June 6th 2024.
Alistair Moffat, a renowned author and former Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, recently shared his thoughts on the books that shaped his childhood, his disdain for poorly written novels, and his favorite place to escape into a good read.
His first memory of reading takes him back to the tender age of five or six, when his mother took him to the Carnegie Library in Kelso. The librarian, Mr. Bird, recommended that he start with Richmal Crompton's Just William stories, a suggestion that has stayed with him ever since. He vividly remembers the character of Violet Elizabeth Bott, with her lisp and fiery temper, threatening to scream until she was sick.
When asked to recommend a book to everyone, Moffat didn't hesitate to mention Farmer's Boy by John R. Allan. The novel, set in the Scottish countryside at the turn of the 20th century, captured his heart with its honest and beautifully written portrayal of a way of life that has now disappeared. As someone whose own family has a farming background in Berwickshire, Moffat felt a deep connection to the red earth and the author's love for Aberdeenshire.
Reflecting on the past year, Moffat shared his top three reads, including Legacy by James Kerr, which delves into the secrets behind the All Blacks' success in rugby. He also enjoyed The Seeker by SG MacLean, a unique novel set in Cromwell's London, and Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry, which left a lasting impression on him.
However, not every book makes it onto Moffat's list of favorites. He confesses to having abandoned three novels recently, frustrated by their lack of engaging storytelling. As a writer himself, he understands the importance of keeping readers hooked with a clear and compelling narrative.
Moffat credits author Bernard Cornwell for inspiring him to pursue a writing career. His PA gifted him The Winter King, the first book in a trilogy about the legendary King Arthur, and he was immediately captivated by its magical and well-crafted plot. This led him to delve deeper into the historical story of Arthur, resulting in his non-fiction bestseller, Arthur and the Lost Kingdoms.
As for his favorite place to read, Moffat reveals he has a cozy armchair in his office, illuminated by an old standard lamp, where he can escape into a good book. However, most of his reading is done at his desk to avoid any accidental napping during work hours.
Born and raised in the Scottish Borders, Moffat has written over thirty books on Scottish history and is also the founder of the Borders Book Festival. He continues to live in the Borders, where he finds inspiration for his writing. To stay updated on his latest news and releases, subscribe to Scottish Field or visit their website for more book-related content.
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