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But n Ben A-Go-Go
£5.99
A groundbreaking Scots‑language sci‑fi classic — a cyberpunk future Scotland submerged by global flooding and alive with linguistic energy.
A bold, inventive novel that reimagines Scotland in 2090 — and revitalises the Scots language for a new age.
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Named one of The List / Scottish Book Trust’s 100 Best Scottish Books of All Time (2005).
About the Ebook
The year is 2090. Global flooding — “God’s Flood” — has drowned most of Scotland. The survivors live in a network of floating island parishes known collectively as Port, a dangerous, claustrophobic world where paranoia, scarcity and cyber‑intrigue shape daily life.
In this unbonnie future‑Scotland, Matthew Fitt unleashes a cast of psychologically “malkied” characters whose lives intertwine in a tale that is as chilling as it is compelling. Written entirely in Scots, the novel revitalises the language with a crackling, fizzing energy that feels utterly contemporary.
The Scottish Highlands are the only unsubmerged part of Britain, and the story’s tense, surprising climax unfolds on Schiehallion. With its vivid world‑building, sharp humour and linguistic daring, But n Ben A‑Go‑Go stands as a landmark of modern Scottish fiction.
The introduction includes a helpful guide on how to read the Scots used in the book, with spelling adapted for readers familiar with English conventions.
Critical Praise
"Matthew Fitt will do for prose in Scots what Hugh MacDiarmid did for poetry in Scots."
— James Robertson, Edinburgh International Book Festival
"A cracker."
— Geraldine Brennan, Times Educational Supplement
"Going where no man has gone before."
— Stephen Naysmith, The Herald
"After an initial shock, readers of this sprightly and imaginative tale will begin to relish its verbal impetus… I recommend an entertaining and groundbreaking book."
— Edwin Morgan
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- A landmark Scots‑language novel that pushes boundaries and revitalises the language.
- A bold sci‑fi vision of a future Scotland reshaped by climate catastrophe.
- Cyberpunk energy blended with Scottish cultural identity.
- Inventive, immersive world‑building with unforgettable characters.
- Perfect for fans of speculative fiction, Scottish literature and linguistic innovation.
About the Author
Matthew Fitt was born in Dundee in 1968 and graduated from Edinburgh University in 1990. From 1995 to 1997 he held the prestigious Brownsbank Fellowship, living at the former home of Hugh MacDiarmid.
Author of the notorious Kate O’Shanter’s Tale, his poetry and short stories have been widely published. But n Ben A‑Go‑Go is his first novel — a groundbreaking work that cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative voices in modern Scots writing.
He lives in the south of Scotland with his wife, Mirka.
Publication Details
Publisher: Luath Press
Publication Date: 24/04/2020
Print Length: — (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9781912387847
Format: Ebook
Language: Scots
Categories: Science Fiction / Cyberpunk / Scottish Literature / Climate Fiction
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