The Capital gained the permanent designation in recognition of its significance as a “literary capital” on October 13, 2004. To mark the 20th anniversary, more than 60 representatives from cities of literature around the world will descend on Edinburgh later this month for a four-day conference to mark the achievements of the past two decades, and make plans for the future.
Before then, Edinburgh City of Literature and The Scottish Book Trust have teamed up to bring you this list of 20 brilliant novels set in the city. Have a look through our picture gallery to discover an unmissable selection of books featuring new releases, classics and everything in between. The books are assembled in no particular order.
1. 20 brilliant novels set in Edinburgh
Have a look through our photo gallery to discover 20 brilliant novels set in Edinburgh. Photo: Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
2. Weak Teeth by Lynsey May
With a bitter breakup, an uninspiring career and a bout of toothache, Ellis is having a bit of a crisis. As she returns to her childhood home, we see Ellis juggle personal struggles amid tangled family dynamics in this all-too-relatable debut novel. It’s a heart-warming and tender story that unpacks the impossible instability of love, loss, and everything in between. Photo: Third Party
3. Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
The era-defining novel that became an era-defining film portrays a side of late 20th century Edinburgh that few visitors to the capital would otherwise experience. A Scots language classic, this witty, raw and dark book explores addiction in a way that can’t help but leave a mark on readers. Photo: Third Party
4. The Other Mrs Walker by Mary Paulson-Ellis
One snowy winters night, old Mrs Walker dies alone and friendless in her Edinburgh flat. When Margaret Penny – her life in its own form of disarray – is given the job of tracking down Mrs Walker’s next-of-kin, her life becomes entangled with that of a lonely stranger. Part mystery, part drama, The Other Mrs Walker is an inventive and moving novel with a good smattering of dark Photo: Scottish Book Trust General