First minister endorses Tallack’s debut work of fiction

LOCAL writer Malachy Tallack’s first ever novel has been endorsed by an unexpected source after Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon took to social media to praise his work.

Tallack’s reputation has been burgeoning for several years with a series of successful factual works, but The Valley at the Centre of the World is his first full-length piece of fiction – and signs are already hopeful that the literary world will embrace it every bit as warmly.

Shetland actor Steven Robertson will read from book on BBC Radio 4 on Monday (30 April) as part of the station’s Book at Bedtime show.

On Saturday, SNP leader Sturgeon – who had been furnished with an advance copy by publishers Canongate – tweeted that Tallack’s debut novel would “be my #saturdaynightread this week. Thoroughly enjoying it.”

“Thank you so much. I’m delighted you’re enjoying it,” Tallack responded, with Sturgeon later returning to Twitter to deliver a glowing verdict: “Beautiful writing, totally believable characters and a really evocative sense of place. A triumph. Best of luck for the launch,” she wrote.

This brilliant Shetland-based debut novel by @malachytallack will be my #saturdaynightread this week. Thoroughly enjoying it. Thanks to @canongatebooks for the advance copy. pic.twitter.com/yDijBmsznM

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 21, 2018

Thank you so much. I’m delighted you’re enjoying it. I hope you can make it to the launch on the 2nd May. https://t.co/d3qKQGgksZ

— Malachy Tallack (@malachytallack) April 21, 2018

Sadly I can’t make the launch, but I have just finished it…beautiful writing, totally believable characters and a really evocative sense of place. A triumph. Best of luck for the launch.

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 21, 2018

• The Valley at the Centre of the World will be published via Canongate on 3 May.