's fabulous to be invited back to the Granite City.”
On Wednesday November 21, the Central Library will be joined at 6pm by Waterstones 2017 Book of the Year author Mary Paulson-Ellis who poses the question ‘When you work for the ‘Office of Lost People’ and are told to uncover paperwork, what do you do when the only things left behind are objects?’ Find out more when Mary discusses her incredible novel ‘The Other Mrs Walker’.
Mary won’t be alone on her visit as she brings along a host of little objects relating to the book. She said: “I am so delighted to be coming to Aberdeen Central Library for Book Week Scotland to talk about my debut novel, The Other Mrs Walker. I visited the city in February for a panel discussion as part of the SPECTRA Festival and loved it then. I am expecting to love it even more now.
“The theme of Book Week Scotland is ‘Rebel’ and there are plenty of rebels in Mrs Walker’s family tree - thieves and liars, perhaps even murderers. I’m hoping the audience might reveal some of the rebels in their family trees, too.”
The free hour-long talk will include a Q&A session with copies of Mary’s book available on the night.
Rounding off the week of events is a celebration of the country’s most rebellious and influential women with author Rosemary Goring on Saturday, November 24 from 2.30pm to 4.00pm.
Taking a unique perspective on national events over the past 1500 years, Rosemary uses first-hand accounts, records, newspapers and statements to bring to life the ‘other half’ of our nation’s history. With a range of sometimes rebellious, sometimes influential but always interesting characters as diverse as Princess Matilda, Lady Grizel Baille, Mary Slessor and Aberdeen’s own Nan Shepherd, join Aberdeen City Libraries for a unique take on Scotland’s history.
Rosemary said: "There's never been a better time to discuss women's place in history. I look forward very much to talking about Scotland: Her Story, and the part Aberdeen, the north, and indeed all the country played in it."
All the events are free but with demand expected to be high, booking is essential. To reserve your place, email libraryevents@aberdeencity.gov.uk or phone 01224 652500.