Appointment in Arezzo

'So true in its friendship to and its critique of Spark and her work, and at the same time such a good read, that I found myself still reading it walking along streets and waiting for Tube trains. It celebrates Spark’s work with real understanding while it celebrates their friendship with candour and warmth. I loved it' 

-- Ali Smith * Financial Times, Best Books of 2017 *

'Controversies are not shied away from but it is her vivacity, generosity and quixotic character that are emphasized. Taylor writes with affection and humour… Published to mark the centenary of her birth in 1918, Taylor’s memoir should encourage (re)discovery of the challenges, joys and humour in reading Spark’s words'

-- Jill Burton * The Australian *

'Muriel Spark, now more than ever looks like the standout British novelist of the later 20th century. Spark’s novels – 22 in all – are the product of a ruthlessly confident, even clairvoyant sensibility, and fuse an impossible range of tones and strengths'

-- Leo Robson * The New Statesman *

'This recollection of a friendship with one of Edinburgh's most beloved literary icons has real heart and style'

-- Meghan Delahunt, Chair of Judging Panel, Saltire Society Non-fiction Book of the Year (shortlisted)

'an insightful, fond and gossipy read, with a Sparkian title to boot'

-- Kirsty Wark * The Observer *

'Sharply observant, Taylor's cautious, respectful, sincere and measured prose sustains what’s at the core of the whole book: affection. A sense of liking runs through it. And from the moment of their first meeting, Spark seems to have recognised the affection, critical sensibility and genuineness of Taylor's respect...it has the method, the sensitivity to moments, the delicacy and strength, the senses of both vulnerability and durability, of one of Spark’s favourites, Proust’s In Search of Lost Time'

-- Alan Riach, Professor of Scottish Literature at Glasgow University * The National *

'a highly personal and often amusing new book about [Spark and Taylor's] friendship' 

-- Marianne Taylor * Herald Magazine *

'an affectionate but clear-sighted memoir…Taylor creates a mosaic portrait of Spark, that is alert and alive almost novelistically nuanced. His introductory chapter would serve a casual reader or student ideally as an introduction to Spark and her work…'

-- Brian Morton * Herald *

'Anyone who loves Muriel Spark’s novels will enjoy this intelligent and affectionate book. Anyone who reads it, though ignorant of the novels, will surely want to read them' 

-- Allan Massie * Scotsm