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.
21. Hear No Evil by Sarah Smith
Based on a landmark case in Scottish legal history, this tale follows Jean Campbell, a young deaf woman who is on trial for a heinous crime in 19th-century Glasgow. Moved to Edinburgh’s Tolbooth and in danger of being executed or committed to an insane asylum, Jean’s only hope comes in the form of deaf school owner Robert Kinniburgh, who works painstakingly to communicate with Jean and uncover her story. This beautifully written page-turner highlights a fascinating period of history when deafness was terribly misunderstood. Photo: Third Party