Checking Out: A Spanish Book + Wine Night

An evening of books, conversation, and Canary Islands wine — join us on Monday 14 Sept for a Spanish storied celebration of Checking Out. For one special evening, we’ll gather at The Cottage, Edinburgh, for a book club experience centred around Checking Out by Meryem El Mehdati, translated from Spanish by Julia Sanches. Meryem is twenty-five, drinks too much coffee, goes on dates with disappointing men and rarely says what she really thinks. She has just started her first job at the head office of Supersaurio, the most important supermarket chain in the Canary Islands. As she progresses from intern to temp and towards the promised land of permanent employment, Meryem must navigate sexism, racism, job insecurity and the absurdities of corporate life—while trying to survive without losing her soul. Hosted by Rebecca Roberts of Night Owl Books alongside Isobel Salamon of Slonk Wine, the evening combines literary discussion with a tasting of two wines from the Canary Islands, bringing the book’s island setting vividly to life. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a few optional talking points inspired by the book, making it easy to settle in and start chatting. Come by yourself or bring a friend—this is a relaxed, friendly space for sharing ideas, meeting people and discovering something new. The event is featured as part of this year’s Eat Spain Drink Spain, a UK-wide series running from 11–27 September and celebrating Spanish food, drink and culture. What’s included: Two wines from the Canary Islands, Non-alcoholic alternatives, Spanish nibbles, A guided discussion of Checking Out, A copy of the book, posted to you, An introduction to the distinctive wines and volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. Far south of mainland Spain, the Canary Islands form one of the country’s oldest and most extreme wine regions. Indigenous grape varieties grow across rugged volcanic terrain, shaped by altitude, Atlantic winds and mineral-rich soils. Isobel will introduce two distinctive wines from the islands, exploring the grapes, landscapes and traditions behind them—and their connection to the setting and atmosphere of Checking Out. Together, the novel and wines offer a different lens through which to experience the Canary Islands: from the realities of contemporary island life to their dramatic landscapes and extraordinary winemaking heritage.