SCOTTISH BROADCASTER, journalist and author Sally Magnusson is to visit Dunoon next month for a special literary event celebrating her latest novel, The Shapeshifter’s Daughter.
The well-known presenter, will appear at 4pm on Sunday, November 16, in conversation with Paul Murton at the Senior Citizens Hall on Alfred Street.
Magnusson, a familiar face from BBC programmes such as Songs of Praise, has enjoyed a long and varied career in journalism and broadcasting. She has also made a name for herself as a gifted author, with works ranging from children’s fiction to powerful explorations of Scottish history and mythology.
Her latest novel, The Shapeshifter’s Daughter, reimagines the Norse myth of Hel, goddess of the underworld, transporting the story to an Orkney setting rich in folklore and atmosphere. The book follows Hel’s journey from exile to self- discovery as she ventures from the underworld into the human realm to confront her past — a story Magnusson describes as a reflection on identity, belonging, and
reclaiming ancient stories. Born and raised in Glasgow, Magnusson has previously written acclaimed non-fiction titles such as Where Memories Go, a deeply personal account of her mother’s dementia, and The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story, chronicling the life of the Scottish Olympic hero who refused to race on Sundays. Her fiction includes the historical novels The Sealwoman’s Gift and The Ninth Child, as well as the children’s favourite Horace
and the Haggis Hunter. Tickets for her Dunoon event are now available from Bookpoint or online at bookpointdunoon.org. They are priced at £6 (including refreshments) or £16.99 with a copy of The Shapeshifter’s Daughter. Organisers say the afternoon promises ‘a wonderful opportunity to hear from one of Scotland’s most engaging writers’ as Magnusson discusses the inspiration behind her new novel and answers audience questions. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.
