A Fife writer and GP has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year title.
Gavin Francis’ book “Island Dreams” is one of 12 novels vying for the award, with the shortlist comprising five non-fiction and four fiction titles and three children’s books.
Last year’s winner ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ by Charlie Mackesy saw it gain an almost 400% increase in sales after it won the prize and it went on to become Waterstones’ bestselling Book of the Year to date.
Gavin, who is already the author of four books of non-fiction, believes his latest creation is the perfect book for armchair travellers and is delighted to have received a nomination.
“For me, branches of Waterstones feel like Aladdin’s Caves or Gringott’s Vaults, their shelves stacked with treasures; that Island Dreams has been picked out for praise among such an extravagance of riches is an honour, a privilege and a delight,” he said.
The remaining nominations are a mixture of familiar names at the top of their game sitting alongside exciting new voices, compelling narratives and beautifully illustrated titles.
The title will be awarded on December 3 and Kate Skipper, Waterstones chief executive, praised everyone on the shortlist for their achievements thus far.
“In normal years, our Book of the Year is a celebration and reflection of the year’s publishing,” she said.
“After such an unusual 2020, in which books have provided solace and inspiration to so many people, I’m thrilled by the extraordinary selection of titles our booksellers have picked for this year’s shortlist.
“The stories behind the year weave through this list, bound together by the excitement of our booksellers. These are the books our booksellers want to see in the hands of more readers.
“As the nights draw in, the pleasure of reading a good book will help sustain many of us through the coming months.”
