Of Stone and Sky: A Cry for the Land

In a time of climate crisis, environmental breakdown and biodiversity loss, what role does fiction play? Can telling a story open our heads to learning, our hearts to caring and our hands to action? In this interactive session with plenty of time for audience questions, Merryn will share readings and discussion around her prize-winning novel Of Stone and Sky. Set on a farming estate in the upper reaches of the River Spey, the story follows several generations of a shepherding family in a paean to the bonds between people, their land and their way of life. Recently awarded Book of the Year at the Bookmark Festival, the book is earning high praise from critics and readers alike. ‘Set in the Highlands, this marvellous novel, a depiction over the decades of a Cairngorm community, is an enthralling read that is perfect for book groups.’ Gail Wylie, Bookmark Festival Chair. ‘A rich stew of a novel… a considerable achievement.’ The Scotsman. ‘Sunset Song-esque.’ The Herald. ‘It makes the point that the land is what endures and the land is what matters.’ Bookmark Festival Judge