Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

Claire Askew's collection named Scottish Poetry Book of the Year

entry picture

A poetry collection about witchcraft which traces historic atrocities, and celebrates the lives of those accused of witchcraft with empathy, tenderness and rage has won Scottish Poetry Book of the Year 2022 in Scotland's National Book Awards. Claire Askew was presented with the award for her second collection How to burn a woman at a ceremony in Edinburgh hosted by the Saltire Society.

Judges Patrick Corbett, Hugh McMillan, Dr Anne Pia and Dr Ian Spring said: “The central theme of the book is the historical persecution of women and men during the witch-hunts of the 16th century onwards, and this historic context is approached with great sensitivity, comprehension and creativity. However, there is more than this: Scottish topics include the loneliness of the Loch Ness Monster, the Fife wizard Michael Scot, whisky, red kites and Waverley station. A book full of carefully crafted poems that connect the past with the present and raise intriguing questions about the way we live and have lived.”

◄ Shelling Peas with My Grandmother in the Gorgiolands: Sarah Wimbush, Bloodaxe

From PhD thesis on everyday sexism to award-winning poetry collection: Kim Moore wins £10,000 Forward prize ►

Please consider supporting us

Donations from our supporters are essential to keep Write Out Loud going

Comments

No comments posted yet.

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message