One of Scotland’s most exciting literary voices is returning to Glasgow this autumn as award-winning novelist Tom Newlands joins Bookface for a special Sip & Swap event celebrating his highly anticipated new novel, Something Like Happiness.
Taking place at Glaschu on Saturday 10 October from 9.30am, the event will bring together readers from across Scotland for a morning of conversation, community and storytelling with one of the country’s most acclaimed contemporary writers.
Guests will enjoy an intimate live interview and audience Q&A with Newlands as he discusses Something Like Happiness, a powerful and deeply human novel exploring love, family, identity and belonging in modern Scotland.
The novel follows Frazer and Caitlin, former teenage sweethearts navigating the pressures of adulthood in a struggling community. Living with their autistic son in a deteriorating flat, the couple find themselves caught between dreams of a better future and the emotional pull of the place they call home. Tender, funny and heartbreakingly real, Something Like Happiness further establishes Newlands as one of the most distinctive and important voices in Scottish fiction today.
Tom Newlands burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel Only Here, Only Now, which won the prestigious McKitterick Prize, was named Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year and received widespread critical acclaim. His growing list of accolades also includes a Royal Society of Literature Scriptorium Award, a London Writers Award and a Creative Future Writers’ Award.
Founded by broadcaster and book champion Heather Suttie in 2020, Bookface has become one of Scotland’s leading reading communities, bringing together more than 15,000 members worldwide and hosting over 85 sold-out live events.
The Bookface Sip & Swap series has welcomed some of the biggest names in publishing, including Val McDermid, Lisa Jewell, Alice Feeney, Catherine Newman, Helen Fields, Claire Douglas, Chris Brookmyre, Jenni Fagan, Heather Morris, Sophie Gravia and John Niven.
Alongside the author interview, guests can take part in Bookface’s popular community book swap. Attendees are invited to bring up to four books to exchange from a collection of more than 300 titles while enjoying tea, coffee, a croissant, fizz or a soft drink and connecting with fellow readers.
Heather Suttie, founder of Bookface, said: “Tom is one of Scotland’s most gifted storytellers. His writing is funny, compassionate and unflinchingly honest, capturing the realities of contemporary life with enormous heart. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Bookface and give readers the opportunity to hear about the inspiration behind Something Like Happiness in what promises to be a fascinating and uplifting morning.”
Bookface events are known for their warm, welcoming atmosphere, attracting readers of all ages and backgrounds. Many guests attend solo, making them an ideal way to meet fellow book lovers while discovering new authors and books.
Bookface Sip & Swap with Tom Newlands takes place at Glaschu, Glasgow, on Saturday 10 October from 9.30am.
Tickets include a live author interview, audience Q&A, refreshments and access to the Bookface community book swap.
For anyone who loves outstanding contemporary fiction and meaningful conversation, this promises to be one of Glasgow’s standout literary events of the autumn.
