Katy's story is first and foremost, a musical, family memoir. Both parents come with their own lives immersed in the Scottish music scene of the 1980s - Katy enmeshed in everything that was Edinburgh-based C86 indie pop, while her bandmate and future husband, Douglas MacIntyre, embraced the Scottish post-punk era.

At the turn of the century, just as the the couple's musical projects are in the midst of a creative overload, children start to appear at an alarming rate. Six years and five children later, SandFest was born - raising thousands of pounds over the next decade for Down's Syndrome charities.

A family. Functioning. JUST - music is always there to save the day. At the centre of this family saga is the indomitable spirit of middle child, Matilda, whose Down Syndrome is, in equal parts, challenging and an amazing gift within the family dynamic!

In part, with the raw and unflinching honesty Katy tells of her encounters with the medical profession and educational authorities, which can be described as alternating between difficult and wonderful.

At heart, this is the story of a family's love of music and how it has provided purpose, forged relationships and created harmony in every aspect of their lives ... with Matilda in the middle.

Katy Lironi will be presenting her memoir on the programme at the Louder Than Words Festival in Manchester in November 2024.


About the Author
Katy Lironi has been singing, writing and recording music for the past 40 years and writing stories for a decade longer. She was lead singer in C86 band The Fizzbombs and Creeping Bent signing, The Secret Goldfish throughout the 90s. She is a mum to five almost grown up children and is married to Douglas, a fellow musician. They live in rural South Lanarkshire and she is happiest sitting in the sunshine by the wee burn at the bottom of the garden.

Reviews
"I adore Katy Lironi's writing. An acute and poetical observer, she holds a mirror to the minutiae, mess and miracles of domestic life. But don't be fooled - this subject matter is neither tiny nor insignificant - it's an important story with a huge beating heart at its core and music riding through every page like a swashbuckling heroine"

Mel Giedroyc



Book Information
ISBN 9781738514922
Author Katy Lironi
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Into Books
Publisher Into Creative