The reverend Hector Gillean is a ghost. At the start of the last century he built a ship and sailed west from the Hebrides to Canada. Two hundred years later his great-grandson retraces the hopeful voyage from Scotland to Nova Scotia, across Canada by water and through three generations of extraordinary family history. The Oatmeal Ark is at once a record of a remarkable pilgrimage, a fantastical narrative and a glimpse at the universal quest for a better world. The Oatmeal Ark is award winning author Rory MacLean’s second novel.
The reverend Hector Gillean is a ghost. At the start of the last century he built a ship and sailed west from the Hebrides to Canada. Two hundred years later his great-grandson retraces the hopeful voyage from Scotland to Nova Scotia, across Canada by water and through three generations of extraordinary family history. The Oatmeal Ark is at once a record of a remarkable pilgrimage, a fantastical narrative and a glimpse at the universal quest for a better world. The Oatmeal Ark is award winning author Rory MacLean’s second novel.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.
