Copy of Like a Cat Loves a Bird: The Nine Lives of Muriel Spark, and an enamel cat pin badge which says ‘Muriel Spark Fan club’ on it

On my way to London for my book launch at @hatchards.bsky.social this evening. It’s sold out… and there’s merch!

If you’re coming, some tube lines *will* still be running, plus the Overground, Elizabeth Line and buses. Please persist!

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-nine-l...

🐈‍⬛💘🐦‍⬛

Reading this week was a biography of my favourite writer, 'Like a Cat Loves a Bird - the 9 Lives of Muriel Spark', by @drjamesbailey.bsky.social. It’s just out and shines.

Spark, seen here clear and sharp, she remains characteristically uncontained. #MidgesBookClub

Where to start with: Muriel Spark From an extraordinary debut inspired by a real-life breakdown to a creepy masterpiece, here’s a guide to the Scottish novelist’s works

A great introduction to Muriel Spark by James Bailey, author of the just published Like a Cat Loves a Bird:
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/a...

YouTube clip called ‘Dick & Dom - The Best of Bogies’, showing the pair in a library

YouTube recommended I watch this, for some reason, and for a brief moment I thought Dick & Dom were in the Criterion Closet

love this so much

A colourful collage made of 1960s and 70s books, magazines, wallpaper and cigarette cards featuring two white female models in 60s style drawn over in a combination of Warhol-esque colours and psychedelic patterns of stars and shapes emerging from a blue cloud, behind them leopard pattern wallpaper with a drawing of a human heart with the text “the great lovers” in the centre, above them text which reads “a woman’s guilt” which is under a book illustration of white hands holding a piece of paper in the middle of performing a magic trick and a card with a butterfly on it intertwined with a sort of bowel like shape beside some heart patterned pink fabric

Someone Will Remember Us, Even In Another Time
Collage made from 1960s Vogue and Women’s Realm magazines, Ladybird books, Will’s cigarette card, 1960s wallpaper, felt tip, watercolour & acrylic marker

Bloody hell - thank you!

I meant to say (and apologies if we’ve already had this conversation - there have been so many in the last week!), if you’re able to get to Edinburgh next Thursday, there’s a launch for the book at Topping & Co. Nearly sold out, but would love to meet you if you’re able to make it!

Amazing! The first library sighting I’ve seen! Thank you Frances 🐈‍⬛

Muriel Spark biography on library shelf

Partick library showing their excellent taste

Actually incredible. bsky.app/profile/aria...

Oh my GOD

My mistake. I apologise for sharing fake news on the internet.

all their antique dollies on show…

Buyer and Cellar review – an adventure in Barbra Streisand’s basement This US show about an out-of-work actor employed to service Streisand’s subterranean mall takes its star-obsession several notches too far, writes Michael Billington

Yes! There was even a play written about it: www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/m...

That’s where Barry Manilow sleeps

I worry about the staff’s vitamin D levels

Yes! Feel like @regretteruane.bsky.social’s Birding could be set there.

Shop with a sign saying ‘sweet shop’, which is part of a little street in Barbra Streisand’s basement

Antique shop in Barbra Streisand’s basement

I’m once again thinking about how Barbra Streisand saw fit to install an entire DICKENSIAN STREET, including several fully-staffed ‘shops’, in the basement of her house, to show off her favourite antiques.

Thanks for sharing!

Where to start with: Muriel Spark From an extraordinary debut inspired by a real-life breakdown to a creepy masterpiece, here’s a guide to the Scottish novelist’s works

@drjamesbailey.bsky.social 📚
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/a...

Like a Cat Loves a Bird by Dr James Bailey

Muriel Spark fans (or just fans of great writing) if you haven’t got your copy of @drjamesbailey.bsky.social ‘s latest book “Like a Cat Loves a Bird: The Nine Lives of Muriel Spark” you’re really missing out on a great book! I’ve been up at an obscene hour relishing the book!

Thank you! (although apologies for any consequent tiredness)

Thank you! 🐈‍⬛

Today marks 20 years since the death of the brilliant Muriel Spark. Why not pick up a copy of the new biography by James Bailey, just out - or one of the classics by the author herself? #choosebookshops #shoplocal #linlithgowhighstreet

Thanks for sharing! And a reminder to anyone who enjoys the guide that my book, LIKE A CAT LOVES A BIRD: THE NINE LIVES OF MURIEL SPARK, is out right now!

I’m also launching the book at Topping & Co. on Thursday 23rd April, if anyone fancies coming along.

All info here: lnk.to/LikeaCatLove... 🐈‍⬛

Where to start with: Muriel Spark From an extraordinary debut inspired by a real-life breakdown to a creepy masterpiece, here’s a guide to the Scottish novelist’s works

From an extraordinary debut inspired by a real-life breakdown to a creepy masterpiece, @drjamesbailey.bsky.social provides a guide to the “uncanny, astute and witty” fiction of Muriel Spark
💙📚
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/a...

Ah, a couple of those feature heavily in the book!

Was in a real slump earlier today and your post really cheered me up, so thanks again for that! 🐈‍⬛