Looking for book recommendations for my trip to Edinburgh? I fancy dark academia this time of year, but have read most of the "classic" choices in that realm. (secret history, if we were villains, these violent delights, ninth house, etc.) Bonus points for books set in Scotland!

Question

Jes · Answer

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie: A Novel: Be forewarned that reading Muriel Spark may have the effect of sending you down a long completist rabbit hole of her extensive body of work.

Clara · Answer

To the Lighthouse (Virginia Woolf): Read this in high school and didn’t understand it. Finally reread it this spring, after spending six weeks in the Hebrides, and it clicked.

Clara · Answer

“Sea Room” by Adam Nicolson: One of my favorite books of all time. Details the history of the Shiant Islands off the coast of Lewis and Harris in Scotland. Incredibly evocative storytelling about archeology, wildlife, and personal narrative, as well as some fascinating reflections on the concept of property ownership, all in one.

Alex · Answer

Broken Country: Somewhat mysterious/slow burn storyline with bucolic UK settings and dark academia twist