Reviews
The Bright Fabric of Life is an uplifting tale with a focus on the life-changing connection between characters
Sunday Post
Explores flashes of hope amid despair in her debut novel, The Bright Fabric of Life. This assuredness in opening up two worlds most of us know nothing about – that gives her novel its power
The Scotsman
Gives voice to health conditions that don’t have much of a profile, despite their devastating effects... Collie’s debut novel The Bright Fabric of Life is surely the first to deal with repairing fistulae in Ethiopia... [she] explores flashes of hope amid despair
Books From Scotland
Collie brings us a story brimming with tenderness
Scots Magazine
This book will make readers laugh and cry, while also highlighting the plight of many women in Africa and offering insight into the psyche of a surgeon
TAMZIN CUMING, President of UK Women in Surgery
It is impossible not to be moved by this gravely beautiful book. Mhairi Collie has written a fine novel that will linger long in the mind – and in the heart of the reader
Alexander McCall Smith
A story that should be told. Mhairi Collie’s writing is full of compassion and thoughtfulness
Kirsty Young
a gorgeous, cheering and enlightening novel
Royal College of Surgeons England
a story of struggle, tragedy and loss but it’s also a book where hope shines through. The important themes of the book are brilliantly and effectively conveyed by the author . . . a book about strong, brave women
Portobello Book Blog
About the Book
A feel-good, uplifting tale of two women who make a life-changing connection.
In Ethiopia, beautiful Sylvie's successful life is derailed by a disastrous childbirth. With no money and no hope, all seems lost.
In London, feisty Juliet is struggling with the many challenges facing a female surgeon as well as inner traumas of her own. Unsure how to balance career, love and life, she escapes to Ethiopia.
Under the vast African sky, these two women's lives are unexpectedly brought together. Can they help each other come to terms with their pasts? And will they be able to see a bright future on the horizon?
Published with the support of global best-selling writer Alexander McCall Smith.
Proceeds from this book go to the Uganda Childbirth Injury Fund https://www.ucif.co.uk/
The Author
Mhairi Collie
Mhairi Collie OBE is a consultant surgeon in Edinburgh. Since 2001 she has regularly undertaken surgery in sub-Saharan Africa to treat women with childbirth injuries. She initially worked for Médecins sans frontières, then co-founded the charity Uganda Childbirth Injury Fund. She is married, with two children and a very naughty springer spaniel.
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