A L Kennedy @ EIBF

 

With the possible exception of Alistair Darling, few authors appearing at this year’s Book Festival could be expected to reference Creamola Foam, hooved seals, unicorns and Fingerbobs. It’s this brilliantly bonkers feel which makes A L Kennedy’s presence such a pleasure.

Regular stand-up appearances testify to Kennedy’s comedic gifts. But one liners don’t win literary prizes, and Kennedy has shown she’s just as capable on the page as on the stage. In Edinburgh, she offered a taste of her current work, the novel that will be her first since winning the Costa Book of the Year in 2007. Kennedy admitted to being daunted by the challenge of following Day, but she’s resigned to the certainty that readers will always find her work autobiographical  – “If there’s a woman, alive, with hair, they’ll say it’s me.” Famously modest, Kennedy is too ashamed to read her early work and is alarmed by compliments. She grimaced as the audience was promised: “You’re in for a treat.” Much better to her ears: “You’re in for a quite mediocre experience.” Garlanded with awards and read by the bucket-load, Kennedy seems oblivious to the lightning in her bottle. An experience? No doubt. Mediocre? No chance. [James Carson]