Douglas Stuart was a fashion exec — now he designs stories

A glamorous life and career in New York’s fashion industry was everything Douglas Stuart worked for. So why did he walk away from it all? And how did he go from fashion designer to Booker Prize winning author? Douglas’s first two novels, Shuggie Bain and Young Mungo, were critically acclaimed hits. He continues the streak with John of John, a moving novel about a young man returning home to a remote Scottish island steeped in religion and tradition. It’s one of the hottest books of spring and an Oprah’s Book Club pick. This week, Douglas joins Mattea Roach to talk about his major career change, diving into Hebridean culture and drawing on his own upbringing for the novel. 

Liked this conversation? Keep listening:

• For Jeanette Winterson, stories are essential to survival  
• Why you can’t forget your first love  

Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks