Dive into the best of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. We get the inside scoop from the women behind one of the world's most iconic and best-loved celebrations of books and ideas on must-see authors and events to book now…
Sarah Stephenson, EIBF Finance Officer, recommends…
Alan Cummings and Forbes Masson in conversation with Jackie Kay. It’s part of our Front List events in McEwan Hall. I’m also looking forward to The Loud Poets Grand Slam Final which is in our Spiegeltent at The EFI this year. I went last year and really enjoyed the event. It’s a great introduction to new and emerging spoken word artists.
I'd also make a beeline for Sami Tamimi’s lunch series at Elliott’s Studio. I got his cookbook Falistine for my birthday this year so was excited when I found out he was coming to Edinburgh. He’s part of our Lunch Series. I’m so happy we’re working with Jess Elliot and using her beautiful studio. Sami will prepare a three-course lunch for us and talk about the ingredients and recipes.
Top tip to survive the festival? Embrace the crowds and the fantastic festival buzz. There is so much to see and do in Edinburgh in August as our city is transformed. It’s a really special place to be.
Mia Bloomfield, EIBF Programme Administrator, recommends...
The Think Tank events led by experts who share their thoughts on global events. I am also thrilled about Tony Birch and Fred D'Aguiar's event, which explores the emergence of truth and the empowerment of marginalized voices. Birch discusses generational trauma while D'Aguiar gives voice to a victorious Black jockey whose name has been hidden from history
Last but not least, up and coming author Jordan Stephen. Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak, and Dogs is a brilliant book for people in their early twenties. It's about trying to figure out the world slowly but all at once, feeling like you're too young to understand everything, but also the rush of feeling like you have to. Come see Jordan alongside Dean Atta as they discuss a new masculinity in their event on the 24th of August.
Top tip to survive the festival? Planning, planning, planning! Book your tickets in advance and build a skeleton plan of your day, with gaps in between for you to be spontaneous and explore something new.
Rhona Sword, EIBF Development Assistant, recommends...
Olivia Laing is a must-see. Her recent book, The Garden Against Time, was a Sunday Times Bestseller. Her book tour has also been a sell-out so I'm excited to catch her here! Sami Tamimi - on Food and Community is also another top pick. This year's theme of How To Live A Meaningful Life feels so relevant and essential. Tamimi, co-author of award-winning cookbook Falastin and professional partner of Yotam Ottolenghi, is a big element of this. Finally, Holly Gramazio. I just finished her first novel, The Husbands, which came out this year. It’s a book of so much fun and delight, but she also has a really interesting background as a game’s designer - which puts the novel in a whole new light. I can't wait to hear her speak more about this.
Top summer read? Rachel Cusk's Outline. It always makes me feel like I'm on holiday in Greece, which is exactly what you need during this grim weather!
Rachael Laburn, EIBF Creative Learning Manager, recommends....
Stories & Scran is a staple in the festival programme, come and hear from local people taking part in our Citizen writing groups - all with a delicious meal! I’ve had the privilege to be involved with the Collective, our writing group made up of young people, and their performances are sure to be a highlight. And don't miss Poets for Peace, an extraordinary ensemble of superstar spoken-word artists. Whether your youngsters are poetry pros or new to the world of rhyme, they’ll be inspired by these performances focused on peace.
If you’re looking for something a bit different for the family, join Emma Grae for an event on her first children’s book, The Hoolet Thit Couldnae Fly. Written in Scots and featuring a host of animals, it’s a wonderful story with beautiful illustrations and has a great message around confidence. Nae prior Scots knowledge needed!
Top summer read? Weak Teeth by Lynsey May. A warm and witty debut, this was the first book I read from cover-to-cover after having a baby. I could have read it in one-sitting if I’d been allowed! It’s set during a sunny Summer in Edinburgh and follows the life of Ellie, plagued by tooth pain and a series of mishaps that on the surface seem light-hearted and funny, but explore complex themes in a captivating way. It leaves you wanting more, and I can’t wait to see what Lynsey does next!
Emily, EIBF Box Office Supervisor, recommends...
Out of this World with Michael Rosen is my top pick. He’s the voice from so many childhoods! The man from the ‘Noice’ meme turns out to be the beloved author of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, and just so happens to be a professor who teaches on Goldsmith’s Children’s Literature MA. I wasn’t sure I wanted a second Masters in English, but this sure does tempt me! Michael has such a wonderful performative style in all his readings I’ve watched online, so I would love to see him in person!
Also on the hit list is No Accounting for Taste. Here’s one for all the folks interested in fan cultures! My dissertation discussed fanfiction as a legitimate form of literature, and this event looks all set up to discuss how we can remain a fan of things, even if the creators hold principles we don’t agree with – a common cause of fanfic! Kisuule has a literary voice I really enjoy also, so I’m excited to hear her speak.
Finally, Found In Translation. I’m willing to bet good money that Anton Hur, RF Kuang, and Emily Wilson will be coming up in comparative literature reading lists far into the future!
Nicole Seal, EIBF Box Office Manager, recommends...
There is SO much there in the Future Tense series that I find particularly interesting and extremely relevant with the rapid rate of climate, financial and political change but in particular I’m interested Naomi Alderman: The Future is here. The themes of female empowerment and political control and corruption couldn’t be more apt right now - especially for women’s rights. For something on the lighter side, I recommend Fern Brady: Strong Female Character. I know so many amazing, talented and intelligent women have been late diagnosed neurodivergent – her take on it is brilliant, funny and insightful. She’s also funny as hell
Top tip to survive the festival? It will be over quicker than you think so take advantage of it while you can.
#eggrecommends
egg proudly sponsors Edinburgh International Book Festival 2024. To find out more about the programme and explores this year’s theme: Future Tense, visit www.edbookfest.co.uk. And as a festival treat for all you good eggs, we have an exclusive discount code for tickets to the Dolly Alderton event on Wednesday 14th August. Use code EGG2024 to purchase tickets at £17.50. T&C's apply.
See you there and grab your tickets before they sell out!
