The Bookmonger Presents: A Beatson Cancer Charity Fundraising Event wi

About the Evening

Join us at The Bookmonger for a powerful evening with Gillian Shirreffs, the Glasgow-based author whose debut novel Brodie has already raised over £30,000 for the Beatson Cancer Charity.

This special fundraising event will focus on her extraordinary new book Elephant, a strikingly honest and fearless exploration of illness, grief, and the moments that change everything. The evening will feature a live discussion led by Bookmonger owner Caitlyn Payne, a Q&A with the audience, and an opportunity to have your books signed.

All profits from the evening will be donated to the Beatson Cancer Charity.

About the Author

Gillian Shirreffs made headlines in 2023 with her debut Brodie, a darkly funny and sharply observed novel inspired by her love of Muriel Spark. Now she returns with Elephant, a deeply intimate and innovative work told through emails, messages, and interior thoughts, capturing the chaos and clarity of a life tilted by a breast cancer diagnosis.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007, Gillian began writing while on bedrest, transforming pain and stillness into a compelling body of work about what it means to live in a body that won’t behave. A former HR director and English teacher, she holds a Doctor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, where she examined the relationship between object and illness—an idea at the heart of her work.

About the Book

Elephant is not a traditional cancer memoir. It’s a modern epistolary novel and a personal reckoning, full of raw humour, humanity, and insight.

“Elephant is a book that found me. I’m glad that you have now found it. The book that found me is about mortality. My own mortality.” — Gillian Shirreffs

Already hailed as a masterpiece, Elephant is a book for anyone who has sat in a waiting room, felt the weight of silence, or tried to find the right words in the wrong moment. It’s about rage and laughter, memory and friendship, and the stubborn strength of the human spirit.

What’s Included in Your Ticket

A heartfelt discussion with Gillian Shirreffs, led by Bookmonger owner Caitlyn Payne
A signature Bookmonger charcuterie board to share
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments available for purchase
The chance to pre-purchase copies of Elephant and Brodie and have them personally signed (email will be sent for collection).

All profits from the evening donated to the Beatson Cancer Charity.

Why Come Along

- Support a Worthy Cause – 100% of event profits from this evening will go to Beatson Cancer Charity
- Engaging Discussion – Experience a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about life, illness, and resilience
- Great Food & Company – Sip, snack, and connect with fellow book lovers

Refund Policy (Event Cancellation):
In the event of cancellation, refunds will be issued for the admission portion only. The cost of the book (based on its retail price) will be deducted from the total ticket price, and the book will still be yours to keep.