The Booker Prize Foundation Universities Initiative with Graeme Macrae Burnet

The University of Stirling is pleased to welcome you to a literary event with Graeme Macrae Burnet, author of His Bloody Project which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2016.

At this special event, you will have the opportunity to hear Graeme Macrae Burnet read extracts from his book before taking part in a question and answer session.  He will also be signing copies of His Bloody Project after the reading, and the book will be available to buy on the night.

The Booker Prize Foundation’s Universities Initiative is an international scheme designed to encourage students to read contemporary fiction.  Funded by The Booker Prize Foundation and the University of Stirling, each new first year undergraduate student will receive the gift of a free copy of Graeme Macrae Burnet's acclaimed book, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2016.

Synopsis

In 1869, the case of Roderick Macrae gripped the British public: newspapers slavishly followed his trial, and ‘penny dreadfuls’ gleefully described the gory details of the brutal slaying of three people in a remote crofting community. In His Bloody Project, author Graeme Macrae Burnet recounts the story of the murders and the subsequent trial.

Roderick’s memoir, along with court transcripts, medical reports, police statements and newspaper articles, show that the accused readily admitted his guilt…leaving only the persuasive powers of his advocate standing between him and the gallows. So why didn’t he defend himself more vigorously, or try to cover up the crime? Was he stupid? Insane? Or did he have another motive?

Brought together, the documents relating to the case of Roderick Macrae reveal much about a merciless triple-murder that shocked the nation. But do they reveal just why a young man would commit the most atrocious acts of violence? And will he hang?

Registration

This event is free to attend and is open to all but we ask that you please register online in advance.