Book launch: Cynthia Rogerson, 100,000 Birthdays

Readings also by Lesley Glaister & Andrew Greig
Interval music by Andrew Greig
Chaired by Ruth Thomas

Cynthia Rogerson writes mainstream literary fiction set in Scotland and California. Her seventh book 100,000 Birthdays was published in October 2025. Winner of the V.S.Pritchett Prize, her work has been translated into six languages, shortlisted for the Saltire Prize and broadcast on BBC.
www.cynthiarogerson.com

From the cosmic sneeze that birthed the universe to the microscopic marvel that was Kevin, 100,000 Birthdays is a dazzling exploration of the improbable, chaotic, and wondrous journey of life itself. For fans of Bill Bryson, Carl Sagan, and anyone who has ever wondered, “What on Earth am I doing here?”

‘A master of fresh and sparky writing.’
The Guardian

100,000 Birthdays is a witty and brilliant ride through time and space as one of the best Scottish novelists of recent years spreads her wings.
Roger Hutchinson

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Lesley Glaister is the prizewinning author of 17 novels, a stage play, drama for BBC radio, two poetry pamphlets as well as numerous short stories. A mentor and teacher of creative writing, she currently holds a Royal Literature Fund Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh.
www.lesleyglaister.co.uk

It’s 1945. Edgar, son of Clem, brother of Aida, has died in a Far East Prisoner of War Camp and the Everett family are struggling to come to terms with their loss. And then along comes Starling, the man who loved Edgar and knew him to the end. When Starling insinuates himself into the family home, powerful yearnings tangle together in a tight, dark, sexy and romantic tale about life and love in the aftermath of war.

Glaister has the uncomfortable knack of putting her finger on things we most fear, of exposing the darkness within.
Independent on Sunday

Glaister is a sensitive but unflinching writer who knows exactly how to beguile the reader into turning the pages.
Hilary Mantel

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Andrew Greig is a multiple prizewinning poet, novelist and memoirist and is considered one of Scotland’s finest writers. His 8^th novel, Rose Nicolson, was shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize. He is also a well-respected musician and during covid produced an album with Rachel Newton. www.andrew-greig.weebly.com

At The Loch of Green Corrie is more than merely elegant, more than a collection of albeit fascinating insights, laugh-out-loud observations and impressively broad erudition.
Sunday Herald

You could easily make a case that Andrew Greig has the greatest range of any living Scottish writer.
The Scotsman

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Ruth Thomas is a prizewinning novelist and short story writer. Her books include The Home Corner, Sea Monster Tattoo (shortlisted for Scottish Best First Book of the Year), The Dance Settee (winner of a Scottish Arts Council Book Award), Super Girl and The Snow, and the Works on the Northern Line (also broadcast as a BBC Book at Bedtime.) Make and Mend, published by Faber, won a Good Housekeeping Book Award. She works part-time as a Royal Literary Fund 'Writing for Life' tutor and is currently writing a new novel and short story collection.