Day two of the EIBF threw a lot of completely different book-related events my way. With over 600 shows to choose from over the two weeks of the Festival, it’s not surprising that you can see lots of different things if you want to or just stick with the stuff you already know and love.
My mission was to try and sample some different genres and authors I’d maybe not explored before. But, of course, one should not ignore one’s favourites altogether.So my first show this morning was a live podcast. Not a completely new experience, as I was at the King’s Theatre for Graham Norton’s podcast ‘Wanging On’ recently. My concern, when booking, was that, being a live recording, I’d find myself drawn to ask a completely ridiculous question which would then stay in the ether forever. Anyway, not to worry, a live podcast recording, it seems, is likely to be reasonably well regulated and not too open to idiocy.
Food Podcasts and Environmental Fiction: From Culinary Tips to ‘Wild Dark Shore’
This morning’s session was ‘Eating and Waiting to Eat’, a podcast hosted by Carlos Miranda and Kevin Rivers, both of whom profess to be besotted with food—its preparation and eating. Their guest today was erstwhile chef and now food writer Ben Lippett. Rivers and Miranda have a lovely, friendly style, even whilst acknowledging that their podcast is pretty tightly scripted.
There was a little chat between them initially and then they introduced Lippett, who is almost horizontally laid-back. Of course those listening only (not in the room) wouldn’t see this, but his style is languorous and I’m not sure how many of the questions he was asked he actually answered—with the exception of the final one all guests are asked, about his favourite between bread, rice and pasta.
“Their guest today was erstwhile chef and now food writer Ben Lippett. Rivers and Miranda have a lovely, friendly style, even whilst acknowledging that their podcast is pretty tightly scripted.“
No spoiler here but when the audience was asked the same question, the majority did not agree with Lippett. All good fun and as the book he was promoting is a ‘how to’ book, giving tips and tricks a restaurant chef relies on, as well as increasingly complex recipes, which certainly made me feel like it would be a good one to investigate further.
My second show of the day was a more straightforward ‘author event’: Charlotte McConaghy’s Wild Dark Shore. Chaired by David Farrier, Professor of Literature and the Environment at Edinburgh University, this was a perfect pairing. He is gentle and quietly spoken, beautifully allowing the author to have the limelight, not pushing his own views forward.
His first question about ‘why set the book on an island?’ was a first for the author in more than a year of doing this sort of book event, so her answer was thoughtful and full. I had expected something a little pat, given that it’s an age-old vehicle to separate the characters from the outside world—and the remoter the better, so communications beyond the island are often nigh on impossible.
Wild Dark Shore is a short, impactful book tackling issues of climate change, historical brutality, family and so much more. An audience member asked quite how McConaghy managed to squeeze so much into so few pages. Her training is in screenwriting, so she knows how to be succinct was the answer. I had read the book already, which I do feel is an advantage, but host and author were careful not to give away any spoilers. Fascinating insights from the author and sensitive chairing by Farrier.
Indian Satire and Cultural Fusion: ‘The Pinnacle’ and ‘The Golden Road’
And so on later to another author event—The Pinnacle by Abir Mukherjee. The start time was delayed by 30 minutes, due to travel issues for the author. It caused a bit of worry for those going on to the next event, as the EIBF can be very strict about enforcing the ‘no latecomers’ rule, especially for sell-outs. However, communication was great, a quick escape route was pointed out from this venue to allow easy access to the next show and all was well.
This time I hadn’t read the book. Didn’t need to have done though, as both the author and his interviewer did a great job of describing what the reader could expect, without spoilers as far as I could tell. Not ‘cosy crime’ according to Mukherjee, but he very evidently enjoyed writing this book very much and expects his readers will enjoy it just as much.
“His first question about ‘why set the book on an island?’ was a first for the author in more than a year of doing this sort of book event, so her answer was thoughtful and full.”
Serious themes are explored in the novel though—set in India, it’s a satire on the state of things for both the higher and lower echelons of society. Mukherjee has personal experience of the world he writes about and even likens himself to one of the main male characters. Sounds like a romp and I wonder if the author has considered stand-up. He’s a hoot.
And finally India Alba & William Dalrymple: The Golden Road. Dalrymple’s book considers India’s role in shaping the ancient world. India Alba is a musical collective tonight comprising four Scots traditional musicians and two Indian classical musicians, who meld their styles and in this event interweave the readings with their music. It was introduced by Donald Shaw, Celtic Connections Director, and then he handed over to William Dalrymple, who told the story of Scotland’s involvement in the history of India. Not all good, shall we say. In between his recounting, India Alba played their music. Fantastic and just as integrated as we had been led to believe.
I was delighted to find that Soren McLean was on guitar—he’s a personal favourite—but disappointed that cellist Su-a Lee was not involved. I needn’t have feared—Alice Allen was fabulous. Indeed all the musicians were top-notch and very obviously loved the collaboration. Dalrymple and Shaw finished up the night with a joint explanation of why the mix of musical cultures worked so well. We almost didn’t need the explanation—the enjoyment was enough.
Another successful day at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Featured Image: William-Dalrymple-and-India-Alba – Edinburgh International Book Festival – provided by Festival PR.
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