That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz is a dual-narrative novel, set mostly in Shetland. Its principal character is Jack, who lives alone in the cottage where he grew up, in the shadow of a granite hill. Jack’s stable and solitary life is interrupted one evening with the appearance of a mysterious package on his doorstep. From then on, his life is irrevocably changed. In this event, the author Malachy Tallack will discuss the novel, its characters, setting and cultural context. He will also perform songs from the book’s accompanying album.

Malachy Tallack is an award-winning author and singer-songwriter. His most recent books are That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz (2024) and Illuminated by Water, which was shortlisted for the Richard Jefferies award for nature writing in 2022. His novel, The Valley at the Centre of the World was shortlisted for the Highland Book Prize and longlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize. His first book, Sixty Degrees North, was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. Malachy is from Shetland, and currently lives in Fife.

Check out the A Blether O’ Books 2025 Collection for other events in this series.

Refunds will only be given in the event of cancellation by organisers.