For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and poet Michael Pedersen, in the splendid surroundings of Glasgow's Mitchell Library, to talk about his debut novel Muckle Flugga, which is published with Faber & Faber.
Michael describes the place and people of Muckle Flugga before talking about why this is the story he has told for his debut, explaining that the time was just right.
He then breaks down the three central characters of The Father, his son Ouse, and the enigmatic interloper Firth, and what they each represent, which leads to a discussion of the themes which drive the novel.
The conversation also touches on the influence of the Gothic tradition, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Scottish literature more widely. All of that plus language and lighthouse chat, and a brilliant reading from Michael.
It was such a treat to be able to talk in depth to Michael Pedersen about this fantastic and life-affirming novel which is among the best debuts of recent times. The result is another memorable SWH! podcast, even if we do say so ourselves!
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com