Book of the Month: The Immortal Sisterhood by Gemma Cairney

We are delighted to offer you the chance to win one of five copies of The Immortal Sisterhood by writer, broadcaster, documentary maker, journalist and cultural producer Gemma Cairney, thanks to Canongate Books.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the question at the bottom of this page by 11.59pm on 31 August 2026.

All entrants must reside in the UK and full terms and conditions apply.

Check out our competitions page to find more giveaways.

About The Immortal Sisterhood

For centuries, travellers would stare up at the stars to guide them. Constellations of shining lights would offer a path forward or a way through, delivering courage and hope on long, difficult voyages. Throughout her life, Gemma Cairney has pieced together her own constellation, one which is made up of inspirational women – artists, activists, musicians, writers, mathematicians, mystics – who guide her, fill her creative cup and provide a sense of solace and selfhood.

In The Immortal Sisterhood, Gemma shares the twelve women who make up her spiritual sorority. From Grace Jones and Mary Wollstonecraft to Pharaoh Hatshepsut and Wang Zhenyi, these women span centuries and continents; they have experienced racism, sexism, illness, war, and they all offer something different to help Gemma navigate through life. In this genre-bending mix of biography, memoir, self-help, poetry and philosophy, Gemma seeks to introduce readers to her immortal sisterhood, to invite us to take strength from their stories and to challenge us to create our own.

Q&A with Gemma Cairney

What can readers expect from The Immortal Sisterhood?

An odyssey of different styles of writing, memories, history, synchronicity and lucidity. All woven by 12 remarkable women that we stand on the shoulders of, from an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh to living icon Grace Jones.

How do you choose what to read?

Trusting my gut. There are almost certain hives of writers that I'm drawn to, so I'll see who is/was informing who in a certain 'cultural hive' from the Civil Rights movement in the States from the 60s onwards to noting what certain indie publishers might be putting out that year.

What was your favourite book as a youngster?

The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton.

How do you get out of a reading slump?

Head to the sea.

What's your favourite place to read?

Anywhere with sun on my face.

What's the last great book you read?

Poet and novelist Cecilia Knapp's new book called Lack. It's so beautifully written but at the same time relatable and accessible.