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Anne Donovan’s acclaimed debut novel Buddha Da is a contemporary story of a Glasgow house-painter’s conversion to Buddhism, and the impact this has on his life and the lives of his family. Seen from the perspective of three family members, using Glaswegian Scots throughout, the book addresses complex issues – social, psychological and philosophical – in a deceptively simple fashion.

Christopher Nicol’s Scotnote examines the novel, its tripartite structure, its characters and its language, and addresses the larger questions of philosophy and spirituality that it raises. These notes are suitable for senior school pupils and students at all levels.

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CONTENTS

• Anne Donovan and her work
• Approaching Buddha Da
• Interpretative summary
• Characters
• Themes
• Buddhism in Buddha Da
• Further reading: Being Emily
• Selected bibliography