Theresa May should read Small Island, says Sturgeon

In a frenzied political climate marked by division and hostility, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that books are vital to help foster learning, understanding and togetherness, and particularly highlighted the late Andrea Levy’s book Small Island in challenging prejudicial views, saying Prime Minister Theresa May should read the novel.

Speaking at the Scottish Book Trade Conference held on Tuesday 26th February at Surgeons Quarter in Edinburgh, Sturgeon told delegates about the lifelong impact reading has had on her as a person, and the impact it can have on society to expand horizons.

“The power of literature can help us learn about and understand the world we live in, as well as give us an appreciation of history, culture, people. This is important for everyone, but I think it is particularly important for kind of position I'm in, for politicians, people that make decisions that affect the lives of hundreds and thousands of people, particularly in the era we live in today,” said Sturgeon. “The debates we have, and the issues we're confronting are very polarised, and mediums in which we discuss them (such as social media) tend to push people apart rather than bring people together. It's more important than every for people like me to read, and to particularly read fiction.”

She added that for a mission of fostering a strong reading culture, it is important that the book trade remains "thriving and successful”. Sturgeon also pointed to her government's moves to help improve the reading culture such as with the First Ministers Reading challenge for primary and secondary school children and its support of Scottish Book Trust's Bookbug programme for small children.

Asked by conference chair agent Jenny Brown what book she would gift to Prime Minister Theresa May, Sturgeon said Andrea Levy’s Small Island (Tinder Press), which chronicles the Windrush generation, could serve as a "huge reminder of the huge contribution immigrants have and continue to have, as well as the existence of deep seated discrimination and prejudice". She added: "I hope it might change [May's] views on immigration and her hostile environment for immigrants in this country."

In general, there is "much to be postive about" in the industry, said Sturgeon, pointing to the new LGBTQ+ bookshop Category Is Books that opened last year in her own constituency of South Glasgow, as well as fellow new arrivals Lighthouse Books and the soon-to-be opened Topping & Company, who join established booksellers and "further enrich what is already a vibrant industry across country". She also highlighted the "fantastic success" of 404Ink, Charco Press and the recently shortlisted Scottish presses in the new Small Press awards.

Discussing the promotion of marginalised voices, Sturgeon announced the launch of the Scots Language Publication Grant which will offer support for Scottish publishers to publish and promote work written in Scots.

She concluded with a rallying cry to the trade: "I indicate to you that I and Scottish Government stand ready to work with you to consider how we confront challenges in future. hope all support we provide already makes a difference. The biggest factor of your success is the talent… There is no doubt at all that the Scottish book trade has played enormous role in establishing Scotland’s creative reputation and has helped to make country open, dynamic, and culturally progressive. Despite the b-word it’s really important to focus on continuing to be all those things so that the literary scene and book industry thrives."