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Craig A. Smith - The River episode artwork

Apr 18, 2025 47 min

Craig A. Smith - The River

from Scots Whay Hae! Hosted by Alistair Braidwood

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Craig A. Smith to hear all about his new novel The River, which is out now with Into Books. Craig explains the full title of The River: A Path Of Least Resistance, why this was a story he wanted to tell, having a picture of the story in his head and the way it developed, the central character of Lachlan McCormack and what he represents, writing a love story, depictions of childhood, the structure of the novel which weaves together individuals, the nation, and the river itself, and much more. The two also discussed Craig's 2013 debut novel The Mile, which was one of the few to address the Independence Referendum, and the possible connection between the two books, before revealing just a little about what he wants to write about next. With The River, Craig A. Smith has a written a state-of-the-nation novel with a tender heart, and it was such a pleasure to be able to dig deep with writer himself. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

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Craig A. Smith - The River

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Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 3: Mary Stuart by Alexandre Dumas Loyal Books The contents of these volumes of 'Celebrated Crimes', as well as the motives which led to their inception, are unique. They are a series of stories based upon historical records, from the pen of Alexandre Dumas, pere, when he was not "the elder," nor yet the author of D'Artagnan or Monte Cristo, but was a rising young dramatist and a lion in the literary set and world of fashion.The third volume is devoted to the story of Mary Queen of Scots, another woman who suffered a violent death, and around whose name an endless controversy has waged. Dumas goes carefully into the dubious episodes of her stormy career, but does not allow these to blind his sympathy for her fate. Mary, it should be remembered, was closely allied to France by education and marriage, and the French never forgave Elizabeth the part she played in the tragedy. - From the Introduction Age of Elizabeth by Mandell Creighton Loyal Books This short history by the eminent British historian, Mandell Creighton, places Elizabeth and her reign within the context of 16th century European political, religious, and military events. Elizabeth overcomes her two great rivals, King Philip of Spain and Mary, Queen of Scots. England gradually unites behind her Queen, who survives multiple assassination plots. After the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the English, lightly taxed by their frugal sovereign, launch flourishing commerce enterprises. The author writes of the Protestant Reformation that "a change of belief meant a revolt from authority." In this age of individualism, personal daring, and a consciousness of national greatness, the golden age of Elizabethan literature breaks new ground in historiography, literary theory, poetry, and above all, drama.

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