Books
The Skinny book guide – bringing you book reviews, features, events, reviews and author interviews. Find previews and on the ground reporting from festivals of literature and poetry in Scotland and beyond.
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EventsScottish Books Events: August 2026
Edinburgh Book Festival returns this August, and it's joined by the Book Fringe and Govanhill Book Festival Read more »| 03 Aug 2026 -
Book ReviewsNo God But Us by Bobuq Sayed
A delicate two-hander following a pair of queer refugees who meet in Istanbul, Bobuq Sayed's debut novel embraces queerness in all its complexity Read more »| 27 Jul 2026 -
Book ReviewsFour Terrible Parents by Calla Henkel
Two chaotic couples move back to their hometown and attempt to raise a family in this witty and incisive exploration of modern relationships Read more »| 27 Jul 2026 -
Book ReviewsAsh by Louise Wallace
A volcano becomes an apt stand-in for female rage in this blistering novella by Louise Wallace Read more »| 20 Jul 2026 -
Book ReviewsThe Past Pursues Us Like Detectives, Debt Collectors, Thieves by Juan Pablo Villalobos
Murder mystery meets migration tale in this witty new novel from Mexican author Juan Pablo Villalobos Read more »| 17 Jul 2026 -
FeaturesTazmyn-Mei Gebbett's favourite Edinburgh spots
We chat with Tazmyn-Mei Gebbett, a new Edinburgh transplant, about their favourite spots in the city so far Read more »| 02 Jul 2026
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Book ReviewsCanon by Paige Lewis
Canon, the debut novel from poet Paige Lewis, is an outrageous and subversive new kind of biblical epic tale Read more »| 29 Jun 2026 -
FeaturesWord on the Street: A guide to literary Edinburgh
Book lovers rejoice – Edinburgh has you covered. From museums and libraries to monuments and bookshops, Scotland's capital well earns its status as the world's first UNESCO City of Literature Read more »| 25 Jun 2026 -
Book ReviewsSkin Contact by Elisa Faison
A married couple decide to open up their relationship in this timely exploration of non-monogamy, parenthood and intimacy Read more »| 23 Jun 2026 -
Book ReviewsHello Limerence by Momo Yamaguchi
Momo Yamaguchi's debut novel paints obsession in all its gruesome glory Read more »| 23 Jun 2026 -
Book ReviewsThe Villain's Dance by Fiston Mwanza Mujila
Fiston Mwanza Mujila's The Villain's Dance is a rich yet scattershot exploration of the borderlands between Zaire and Angola Read more »| 23 Jun 2026 -
Book ReviewsAnimal Spiral by Luis Othoniel Rosa
Told (and possibly read) in non-linear order, Luis Othoniel Rosa's expansive sci-fi novel weaves myth alongside radical scientific imaginings Read more »| 22 Jun 2026 -
NewsEdinburgh International Book Festival reveals 2026 lineup
Edinburgh International Book Festival returns with an ambition to "change your mind" and appearances from authors like Colson Whitehead, Maggie O’Farrell, Douglas Stuart and John Grisham Read more »| 16 Jun 2026 -
FeaturesDaisy Dixon on Depraved: The Story of Dangerous Art
We chat with author and art philosopher Daisy Dixon about her new book Depraved, and what we should be doing about harmful art Read more »| 11 Jun 2026 -
FeaturesWriting from the in-between: Celebrating the Centenary of Agnes Owens
Marking the centenary of one of Scotland's most unique and forgotten voices, a new programme of events celebrates the life and work of Milngavie author Agnes Owens Read more »| 11 Jun 2026